Copper Toxicity and ADHD

Copper Toxicity and ADHD

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High levels of copper and other mineral imbalances are frequently seen in hyperactive children and both children and adults diagnose with ADHD.

About ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a set of symptoms that include inattention, distractibility, impulsivity and hyperactivity. ADHD results in behaviors that affect all aspects of a person’s life. The neurobiological basis for ADHD is thought to be related to the brain’s chemical neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine.  At younger ages, ADHD shows up primarily as hyperactivity. There is often daydreaming and careless mistakes in childhood that become inner restlessness, failure to plan ahead, incomplete projects and forgetfulness. Inattentiveness and problems with organization and executive functions are seen at later ages as life’s demands increase or symptoms overwhelm a person’s ability to cope.

High Copper Levels and ADHD or Hyperactivity
There is a often strong correlation to those high in copper with other altered minerals and heavy metals relationships than can trigger symptoms of ADHD or hyperactivity. Doing a hair test will inform you of your exact mineral status and help you determine the actual level of unbound copper as well as other nutrient imbalances. Once these imbalances are corrected with nutritional rebalancing, the symptoms of headaches or migraines can be reduced.

Causes of ADHD

• Vaccinations
  Toxic vaccines alter gene expression, harm the gut and reduce the immune system.  All vaccines contain toxic amount of either aluminum or  mercury. The onset  of ADHD symptoms are connected with the injection of heavy metals that alter mineral functions in the body.
  
• High Copper
  High copper plays a key role in ADHD. Toxic copper is normally removed by natural processes in the body. Some individuals can’t get rid of copper biochemically. Copper is hyper-excitable to our nervous systems. Too much copper short circuits detox processes and results in inattention or hyperactive behaviors.  Neural activity can be affected by a copper overload. Hair tests are done to show the actual level of copper relative to other minerals and metals in the body. High copper impacts hyperactivity, focus, attention and anxiety. Copper is inversely related to low zinc. People with high copper can not regulate Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) which is one of the calming neurotransmitters  present in the brain. The correct balance between copper to zinc in a hair test helps to shift the symptoms of ADHD. Heavy metal imbalances means that copper stays high and zinc is low in the body.  Excess copper and low zinc both require specific nutrient supplementation to keep the ratio at an optimal level.
• Undermethylation
  Those diagnosed with ADHD are predominantly in the undermethylation category. Methylation is the ability of the body to turn on or off certain enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, different chemicals by way of certain methyl groups. Methyl groups have one carbon atom bonded with three or more hydrogen atoms. Methyl groups can radically alter you, perceptions and behavior. People with few methyl groups are called undermethylators. Undermethylators are  competitive, perfectionistic, persistent, high achieving and often have allergies (high histamine means low methyl in the body.)
  
• Overmethylation
  People with too many methyl groups, are called overmethylators. They are usually more laid back. They are also often thrill seekers. Overmethylation plays an important role in the presentation of ADD symptoms. This subset of ADD can often be seen as an early presentation of bipolar disorder.
  
• Yeast Toxicity
  Yeast toxicity if often present in children with ADHD. This is due to the use of antibiotics in infancy and early childhood that creates a leaky gut. Poor focus, attention, impulsivity and anxiety are often related to yeast toxicity.  Natural treatment of yeast toxicity based on hair testing can resolve symptoms of ADD and ADHD. Often treatment takes three to six months before symptoms resolve, and treatment may need to be repeated in the course of a year to keep the yeast toxicity from reoccurring.

Common Signs and Symptoms Of ADHD

Predominantly inattentive type of  ADHD symptoms:

• Easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another.
• Have difficulty maintaining focus on one task.
• Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless doing something enjoyable.
• Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new or trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities.
• Not seem to listen when spoken to.
• Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly.
• Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others.
• Struggle to follow instructions.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD symptoms:

• Fidget and squirm in their seats.
• Talk nonstop.
• Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight.
• Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school and story time.
• Constantly in motion.
• Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.
• Very impatient.
• Blurts out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint and act without regard for consequences.
• Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games.

Heavy Metals and ADHD

• Significant accumulations of heavy metals especially lead, mercury, aluminum, and cadmium and/or excess copper are found in the profiles of many ADD/ADHD children and adolescents.  
• Accumulations of copper, iron or manganese are often seen in children with ADHD and hyperactivity.
• Significant imbalances in the essential nutrients involved in glucose regulation and cellular energy production are another factor.
• Most ADHD individuals have adrenal impairment.  While stimulant drugs like Ritalin “seem” to work by boosting neuro-psychological functioning, these drugs only further wear down the adrenals, making the same dose less and less effective over time.