Facts You Should Know About Copper

Copper is a vital nutrient absolutely necessary for health, but only in trace amounts. Because it is impossible for your body to make copper, copper must be ingested through food or supplements.
Copper works with enzymes to do a variety of functions, including energy production, skin pigmentation, and collagen and elastin production. They also help to repair connective tissue, and research indicates that copper deficiency is plays a major role in heart disease. Copper is also vital in the formation of myelin, which is a protective sheath that covers nerves in the brain. Copper has been used in medicines to help with chest pains for many years. Some research indicates that copper may help in the treatment of ulcers and inflammation, and some medicines have already begun to utilize this in their products. Medical doctors have also begun to look at copper as a treatment for epilepsy and convulsions. Alternative health practitioners often suggest the wearing of copper bangles to alleviate arthritis symptoms. Copper is used by the body to help with the absorption of iron, and the utilization of sugar. It has also been noted for nerve function and bone growth and strength, and it also plays a role in the production of hemoglobin. Copper is also a strong antioxidant, which as most know, is a proven cancer-fighter. Because the supplementation of zinc is becoming more popular, lack of copper in the body is a prominent health concern, due to the fact that zinc interferes with copper absorption. Lack of copper can cause anemia and osteoporosis in more advanced stages, but in the beginning, the most noticeable symptoms are fatigue, paleness, hair loss, and slowed growth. When copper levels become low, a result is reduced blood cell levels and oxygenation, which can cause weakness and labored breathing. In very extreme cases, severe immunological disorders have been cited as a result of copper deficiency. Although some have suggested that the American public gets enough copper from their diets, studies show that only about 25% of the population of the US are getting enough copper from their diets. Though copper is only needed in trace amounts, the horrible eating habits of Americans do not even provide the small amounts needed. A diet high in packaged foods, precooked foods, and fast food is especially devoid of nutrients. Therefore, it is important to supplement with a quality liquid ionic copper supplement. Liquid supplements are best, as they typically have a higher absorption rate, but you will, of course, want to shop around to find the best supplement available. Isn’t copper toxic? Yes, you can definitely take in too much copper. However, too much of anything is bad for you. Take, for example, the woman who won a water drinking contest, but died from drowning as a result. Water is good for you, and certainly no one will boycott drinking water because one woman died from drinking too much. In the same way, drinking an entire bottle of copper will definitely have ill effects for you, but taking the recommended dosage will help you, not be toxic.

Author Biography

Facts You Should Know About Copper By Shelby Conques

Shelby Conques is a medical researcher and freelance writer who currently resides in Colorado Springs where she works for Mineralife LLC and continues her research in nutrition and natural therapies.

76';>