Copper toxic individuals very often will also have gut concerns, including candida and yeast, low HCl, poor nutrient absorption, gluten sensitivity, even leaky gut. One of copper's roles is that of an anti-fungal, and when in balance, helps to control fungi and yeast / candida in the gut. However, with toxic levels of copper, much of this copper is in a bio-unavailable form stored in tissues, and is not serving it's role in controlling the candida / yeast, or other parasites. This, along with the anaerobic GI environment that's created, allows candida, fungi, yeast, parasites and bacteria to flourish. Meanwhile, copper toxicity (by way of lowering zinc) also reduces hydrochloric acid production. When hydrochloric acid (HCl) is low, the healthy gut flora are weakened (and zinc is lowered further - a vicious cycle). HCl helps kill off pathogens and is required for the absorption of nutrients such as calcium, iron, and various vitamins. Reduced digestive enzyme production occurs and the intestine becomes overly alkaline, giving a nice home to pathogenic bacteria. Copper toxicity leads to low HCl by way of slowing metabolism and reducing sodium and potassium levels, two minerals which are required in the production of HCl. The destruction of gut function and the collapse of one's metabolism are hallmarks of copper toxicity.
Long term copper (or stress) induced zinc deficiency will increase the permeability of the gut lining, contributing to leaky gut and food intolerances. "Research has shown that both metallothionein and zinc play powerful roles in preventing and restoring the damage in the gut barrier. Damage to the intestinal barrier can lead to serious conditions, such as leaky gut, colitis and Crohn's Disease.". We already know that copper lowers zinc, and zinc is important for metallothionein synthesis. For the vegan / vegetarian, they do require extra zinc supplementation. However, it alone may not be enough. This is because, when the body is under stress or suffering from adrenal weakness, the zinc level can drop further even when supplementing - allowing copper to accumulate further. A whole body / endocrine system approach is required to understand which supplements (and in what amounts) are optimal.
https://coppertoxic.com/diet-/digestion
I have elsewhere only tried to outline some of the progression that in my view anyone would go through to arrive in a low cortisol state that happens to be what ME/CFS are shown to be in the later stages of progression, and start to show how the issues with gut, depression/mood, immunity and other symptoms come from that which all are what ME/CFS happen to experience. As metal accumulation is involved when stress is there and mag/zinc go lower, that may be the reason why you are experiencing these issues. Any treatment is unique to the individual, I'm sure probiotics or fecal transplantation would help short term, but longer term likely would require a more complete program
