Copper
High level of % free copper: % free copper is generally within a range of 5%-15/20% maximum. Your levels of % free copper is 32% which considered high. Excess unregulated copper can cause a myriad of symptoms both emotionally and also physically. Normal physiology in times of stress will convert our dopamine levels to nor-adrenaline, this is carried out via an enzymatic process known as dopamine beta hydroxylase. This enzyme is dependent on a number of nutrients with copper being a major one. This enzyme works perfectly fine when we have control and regulation of our copper levels, however when our % free copper increases so does the frequency of this enzyme meaning we can be converting quite a lot of our dopamine into nor adrenaline causing much anxiety, panic and worry. Our copper is regulated by two main proteins in the body, ceruloplasmin and metalothionein (MT). Ceruloplasmin works but chaperoning our copper in our blood while MT works by regulating copper in our gut, liver and also our brains. Research is now being carried out on MT and scientists are quite sure that this will be a genetic error or weakness (SNP) in its production. MT also have many other roles in our body, it also regulates all minerals and metals with the exception of iron, a strong antioxidant, enhances intestinal and brain barrier function, development of the immune system, regulation of stomach PH, production of enzymes (particularly enzymes required to breakdown gluten and dairy), delivery of zinc to our cells to name a few. From a physical aspect copper can interrupt all three mechanism of energy production causing much fatigue and poor energy regulation.
Because copper is a strong oxidant it can damage our mitochondria of our cells which again causes disruption to energy production. Coper is involved with the conduction of energy, therefore our nerves all over our body (brain, central nervous system, gut & joints etc) can be over stimulated causing pain and fatigue over a period of time. High copper, because of its involvement in energy conduction, clients with higher copper often describe an intimate love for music and can be quite musical and creative. Copper has a direct relation with our female hormones, more so oestrogen. When oestrogen rises copper will rise also and vice versa in the majority of cases. This is why copper dysregulation can cause a lot of hormone symptoms including: painful periods, heavy periods, migraines, fibroids, and endometriosis. Another major role of copper is its role in angiogenesis (the creation of new blood vessels), this is mainly when a pregnancy occurs copper levels in all females will double in order to create a new channel of blood vessels to grow a developing foetus. The problem here arises after birth when those copper levels should reset within 48 hours after delivery, for woman with copper dysregulation this doesn’t completely reset. This can be the cause of a high percentage of post natal depression, and what we now know is that the higher level of copper can be passed form mother to baby. Because copper can create new blood vessels this can cause many migraine symptoms and frequency. Copper is also a vital component for tumour formation and growth specifically, so it is vital that copper is within regulated levels to prevent angiogenesis and possible potential cancer developments down the line.
Pyrrole disorder –
HPL is a genetic and can also be an acquired dysregulation in our metabolism of haemoglobin (HB). HB within our red blood cells is sent to our spleens on average every 120 days for metabolism which will result in both recycling and excretion. Pyrrole disorder particularly in times of stress causes an increase in HB metabolism which can result in anaemia that may be resistant to regular treatment with iron, B12 & folate. At this point there is no known function for HPL in the body and it is nothing more than a by-product of HB metabolism. It is now looked upon as a marker for oxidative stress and also as a neurotoxin. The problem arises when these excess HPL molecules begin to leach vital nutrient required for many neurological functions. It first has an affinity for aldehydes, our biggest aldehyde in our body is vitamin B6 and its activated form P5P. From here is begins to leach zinc, biotin, chromium and manganese and also greatly reduces the bodies ability to metabolise and utilise omega 6 fatty acids. An unusual smell can arise from pyrrole molecules that can be emitted through the skin, this can cause many people to experience a ‘fruity/rubbery’ smell from their body odour. Because it leaches these vital nutrients its greatly reduces the production of serotonin (feel good, happy neurotransmitter NT), dopamine (feels good, self-esteem, confidence and satisfaction/reward system) and also our GABA (calming NT that allows us to think before we act!). This is why this disorder or inborn error causes low mood, severe anxiety and extreme mood swings and temper. Luckily most people begin to respond within 4-6 weeks. Because this can cause a reduction in HB levels in the body, this can also cause energy issues and fatigue also. The first phase of our liver detoxification is governed by a network of extremely important enzymes known as CYP450. These are genetically acquired so it is common to variances on their capability. These CYP enzymes are 60% dependant on haem (from our HB) to properly function, therefore liver function can become sluggish and different liver enzymes including GGT, ALP & AST etc can be elevated prior to treatment. Cholesterol also tends to be increased, particularly our LDL (which is showing that cholesterol is being pumped out of the liver to repair damage somewhere in the body) and lower HDL (showing the cholesterol that is being sent out is actually being fully utilised). This can be caused by oxidative stress and damage from higher levels of HPL and also low levels of zinc in order to repair damage.
