Still out here and Copper

There is actually a lot to relate, but GOd knows I am not planning to ge tot it in this episode. Perhaps I will limit it to this.

Last visit to the PTC, the recommendation came back to add copper to my supplement regime. Add it. Add Copper, the great evil, the destroyer of neurotransmitters, scourge of zinc and calm mind. ADD COPPER? ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE? Well, ok, so I did some research, starting, as always, with what copper deficiency looks like.

So this is what I learned:

* Not enough oxygen in the cells
* Lowered levels of HDL cholesterol
* Skin problems
* Swollen ankles
* Anemia
* Low copper causes the cells to suffocate and lack oxygen
* Low copper levels linked to low enkephalins produced in the brain.

Psychological Symptoms of Low Copper:

* Auditory hallucinations
* Depression
* Binge eaters have been found to have lower levels.


So far, pretty unspecific and vague. Except the low enkephalins. Ah, yes, the dreaded enkephalins. No, I did not know what that was either:

"Enkephalins are neurotransmitters which work to suppress pain. The goal of pain suppression is to allow the body to cope with pain while remaining focused, rather than permitting the perception of pain to flood the system and cause panic, distress, or confusion. These neurotransmitters are polypeptides, meaning that they consist of very short chains of amino acids."

That is interesting since I have noticed a remarkable low tolerance to pain. This can be attributed to any number of sources, depending on your health regime and bias. It could be that I actually feel more pain, it could be that the increase in other neurotramitters creates a greater sensitivity to body signals, it could be that I am IN more pain, it could be that because of inconsistent care giving as a child, I am forever mired in infantility unable to self soothe or moderate pain. It could be that psychologically I cling to pain because it is part of my identity, part of a defense mechanism to trying to hard and having to confront failure, and/or an attempt to gain the attention of others. Being sick is such hard work.

Copper deficiency: from another source:

"Fatigue, paleness, skin sores, edema, slowed growth, hair loss, anorexia, diarrhea and dermatitis can be symptoms of copper insufficiency.

The reduced red blood cell function and shortened red cell life span found with copper deficiency can influence energy levels and cause weakness and labored respiration from decreased oxygen delivery. Low copper levels may also affect collagen formation and thus tissue health and healing. Reduced thyroid function, cardiovascular disease, increased cholesterol, uric acid and blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance, thrombosis, oxidative damage, skeletal defects related to bone demineralization and poor nerve conductivity (copper deficiency adversely affects electrocardiograms) - including irregular heart rhythms - can all result from copper depletion."

Well, my respiration is not labored, nor do I have a hard time with physical work. Its recovering from it that is the killer.

BUT, I have always had a wonky EKG. My heart flutters, and has been fluttering a lot lately. Usually after hard work, or in the evenings. Sometimes it just stops for a while. A much needed break I guess. Is this copper related?

Well, I am not yet taking it, but I am about to begin a trial. Thats it for now. Not all that interesting really, but you gots to start somewheres.