Copper is an essential mineral that our body needs to stay healthy. It helps in various functions such as producing red blood cells and supporting our immune system. However, like many things, excessive copper can be harmful. Let’s explore what happens when we get too much copper and how to keep our levels under control.
What is copper and why do we need it?
Copper is a mineral found in many foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains and seafood. Our body uses copper for important tasks such as:
Red blood cell production: Copper helps our body to produce red blood cells, which transport oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our body.
Immunity support: Copper is involved inining a healthy immune system, helping us fight infections and stay well.
Function of the nervous system: Copper plays a role inining the proper functioning of our nerves, allowing signals to travel between our brain and the rest of our body.
How much copper do we need?
The amount of copper we need depends on our age, gender and general health. For most adults, the recommended daily intake of copper is about 900 micrograms (mcg) per day. However, this amount may vary for different age groups and individuals.
What happens when we get too much copper?
While copper is essential for good health, excessive intake can lead to problems. Here are some signs that you may have too much copper in your body:
Nausea and vomiting: Excessive amount of copper can irritate the lining of the stomach, leading to nausea or vomiting.
Diarrhea: Excess copper can also cause diarrhea, leading to dehydration and discomfort.
Liver damage: The liver is responsible for processing copper in the body. Excessive amount of copper can flood the liver’s ability to handle it, leading to liver damage over time.
Kidney problems: In some cases, excess copper can accumulate in the kidneys, causing kidney damage and impaired kidney function.
Neurological problems: In severe cases, excess copper can affect the brain and nervous system, leading to symptoms such as confusion, tremors, and even coma.
Who’s at risk of getting too much copper?
Some groups of people may be at higher risk of getting too much copper:
Wilson disease: It is a rare genetic disorder that causes the accumulation of copper in the body, leading to liver and neurological problems.
Excessive copper intake: Consumption of large amounts of copper supplements or excessive use of brass cookware can increase the risk of overloaded copper.
Environmental Exposure: People working in industries where they are exposed to high levels of copper, such as mining or metallurgy, may be at risk for copper toxicity.
How to prevent excessive intake of copper:
To avoid the excessive amount of copper, here are a few simple steps that we can follow:
Make a balanced diet: Focus on eating a variety of healthy foods that contain copper, but in moderation.
Limit supplement use: Take copper supplements only if recommended by a health professional and adhere to the recommended dosage.
Beware of copper sources: Know the copper resources in your environment, such as copper plumbers or kitchen utensils, and use them appropriately.
Check regularly: If you have concerns about your copper levels, talk to your healthcare provider. They can perform tests to measure your copper levels and suggest appropriate steps if necessary.
Conclusion:
Copper is a vital mineral that plays many important roles in our body. While taking enough copper is essential for good health, it is also important to avoid overtaking. By keeping an eye on our copper intake and seeking medical advice, if necessary, we can ensure that our Copper levels remain balanced and our bodies remain healthy. Remember, measure is the key when it comes to copper and all aspects of our health.
