We have been taught to be afraid of toxic levels of the metal copper.

Ever considered Copper as an important dietary nutrient?

But were you aware that copper is extremely important to our health in many vital ways?

Deficiencies can present a variety of health complaints that we may not attribute to a lack of copper unless functionally tested.

First, copper assists in the development of several enzymes within our body that assist in:

• the production of energy
• how we metabolise iron
• the elastically of our skin
• how our immune cell functions
• prevention of neurological damage
• it is a component of antioxidant activity.

Our bones, tissues and liver harbour our body’s copper stores and these storage locations are affected greatly when excesses or deficiencies occur.

Suffering from low energy?

My guess is that copper deficiency has never crossed your mind as a potential cause. Our energy system operates via the transport of various nutrients through a cycle called the citric acid cycle and an electron transport chain. Copper facilitates energy production at the electron transport chain as a cofactor to enzymes.

Are your bones prone to breaking or osteoporosis? Or is your skin easily broken or sagging?

Calcium and Vitamin D are one a small piece of the puzzle. Copper is essential to making cross-links in collagen for bones and elasticity of skin to prevent fractures and maintain healthy skin. Your blood vessels are also made up of connective tissue and require copper to maintain their elasticity for blood flow, preventing arterial complications and haemorrhage.

Are you metabolising iron effectively?

Most people’s first thought for low energy recovery is iron. Although iron may be the culprit, copper may also be required. Copper is necessary for iron transportation and linking iron to its transport protein to be sent to cells for healthy blood development. A lack of copper may just be contributing to iron deficiency.

Food sources of copper

Food should always be considered as medicine before vitamin supplements are factored in to your regime. You can ensure you are receiving enough dietary copper by eating a variety of the following foods:

• Organ meats (liver, kidneys etc.)
• Spirulina
• Oysters
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Almonds or Cashews
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard)
• Dark Chocolate (>70%)
• Sesame seeds
• Chickpeas
• Avocado
• Goat cheese
• Tempeh

Anyone who has suffered from gout or knows someone who does, understands the often painful, debilitating effects of the condition. Gout is a form of arthritis which is marked by significant inflammation, redness, swelling and pain. Gout has been recognised as the condition of ‘over-indulgence’. This agonising condition is caused by higher than normal uric acid levels in the blood and body tissues.

Uric acid is a by-product of the breakdown of purines in the body often derived from diets high in:

• meat products
• oily seafood
• alcohol
• caffeine

Other medical conditions can become risk factors for gout and high uric acid levels including:

• hypertension
• heart disease
• diabetes
• obesity
• some medications
• kidney disease
• recent medical surgery
• family history of gout
• male >40 year

What are the current medical treatment options for gout?

• Medications that inhibit uric acid production
• Anti-inflammatories
• Corticosteroids
• Medications that increase the excretion of uric acid

Unfortunately, these medications are not without risks and side effects. When prescribed gout medications, be sure to request information sheets from your GP on the possible side effects.

Going Natural

Celery seed and sour cherry have demonstrated efficacy in reducing uric acid and gout symptoms with few side effects and are generally well tolerated.

Celery

Celery has presented some great results in inflammatory cases such as joint pain and rheumatism. Celery consists of several natural chemical compounds that act as anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants that crusade in the reduction of oxidative damage that harms joints and tissues.

Sour Cherry

Tart cherry juice has long been used by natural enthusiasts in the fight against attacks of gout when used regularly over several months. Like celery, sour cherry can reduce the pain associated with attacks and reduce characteristic inflammation and oxidative damage due to its high antioxidant content.

If you or someone you know suffer from attacks of gout, speak with a medical professional or a natural medicine practitioner about the benefits of celery and sour cherry in its reduction of gout symptoms and incidences.

It should be noted that diet and lifestyle play are significant role in the presentation of gout and other inflammatory conditions and addressing the imbalances in these factors can greatly reduce the likelihood of gout interfering in one’s life. Remember, prevention is better than a cure!

Nutrition is one aspect of good health. But health is multifaceted and includes lifestyle balance. Small, infrequent but challenging stressors, exercise and relaxation play into wellness outcomes. A simple bath can go a long way in ticking off the relaxation element of lifestyle balance. Bathing help in the reduction of stress, pain, depression, tension, anxiety and fatigue.

JUST 15 MINUTES A DAY IS ALL IT TAKES

There are both physical and emotional benefits to obtain from baths. Approximately 15 minutes per day in a warm bath can release muscle tension causes by every day stressors and wash away emotional dilemmas.

INDULGE A LITTLE MORE

Light some lavender scented candles, add a cup or two of Epsom salts to your bath, hit play on some relaxing meditation music and grab yourself a nice book and feel the tension escape your body.

Leave the bath feeling cleansed and relaxed. Rug yourself up with a comfy dressing gown and enjoy an uplifting cup of green tea or, if you are off to bed, try a chamomile tea to transport you into complete ZEN land.

This can become a fantastic routine for people who hold a lot of stress tension or who struggle to get a restful night sleep.