Copper Toxicity and Depression

Copper Toxicity and Depression

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High copper and other mineral imbalances are associated with short term and chronic depression. A link has also been associated between iron deficiency and emotional disturbances such as depression and anxiety states.

Depression can be effectively and naturally addressed with mineral re-balancing, without the use of drugs.

Depression and Copper Toxicity
High tissue copper has been associated with an increased incidence of depression, especially in women, oft en occurring  near their menstrual period. The causative role of excess copper in depression may be due to its producing neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain, or its interfering with other nutrient minerals such as iron, zinc and manganese.

The Types Of Depression
There is more than one type of depression and each type  is based on key nutrient makers that can be found in a hair test. Toxic metal depression can also be found in a hair test.

• A high level of copper and calcium plus high calcium levels relative to magnesium are the key contributing factors to depression. 
• Copper toxicity depletes zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6 which are nutrients required for serotonin production. Serotonin enhances mood and creates a sense of well being. As these minerals are depleted, depression can result.
• When the thryoid function and adrenals are over taxed, this adds another burden to the body.
• Someone with a slow oxidation pattern is more likely depression.
• During puberty and as menstruation begins, teenager girls are at increased risk of depression because as their  estrogen increases it raises the retention of copper.
• Providing the correct nutrients to balance mineral levels, avoiding birth control pill use plus detoxing excess copper before adolescence will lessen the risk of depression, anxiety and psychological disorders for teenager girls.
• Excess copper can affect monoamine oxidase (MAO)  and serotonin levels and result in depression. The MAO enzyme is involved in removing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine from the brain.
• Anti-depressant drugs prevent this from happening to makes more of these brain chemicals available – but they also deplete the key minerals of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6 in the body, resulting in high copper and increase anxiety.
  

 Excess Copper Type of Depression

• 17% of the people with depression are in this category.
• This form of depression is seen about 95% of post-partum women.
  
• These people have high norepinephrine, a precursor to adrenaline as a result of high copper.
• These people have low zinc which also means they have low GABA, which is a calming neurotransmitter.
• These are the key symptoms related to type of depression:
  • Commonly seen in ADHD – hyperactivity in childhood
  • Commonly seen in autism
  • Commonly seen in schizophrenia
  • High copper means too little dopamine and very high norepinephrine
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Intolerance to estrogen, shellfish, and chocolate – all are high copper foods
  • Low metallothinine
  • Low zinc means low GABA, which is a calming neurotransmitter
  • Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
  • Sensory issues with light, odors, sound and texture (tactile defensiveness) and Sensory Processing Disorder symptoms
  • Severe anxiety
  • Skin sensitivity to metals and rough fabrics
  • Sleep disorders and insomnia
  • Low metallothinine

Toxic Overload Type Of Depression

• 5% of the people with depression are in this category. 
• These people have high levels or arsenic, cadmium, mercury and/or lead.
  • Arsenic: can be determined through hair testing
    Commonly found in pesticide exposures and water supplies,
  • Cadmium: can be determined through hair testing
    Cadmium causes kidney damage.
  • Mercury: can be determined through hair testing
    There is no safe level, accumulates in the brain and kidney and disrupts numerous brain and body functions.
  • Lead:  can be determined through hair testing
    Toxic metals in the brain can cause significant health issues including weakening of the blood-brain barrier, altered neurotransmitter levels, destruction or demyelination of the myelin sheath, increased oxidative stress, destruction of glutathione and other protective proteins.
    
• These are the key symptoms in this type of toxic overload depression:
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Bad breath
  • Depression that arises suddenly during a period of relative calm and wellness
  • Failure to respond to counseling or psychiatric medications
  • Headaches and muscle weakness
  • Increased irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Low energy
  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Mood swings
  • Muscle twitching
  • Muscle atrophy
  • Nervousness
  • Kidney and liver damage
  • Significant cognitive decline
  • Tremors
  • Weakness