Introduction
Copper is found in major organs like the liver, kidney, brain, skeletal muscle and heart. Copper is essential for the human body to survive. Still, excessive copper can lead to an imbalance in minerals in the body and, therefore, to a collapse in functionality.
Functions of Copper in the Human Body
Learn about the copper uses in body. Copper is a crucial mineral required for the human body's function. It contributes in various aspects like,
- Producing energy
- Making collagen
- Absorbing iron
- Maintaining nerve cells
- Supporting the immune system
- Brain development
- Regulating blood pressure and, therefore, heart rate
- Development of connective tissues
- Prohibiting prostatitis
- Growth and maintenance of bone
What happens when there’s excess copper?
While copper deficiency is not ideal for the body, copper toxicity is equally distressing. Here are some of the effects of excessive copper in the body :
- Liver damage
- Abdominal pain
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
Causes of excessive copper or copper toxicity
Copper toxicity is not a common condition. However, there are a few ways that a person might be affected by high levels of copper.
- Accidental consumption of copper-contaminated water (mainly through copper-infested pipes).
- Creams containing copper for burns and chronic wounds.
- Residues of fungicides and pesticides in food.
- Intra-uterine devices that have copper.
- The hydrated form of copper sulphate is vibrant, leading children to consume it unintentionally.
- In some cultures, copper sulphate is burnt for good luck.
- Acidic foods cooked in uncoated copper cookware.
- Excessive supplementation.
- Neonates and infants are at a higher risk as their biliary excretion is still developing, so they have an increased intestinal absorption.
Wilson’s disease is a rare genetic disorder where the body cannot get rid of the copper, eventually leading to excessive copper buildup in the brain, liver, kidneys, and other organs.
Ways to remove excess copper naturally
Know how to remove excess copper from body naturally. Know the high copper foods to avoid. Reducing the consumption of high-copper food like:
- Beef liver
- Oysters
- Mushrooms
- Cashew nuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Potatoes
- Dark chocolate
- Tofu
Increasing the consumption of high-zinc food like:
- Red meat
- Poultry
- Wheat germ
- Wild rice
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Baked beans
- Peas
As a boost to the ongoing treatment, a particular nutrient-rich diet like the Mediterranean diet can improve recovery. Mediterranean diet includes,
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats
Avoiding any source of copper exposure, like:
- Copper plumbing
- Swimming pool treatments
- Consumption of supplements
- Cookware, which has copper
Apart from naturally reducing the level of copper in the body, there are also treatments like copper chelation therapy, where copper chelators bind to copper ions, reducing their activity and removing them from the cells or transferring them between cells.
Conclusion
Even though copper is found in major organs and is vital for survival, excess copper can be fatal. Knowing the source of your excess copper consumption and terminating it is essential. Home remedies might work depending on the magnitude of the condition; otherwise, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Some copper tests will help a patient. You might require this test if you see the symptoms of either copper toxicity or copper deficiency. Talking about the serum copper level, the normal serum concentrations are 63.5–158.9 mcg/dL (10–25 mcmol/L) for copper and 180–400 mg/L for CP. You may also wonder about copper poisoning treatment at home.
A copper test in blood helps calculate the total amount of copper in the human blood. Lowering the consumption of high-copper foods is the best home remedy for copper poisoning, as prevention is better than cure.
A healthcare professional or doctor can treat copper toxicity and other types of heavy metal poisoning using treatments like zinc, Chelation therapy, stomach pumping, medications, and haemodialysis.
FAQs
1. What is copper toxicity?
The condition where excess copper is present in the body due to natural or artificial absorption by the individual, making the person sick, is called copper toxicity.
2. What is the most common reason for copper toxicity?
Water contamination due to faulty or eroded copper water pipes, intake of supplements and uncoated copper cookware might be the most common reasons for copper toxicity.
3. Can copper toxicity be fatal?
Consumption of too much of copper can be fatal. On the other hand, a lesser degree can be easily treated.
4. What chemical is commonly used to treat copper toxicity?
Zinc is used to treat copper toxicity. As zinc limits the absorption of copper, it directly affects the amount of copper in the body.
5.When happens to excess copper in the body?
Excess copper settles in the liver, eyes and brain, damaging them eventually. If not treated properly, it can be life-endangering.
