(NaturalNews) "To grasp the magnitude of the nutritional/ biochemical problems we are facing today requires a shift in perspective and a new paradigm. The old paradigms and psychological models have become obsolete and are much too limited in perspective." -- Richard Malter

In 1984, clinical psychologist and nutritional counselor Richard Malter published this statement in his report on copper toxicity. In the report (updated in 2001), Malter had taken note of the increase in depression, suicidal tendencies, ADD, aggressive behaviors and learning disabilities, among other disorders, and attributed the rise mainly to nutritional and biochemical factors. Malter honed in on the vital nutrient copper after data from 20 years of hair tissue mineral analyses led him to conclude that copper excess or toxicity is a major factor in several psychological disorders and health complications.

Take a look at the following list of diseases, disorders and symptoms:

• Acne
• Hair loss
• Anorexia
• Anxiety
• Attention deficit disorder
• Depression
• Male Infertility
• Depression
• Migraine headaches
• Fibromyalgia
• Racing thoughts
• Insomnia
• Hypothyroidism
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
• PMS
• Low libido in women
• Intense cravings of sweet and salty foods

All of the conditions listed, among others, are closely associated with copper toxicity. While copper plays an important role in the functions of bone and tissue repair, energy production, reproductive function and emotional health; it can also cause a vast array of complications when an excessive amount is stored within the body.

There is also a personality type coined as "the high-copper personality," used to describe people who tend to over-accumulate copper. This person is usually described as caring and sensitive, and often possesses child-like qualities with a tendency to "look young." However, he or she may become spacy, easily angered, depressed and violent.

Factors that directly or indirectly increase one's risk for copper toxicity:

• Use of copper plumbing in homes and the presence of copper in drinking and cooking water.
• Zinc-deficient soil (Zinc helps the body eliminate excess copper).
• Chronic stress leads to a decrease in zinc, weakening the body's ability to expel excess copper.
• The "pill" (birth control) increases estrogen, leading to excess copper storage in the body's tissues.
• Vegetarian diets tend to be copper-rich and zinc-deficient, which lends to an excess of copper.

Dr. Lawrence Wilson published the following tips for reducing excess copper and suggests safely combining multiple methods at once:

1. Reduce exposure to sources of copper -- Avoid or decrease exposure to IUDs, public swimming pools and high-copper foods such as avocado, nuts, seeds, wheat, shellfish and soy.

2. Diet is critical -- Consume a combination of cooked vegetables, organic animal protein (if possible) and whole grains, and avoid stimulants such as sugar, caffeine and food additives.

3. Lifestyle modification -- Reduce stress factors by making changes in work, relationship and spiritual arenas.

4. Choose nutritional supplements to support adrenal gland function and balance copper -- According to Wilson, a hair mineral analysis and consultation with a physician or homeopath will provide answers as to which supplements will work for each individual.

5. Detoxification procedures -- According to Wilson, detox methods like coffee enemas and infrared lamps can be beneficial, but cleansing diets, foot baths and clays are less effective and cause interference.

Sources:

http://www.holistic-back-relief.com

http://www.malterinstitute.org^[PDF]

http://www.orthomolecular.org^[PDF]

http://drlwilson.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

About the author:
Bri Jackson is a Certified Personal Trainer and author of the Health & Wellness Blog at www.brittgotfit.com. She is a natural living enthusiast striving to make the natural living transition easier for others.