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Fighting CFS " 10 Day Remission "

Hi Everyone, this is Sue, I just wanted to let you know Lisa had a " 10 Day Remission" during the Thanksgiving holiday !!! She was able to clean house, stuff her first turkey EVER and have the family over for dinner (with some help). And still had the energy to do errands and go toy shopping. Then, the "crash", very dissappointing, as you know.

So, I'm back to doing research again. Been doing some studying on the effects of copper deficiency on the body. Yes, I know, it can be dangerous and even fatal in large doses. But, a copper deficiency seems to "echo" the symptoms of CFS. See what you think ......

*Fatigue - Copper is essential for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is the body's source of energy. A copper deficiency can result in a sluggish metabolism, low energy, and other signs of poor metabolic health. Copper is important for sustaining energy levels, preventing premature aging, balancing hormones and more.

*Metabolism - Copper is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism and for growth and repair. It is a vital part in up to 50 different metabolic enzyme reactions that take place in the body. Enzymatic reactions are needed for various organ systems to keep us running smoothly since they are what allows nerves to communicate with each other. Emzymes are particulary abundant in the tissues of the body with the greatest metabolic activity - the heart, brain, and liver. Copper is important for the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and digestive system as well.

*Brain Function - Copper impacts certain important brain pathways involving dopamine and galactose. These neurotransmitters are needed to keep our energy up, to maintain a happy mood and outlook, and to help with focus. Signs of copper deficiency are low metabolic activity, fatigue, trouble concentrating, a poor mood, and more. These are signs the network of reactions and metabolic pathways involving copper are suffering. Copper is involved in the utilization of antioxidants cridical for stopping free radical damage in the brain. Copper is known to stimulate thought processes and help cognitive function.

*Joint Pain - Copper has anti-inflammatory abilities that help to relieve pain and stiffness. It also has the ability to help with muscular strength, to reduce joint pain, and repair connective tissue.

*Nervous System - Copper helps to protect the myelin sheath which is the outside layer surrounding the nerves. It enables neural pathways to fully develop, increase creativity, decision making, memory, communication and other important cognitive functions that rely on a healthy nervous system and neurotransmitter signaling.

*Thyroid Activity - Copper is needed for proper thyroid function because it works with other trace minerals like zinc, potassium and calcium that are needed to balance thyroid activity to prevent either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

* Low Iron Levels - Copper is important for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells, as well as the proper utilization of iron and oxygen within the blood. Copper plays a part in absorption of iron from the intestinal tract and helps iron to be released into the liver which is where it is primarily stored. Copper also makes protein more available to the body by freeing up iron in the blood, making it better utilized. Because it influences ATP and protein metabolism, it is important for healing of the body's muscle, joints, and tissue and for maintaining high energy. When copper deficiency occurs iron levels fall too short and anemia can develop , which is a disorder caused by iron deficiency. Anemia causes symptoms like fatigue, muscle aches, digestive problems, and impaired brain function. Copper is needed for proper oxygenation from red blood cells, so abnormally low levels and copper deficiency can lead to cells, organs and tissues not receiving enough oxygen.

* Hair, Skin, and Eye - Adequate levels of copper are needed for the body to create the natural pigment and texture of the skin, hair, and eyes. Copper keeps you looking younger as you age by acting as an antioxidant that protects the body from oxidative stress and aging. Copper maintains the integrity of cells and tissue that are needed to keep elasticity, texture, resilience and coloration of your outer organs.

*Sleep Disorders - Copper is also involved in the formation of collagen, an important building block of connective tissues and bones. This electron transfer activity makes it an important part of a dozen known enzyme reactions including melatonin and serotonin synthesis.

*Digestive Disorders - A copper deficiency can also be seen in people suffering from serious digestive disorders that impair nutrient absorption. The absorption of copper can be impaired from very high intakes of iron or zinc, usually from supplements.

Copper is an essential micro mineral that benefits bone, nerve, and skeletal health. It is the third most prevalent mineral in the body. It cannot be made in the body and must be obtained through certain foods & supplementation.
The body cannot store enough copper to keep up with the frequent uses. To prevent a copper deficiency copper rich foods must be eaten like, --- liver, oysters, nuts (almonds and walnuts) and seeds, wild seafood and fish, beans, and certain whole grains, as well as certain vegetables, mushrooms, avocado, and cocoa.

Copper is known to be toxic in large amounts so it is important to stick to the recommended amount. Too high of levels can led to acute and temporary copper poisoning which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even kidney damage or anemia. There could also be interactions with prescription drugs. Talk to your medical professional.

Related research: Copper Deficiency
Myeloneuropathy Resembling B-12
Deficiency : http:www.ajnr.org/content/27/10/2112.full

The Iron - Copper Connection -----
Copper aids iron absorption and the transport of iron to bone marrow
for red blood cell formation. Without enough Copper, iron accumulates in the liver, heart, endocrine , and reproductive glands. Continued accumulation in these organs can lead to liver failure, heart muscle deterioration, arthritis, and hormonal imbalances. Iron accumulates like this because the human body has no natural means for removal. The only way the body loses Iron is through blood loss. This means when humans ingest Iron, it remains in the body. Copper balance is regulated by the body and can be excreted as needed through normal bowel and urinary movement. While Iron will accumulate in the liver, heart and endocrine system, excess Iron --- or Iron over load ---can lead to additional health problems. Excess unused Iron oxidizes in the body and creates free radicals. It's as if the iron rusts the cells and organs and makes them more susceptible to common diseases, on top of that, Iron increases susceptibility to viruses.


Guess that's all for now. Wishing all of you joy and peace .
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