Copper’s Role in Anemia

First off, I have 2 reminders for you. The first is that the annual Love Your Body, Love Your Health 30 Day Wellness Challenge is officially starting on Jan 16th. Details for this free and inspiring invitation can be found here.
Secondly, on Jan 21, please join me for my free webinar on ditching diets and releasing extra weight permanently. Details here.

So now let’s talk about copper! When you hear about copper, you might associate it with plumbing and electronics or even jewelry. But today, you are going to learn more about copper and how surprisingly important it is for your health.

Copper is a trace mineral, which means it is required in tiny amounts for the body to properly grow and develop. It is important for the formation of hemoglobin (part of red blood cells) and collagen in the body. Copper is also needed for the functioning of enzymes and proteins during energy metabolism, DNA synthesis, and respiration. 

Your body only needs a small amount of copper. For adults, the recommended intake of copper per day is only 0.9 mg, which can be easily taken care of by eating copper-rich foods (which I list below). Too little or too much copper may cause health problems as we’ll discuss

Copper and Anemia

Usually when someone is diagnosed with anemia, it is assumed that insufficient iron is the culprit. However, we are now realizing that the healthcare industry has not understood the relationship between iron and copper well enough, but thankfully things are beginning to change (Morley Robbins is a trailblazer in mineral interactions and education).

So how does copper deficiency lead to anemia?

Copper helps to form hemoglobin and red blood cells. – Without enough copper, red blood cells aren’t properly formed and they can’t carry enough oxygen to cells.

Copper also helps your gut to absorb iron. – So with low levels of copper, your body may absorb less iron, which may lead to iron-deficiency anemia. 

If you have copper deficiency, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Fatigue or low energy levels
• Weak and brittle bones
• Sensitivity to cold temperature
• Pale skin
• Premature gray hair
• Loss of vision
• Frequently getting sick
• Joint pain
• Skin inflammation

Copper, iron and zinc all affect each other. It is advised to eat a variety of foods so that you get the recommended daily amount for each otherwise it can throw the other minerals out of balance.
 

Top 10 Copper Rich Foods

Here are the top 10 copper foods that you can include as part of a healthy diet:

• Beef liver
• Dark chocolate (best sources)
• Sunflower seeds
• Cashews
• Chickpeas
• Raisins
• Lentils
• Hazelnuts
• Dried apricots
• Avocado

In summary, copper is essential for the body to function properly!  Brain health, strong immune system, strong bones, healthy metabolism, and healthy growth and development all thrive when copper is balanced.  You can support balanced copper levels by eating a healthy diet that includes copper-rich foods.

It is my passion to work with people like you whose health symptoms are getting in the way of you living life fully and with a sense of freedom in your body. I can help you to regain your health so you can feel great and free to enjoy life fully.

If you’re ready to discover where your best health has been hiding, I’d love to connect with you!
Apply for a complimentary Unstoppable Health Discovery Session. http://bit.ly/schedulinghealth (subject to availability).

Until next time, I’m wishing you unstoppable health!

~Rebecca

P.S.
Know someone who could use my help?
Send them the link to apply for a complimentary Unstoppable Health Discovery Session. bit.ly/schedulinghealth (subject to availability).