PRACTITIONER VOICE
The Problem with Copper
Part 2
Jon Gamble | BA ND ADHom
Abstract
This article is the second part of Jon Gamble ’ s clinical account of treatment of excess copper . It discusses cases of learning and behavioural conditions as consequences of copper excess . Part 1 of this article was published in the Journal of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society , 2023 ; 19 ( 3 ): 144-151 .
The Nervous System : Learning and Behavioural Issues in Children
Copper excess underpins many neurological and cognitive disorders found in children . My clinical estimate is that greater than 80 % of those diagnosed with ADHD , OCD or ODD are Copper toxic . Many of these children may also have a diagnosis of Asperger ’ s , or higher in the range of Autistic Spectrum Disorders .
Case Study Jayden , age 9 : Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ), Asperger ’ s Syndrome , Eczema
As with many children , particularly boys , diagnosed with ADHD like Jayden , he had already been prescribed Ritalin when his mother first brought him in to see us . Jayden displayed aggressive , uncooperative and sometimes antisocial behaviour . He did not make friends easily ; his interest was more in reading books ( he was ahead of his years in reading skills ) and computers ( he sneaks into the home office to use the computer ). He suffered from fluctuations in energy , either hyperactive or fatigued . When under stress , as he often was at school , he would run away . He was defiant , uncooperative and frequently interrupted the conversation I was having in clinic with his mother . He was very curious , interested in space , animals and science , and asked lots of questions . His sleep was restless , often with nightmares . It also took him a long time to fall asleep .
He was focused on guns and wars , declaring “ I want to shoot you ”. His dreams were full of aliens killing people . He spoke in a loud voice , often shouting , and demanding to be the centre of attention . He reportedly “ depletes everyone ’ s energy ”. He was overly rough when playing with other children . When angry he was very strong and aggressive . He was so aggressive , but also so stressed , at school , that his mother had decided to start home schooling him .
He had a strong craving for sweets . Sometimes he would get up in the middle of the night and sneak into the kitchen to seek out sweet foods .
His physical symptoms included eczema and a permanently blocked nose . Below is the Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis result showing how high Jayden ’ s copper was at this time - 10 times over the normal level ( 26.7mg /%).
Prescription
• Copper chelate ( sold in Australia by BioResearch : CU Met ; or available in homeopathic stock from Martin and Pleasance )
• Zinc supplement
• Homeopathic remedy for mood management
218 | vol29 | no4 | JATMS