I’ve been using Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) tool a lot to support clients in the past couple of years. One common finding is copper excess. Copper is needed in low levels for health, however when in excess, can create issues.

Sources of copper can come from our diet, copper piping used in plumbing, copper cookware, swimming pool chemicals, the contraceptive pill, copper IUD and other environmental sources.

These are some of the symptoms or conditions associated with excess copper.

~Anger, frustration, tantrums, difficulty controlling emotions especially anger

~Anxiety and/or depression

~Headaches and migraines

~Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

~Poor immune function

~Low thyroid function

~Chronic fatigue

~Joint pain

~Hair Loss

~Anaemia

~Many types of hormonal dysfunction due to copper’s relationship with estrogen: PMS, heavy flow, fibroids, endometriosis

~Hyperactivity and ADHD copper levels reduce GABA in the brain, making it very hard to concentrate and learn

~Appetite disturbance

~Eating disorders

~Scoliosis

~Candida overgrowth and fungal skin conditions, eczema

~Viral infections and chronic EBV (Epstein Barr) viral load

~Learning disability and speech impairments in children

~Allergies

~Cancer

Once a copper or other heavy metal overload is discovered, I often use the GEMM approach to then slowly and safely support the body to eliminate copper.