Your Body's Need for Copper

Copper is an essential nutrient. It's found in many tissues and organs of the body and is a vital component of numerous key cellular enzymes. A copper deficiency can disturb these enzyme functions. Too much copper, on the other hand is toxic.

Have you ever worn a copper bracelet, or know someone who has? Maybe you noticed that it made you feel better. If so, you were likely deficient in copper and the copper absorbed through your skin was helping to reduce the deficiency. Conversely, if you didn't notice any improvement, your body probably didn't need additional copper to affect the symptoms that were causing you discomfort. You may even have been contributing to a build up of copper beyond the levels needed by your body.

Some situations related to copper imbalance include:

• iron-deficient anemia that doesn't improve with iron supplementation
  
• chocolate cravings
  
• moodiness or depression after you eat particular foods
  
• premenstrual frontal headaches
  
• increased susceptibility to flu or colds premenstrually

More on copper deficiency mext time...

Remember, rarely do mineral deficiencies occur with a single mineral. Generally there is an imbalance involving a number of minerals. Learn more...