with Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.
Recent blood tests show excessive copper at cell level: can you suggest a good chelator? For 2 years I have been taking quite high amounts of R Lipoic acid to help with neuropathy with Lyme and I suspect that this may have added to the problem, as I have read that Lipoic acid increases copper excretion in urine, but slows it down in the bowel. I’m still awaiting the rest of my heavy metal results (I had the amalgams out in 2000, have been lead toxic as well, and have taken various natural chelators in the past). So I may well be looking for one product that is effective for copper, lead and mercury.
Dr. Teitelbaum’s response:
Unfortunately, much of the testing used to look for heavy metal toxicity (including copper) is not reliable for ongoing toxicity (as opposed to an acute exposure like a chemical spill). This is especially so when “Challenge testing” using a chelating agent followed by a 24 hour urine test is done, as the normal ranges are not meant for a challenge test and normal ranges have not yet been created for challenge tests .
If serum free copper is elevated, that would suggest iron overload. If ceruloplasmin blood levels are also low, you should be screened for a genetic disorder called Wilsons Disease.
I feel that the best way to lower copper levels would be to take high dose zinc (e.g-100 mg a day) as this will block the absorbtion of copper and bring down copper levels. If copper is not elevated though, this can cause copper deficiency, so this should be done under a physician’s supervision.
Copper causes toxicity because it is a pro-oxidant and triggers free radical reactions. Because of this, in addition to using zinc to lower copper, i would also use high dose anti-oxidants to decrease damage from the copper.
SHINE represents four areas of health issues that need to be addressed when creating a treatment program. These health issues and their roles in treating CFS/FM are as follows:
S = SLEEP: Get adequate sleep, preferably eight to nine hours a night. Sleep replenishes the body's energy and heals its muscles. Inadequate sleep will leave you exhausted and in pain.
H = HORMONES: Get tested for hormone deficiency and treated if needed. Hormone deficiencies can contribute to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
I = INFECTIONS: Get treatment when symptoms of infections occur. The lack of restorative sleep in CFS/FM leads to dysfunctional immune systems. Underlying viral, bacterial, bowel, sinus and yeast infections are common and can be a contributing cause or result of CFS/FM.
N = NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS: Optimal nutritional supplementation is essential. Many nutrients can be depleted as a result of CFS/FM. B-12, magnesium, Acetyl L Carnitine and glutathione, as well as your basic A, B, C and D vitamins need to be supplemented at a level that your average over the counter multivitamin cannot provide.
E = EXERCISE: Exercise as able. After 10 weeks on the 4 steps above, you will be able to slowly increase your exercise—without being wiped out the next day!
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posted on April 15, 2008 | 699 views | tags: CFS, chronic fatigue syndrome, copper toxicity, fibromyalgia, FMS
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