Digestion is imperative, we can tackle this in a gradual process to make the changes easier for you. Digestion and diet is not only vital for the autoimmunity aspect of your health but also we need adequate digestion to absorb the specific amino acids from our protein to actually make serotonin, dopamine and GABA etc. These are all made from our protein granted that it is fully digested, assimilated and absorbed.
What is the Nadura F.E.B.S Programme
Nadura’s FEBS Protocol is a “multifaceted” approach specialising in the area of Individualized and Targeted Nutrient Therapy Approaches to certain Biochemical Mood Disorders. This programme specialises in biochemical mood imbalances which may include symptoms of excessive anxiety, mood fluctuations, anger control issues, excessive worry and poor coping skills.
At Nadura Clinics our practitioners are highly qualified and focus on much more than just your nutritional needs, with our overall aim being to educate each client on their unique biochemical individuality and subsequent requirements! As we say to all of our clients, certain nutrients may significantly improve pathways in their body, however those nutrients can have a potentially negative effect on another’s.
Our FEBS protocol was created through years of clinical experience that evidenced while quality and quantity of nutrients form the basis of our neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), there are much more factors that affect not only our production of these vital chemicals, but also how these are expressed through our genes contained within our DNA.
The advances in science over the past number of decades has been astonishing and we now know that not only do our diets and lifestyle habits change how our genes express a study known as epigenetics, but also whether in fact deficiencies and in some cases nutrient overloads can also have a profound impact on our mental health status.
The most underappreciated fact is that our brain chemicals including serotonin and dopamine for example are produced from protein in our daily diet, but also require certain vitamins and minerals known as cofactors for adequate production. Again genetics does come in to play, however what we now know is the science of epigenetics has a much more profound effect on our brain chemicals and mental health.
At Nadura Clinics, we have also seen in combination with our advanced nutrient therapy, the immense importance and benefit to ensuring the health of our gastrointestinal tract as research continues to mount in the area of our gut to brain axis being implicated in mood disorders. In order to ensure this axis is optimum we use specific analysis to test for states of bacterial imbalance and also work to reduce overall inflammation in the body, through optimal food additions and removal, again having a strong link to mood disorders.
Naduras FEBS Protocol combines specialised laboratory analysis, genetic testing, epigenetics, antioxidant therapies, Biochemical & Advanced Targeted Nutrient Therapy, Autonomic Response Testing, Functional Nutrition combined with fifteen years’ experience in the mental health field to analyse the body’s production, metabolism and regulation of our neurotransmitters.
This unique Protocol is carried out by our Nutritionists, Registered Psychiatric Nurse & Biochemical & Advanced Nutrient Therapy Specialist in conjunction with our medical collaborators some including Integrative Psychiatrist, General Practitioners, Dentist, counsellors, CBT Therapists & Psychotherapists.
Our Clinical Nutritionist & Biochemical & Advanced Nutrient Therapy Specialist Anita Walsh pictured at the Beacon Court With Dr. Hegazy
Anita Walsh – Clinical Director & NutritionistBSc (Hons), AWRIP, Dip NT, Dip Sports Nutrition, Dip Diet & Metabolism, Dip Iridology, RMHN, mNTOI.Biochemical & Advanced Nutrient Therapy SpecialistAdvanced Walsh Research Institute Practitioner.
Certified Autonomic Response Testing Practitioner -ART (Kinesiology).Clinical Nutritionist. Mental Health Nurse.Nadura Integrative Natural Health LimitedDungarvan, Co. WaterfordDun Laoghaire, Co. DublinRealta Clinic, Carlow
Mob: +353 87 3492991
Email – anita@nadura.ie
