Why do we need copper as a trace mineral in health?

Dr Shahid has summarized his six principles of health in a very simple form. Simplicity sometimes may not be politically correct. Well...What is wrong if you get the message and decide to live until 100 - 125 years and longer?"

Dr Shahid further emphasizes:

"If you follow these Six Principles of Holistic preventive Life style faithfully, you may never have to see any health care provider (i.e. MD, DO, DC, NP, PA, DP, DD, OD, psychiatrist, psychologist, chiropractor, spiritualist, homeopath, naturopath, herbalist and all the rest of HCPs) during all your long and healthy life;

"......Moreover, you will live a life that is full of vigor, enthusiasm, happiness and contentment for 100-125 years and even longer."


What else can anyone ask for? Does it sound too good to be true?

Well... IT IS "too good" and IT IS "true".

Remember! Health is what "YOU" make of it. It is "YOUR" responsibility. Not your health care provider's.

Follow these six principles of Dr Shahid's Preventive Health. Also known as "Preventive Healthy Life Style (PHLS)", and see the result for yourself. You be the judge. The best part of it is, "it won't cost you a penny". It is all free. And

"YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TO SEE ANY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR AS LONG AS YOU LIVE."

As they say,

"One ounce of prevention is better than two pounds of cure."

So here are the six principles of holistic preventive healthy life style.

The basis of these six principles (holistic prevention) is already discussed in previous blogs. In summary these principles are,

Three do's, that you must do:

1. Eat Balanced Diet
2. Do a regular Physical Exercise (PE)
3. Rest (10-15 minutes) between daily hard work, every 2-3 hours; sleep (6-8 hours daily uninterrupted sleep) and enjoy frequent entertainments, holidays and recreations.

And three don'ts, that you must not do:

4. Don't smoke at all. Don't drink excessively and don't take any un-prescribed or unnecessary prescribed medications. In other words, don't poison your vital organs (brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys).
5. Don't over-eat or under-eat
6. Don't worry (worry is the worst enemy of physical, mental and spiritual health)


------------------------------------


Let us discuss these principles in detail. The first principle of preventive health is a balanced diet. It consists of three parts:

1. Proteins, Fat & Carbohydrates in right proportion.
2. Vitamins, Minerals, fibers (VMF)
3. Water and Oxygen

We have discussed Proteins, Fat & Carbohydrates in detail. We have also discussed the vitamins.

Now we are discussing another important aspect of balanced diet, i.e. minerals.


There are following minerals:

Of the 92 naturally occurring elements, the 14 minerals that have been shown by research to be essential to human health are:

calcium, chromium, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc.

We already discussed Calcium and Boron. Now we discuss Chromium, another mineral. We discussed various aspects of chromium in health. Now we discuss health benefits of copper.


COPPER


Copper (mineral) is a trace element and humans require very small amounts of it. Copper is the third most abundant trace mineral in the body, but it is often deficient in a person's diet because food sources high in this mineral are not always eaten frequently. However, copper deficiency is rare and is most frequently seen in cases of severe anorexia, starvation, or rare kidney problems. The human body contains approximately 100-500 mg of copper but it's role is important, as it serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in hemoglobin and collagen formation and is involved in incorporating iron into the structure of hemoglobin.

How does Copper Work?

Copper works together with iron to make red blood cells and it is the major component of the outer coating of nerve fibers and collagen. Copper is involved in maintenance of immunity and fertility, formation of melanin, and the promotion of consistent pigmentation. It is believed to play a role in preventing high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, oxidation of the cells and keeping cholesterol low. Copper is used by the body to manufacture numerous enzymes, many of which work as antioxidants


Possible benefits

1. May help fight bone loss
2. Aids in maintaining fertility
3. Strengthens blood vessels, bones, tendons, and nerves
4. Helps make red blood cells
5. Helps body used its stored iron
6. Aids in formation of collagen
7. Promotes blood clotting
8. Promotes healthy skin and hair pigmentation
9. May protect from damage by free radicals

Usage Guidelines

The RDA for copper is 2 mg and common recommendations on dosages include 2-5 mg a day. If you take zinc, which competes with copper absorption, you may need a couple of mg more than the RDA. Dosages of 10 mgs or more a day can be toxic and may cause nausea or muscle pain, and in severe cases may result in liver damage, coma, or death. A copper deficiency (which is rare) is characterized by anemia, reduced growth, increased blood cholesterol levels, fatigue, heart arrhythmia, brittle or discolored hair, high blood pressure, skeletal defects, and infertility.

Some Natural Sources

Liver, oysters, pinto beans, lamb chops, mixed nuts, cherries, cocoa, legumes, whole grains, seeds, peas, artichokes, avocados, radishes, garlic, mushrooms, potato, tomato, banana, prune, and soy products

Copper Toxicity

Copper oxide is an irritant. It also can cause damage to the endocrine and central nervous system. Contact to the eyes can cause irritation and damage to the corneas, and potentially can cause conjunctivitis. Contact to the skin can cause irritation and discoloration. Ingesting cupric oxide can lead to central nervous system depression, liver and kidney damage, gastro-intestinal damage, circulatory system failure or damage to the vascular system.

Inhalation can lead to damage to the lungs. Inhalation of fumes of cupric oxide can lead to a disease called metal fume fever, which has symptoms similar to influenza. Prolonged exposure to cupric oxide can lead to dermatitis, and can cause a toxic build-up of copper in people with Wilson's disease.



-------------------------------



Next we shall discuss the mineral fluorine in human health


For comment and questions please write to :

syedshahidmd@yahoo.com.au

P.S. I must thank all of those readers who send me comments and questions. I must tell them that their inspiring comments and questions are highly appreciated. Please continue to write, preferably via email.

Thanks