Sept. 8, 2025

Copper: The Missing Key to Energy & Iron

Copper: The Missing Key to Energy & Iron

For decades, iron deficiency has been treated with endless iron pills, yet many people still struggle with fatigue, anemia, and low energy. Could the real problem be a missing mineral? In this episode of Chasing Eden: Natural Health God’s Way, Caroline Thompson uncovers the forgotten role of copper—a mineral essential for iron metabolism, energy production, and vitality.From the days when copper pipes and cookware infused our water and meals, to today’s soil-depleted, plastic-piped world, we’ve slowly removed copper from our lives. The result? Rising rates of fatigue, iron deficiency, and connective tissue problems. Drawing on the insights of Dr. Eric Berg, Dave Asprey, Gary Brecka, Dr. Ardis, and Dr. Barbara O’Neill, we’ll explore how copper supplementation—through foods, capsules, or even copper vessels—can restore balance and energy.We’ll also look at the practical ways to bring copper back into your daily routine, the importance of balancing copper with zinc, and how to avoid common mistakes. If you’ve ever felt drained despite taking iron, this episode could change the way you think about minerals and your health.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WEBVTT

1
00:00:06.639 --> 00:00:11.119
Welcome back to Chasing Eden Natural Health God's Wig. I'm

2
00:00:11.160 --> 00:00:15.480
your host, Carolyn Thompson. Today we're shining a light on

3
00:00:15.560 --> 00:00:19.600
a mineral that rarely gets the attention it deserves, yet

4
00:00:19.719 --> 00:00:24.600
maybe one of the most overlooked keys to energy, vitality,

5
00:00:25.160 --> 00:00:30.280
and restoring balance in the body. Copper. If you've ever

6
00:00:30.320 --> 00:00:35.960
struggled with fatigue, brain fog, or iron deficiency anemia, you

7
00:00:36.039 --> 00:00:40.679
may be missing something deeper than iron supplements. Modern research

8
00:00:40.880 --> 00:00:44.359
and many of today's leading voices in natural health are

9
00:00:44.399 --> 00:00:49.320
pointing us back to copper as an essential cofactor for

10
00:00:49.439 --> 00:00:55.399
how our bodies actually use and regulate iron. Well Explore

11
00:00:56.200 --> 00:00:59.840
why copper is essential for energy and blood health. How

12
00:01:00.560 --> 00:01:05.200
was once everywhere in daily life through pipes, cookwaar and

13
00:01:05.319 --> 00:01:12.079
natural food sources. The decline of copper exposure in modern society.

14
00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:18.480
The benefits of copper supplementation, especially if you're iron deficient.

15
00:01:19.599 --> 00:01:25.840
Expert insights from doctor Burke, Dave Aspbury, Gary Breca, Doctor Artists,

16
00:01:26.239 --> 00:01:31.439
and doctor Barbara O'Neill how you can safely bring copper

17
00:01:31.879 --> 00:01:37.400
back into your life through capsules, vessels, and mindful nutrition.

18
00:01:38.359 --> 00:01:43.959
Let's dive in copper. The forgotten mineral is an essential

19
00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:47.879
trace mineral that means we don't need huge amounts, but

20
00:01:48.079 --> 00:01:53.239
without it, critical functions in the body start to break down. Now,

21
00:01:53.280 --> 00:01:57.200
copper plays a role in several vital things in our life.

22
00:01:57.519 --> 00:02:02.799
One is iron metabolism. Iron metabolism helps to transport iron

23
00:02:02.840 --> 00:02:09.599
into hemoglobin energy production, which powers our mitochondria and the

24
00:02:09.639 --> 00:02:15.080
batteries of our cells and our connective tissue building collagen

25
00:02:15.319 --> 00:02:21.680
and elastin for skin, blood vessels, and bones. Brain health.

26
00:02:22.560 --> 00:02:28.680
It helps by supporting our neurotransmitter synthesis. Also something very

27
00:02:28.719 --> 00:02:33.400
important these days, immune defense. It helps us fight infections.

28
00:02:35.000 --> 00:02:44.439
Despite its importportance, copper deficiency is becoming more common. Why Well,

29
00:02:44.560 --> 00:02:50.560
because modern farming practices have stripped soils of minerals. I

30
00:02:50.560 --> 00:02:56.120
bet you're surprised by that. Now processed foods they lack copper,

31
00:02:56.840 --> 00:02:59.759
and we've replaced many of the copper vessels in pipes

32
00:02:59.800 --> 00:03:03.120
that once infused trace amounts of copper into our daily

33
00:03:03.159 --> 00:03:08.400
water and food. One of copper's most critical roles is

34
00:03:08.439 --> 00:03:14.560
in iron metabolism. So here's the paradox. Many people diagnosed

35
00:03:14.639 --> 00:03:19.400
with iron deficiency anemia are told to take more iron supplements,

36
00:03:20.199 --> 00:03:25.360
but without copper, the body can't properly utilize the iron,

37
00:03:26.360 --> 00:03:30.319
the iron ends up stuck in storage and not transported

38
00:03:30.400 --> 00:03:34.879
into your red blood cells where it's needed. Now, doctor Berg,

39
00:03:34.960 --> 00:03:38.240
he explains it really well. He says this quote, it's

40
00:03:38.319 --> 00:03:41.319
not always a lack of iron, it's a lack of

41
00:03:41.439 --> 00:03:45.280
copper that prevents the body from mobilizing iron. You can

42
00:03:45.319 --> 00:03:48.840
take iron supplements for years, but if copper is missing,

43
00:03:49.400 --> 00:03:54.879
you will still feel fatigued. Unquote. Now, Gary Brecca, my

44
00:03:55.000 --> 00:04:01.599
favorite human biologist known for simplifying health science, says this quote.

45
00:04:01.879 --> 00:04:07.159
Copper is the spark plug for iron metabolism. Without it,

46
00:04:07.520 --> 00:04:11.280
your engine doesn't turn over. That's why so many people

47
00:04:11.360 --> 00:04:17.720
stay anemic despite iron supplementation unquote. So this means if

48
00:04:17.800 --> 00:04:21.439
you're iron deficient, or if you feel drained, weak, or

49
00:04:21.480 --> 00:04:27.519
short of breath, the missing piece could be copper. Now,

50
00:04:27.600 --> 00:04:34.079
copper has a history in our homes for centuries. Copper

51
00:04:34.279 --> 00:04:38.920
was actually a natural part of our daily environment. America

52
00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:42.120
used to have copper pipes in its homes. It used

53
00:04:42.120 --> 00:04:46.240
to be the gold standard. They weren't just durable, They

54
00:04:46.480 --> 00:04:49.879
also infuse trace amounts of copper into our drinking water.

55
00:04:51.639 --> 00:04:55.160
People used to use copper cookwaar pretty commonly, and it

56
00:04:55.240 --> 00:04:58.560
was prized in kitchens for its even heating and subtle

57
00:04:58.639 --> 00:05:05.040
contribution of minerals. Traditional diets were once richer in copper

58
00:05:05.519 --> 00:05:10.800
thanks to organ meats, shellfish, nuts, seeds, and mineral rich soils.

59
00:05:12.240 --> 00:05:16.240
But in recent decades, copper pipes have been replaced with

60
00:05:16.399 --> 00:05:23.920
PVC or plastic nonstick pans replaced copper pots, industrial farming

61
00:05:24.040 --> 00:05:30.160
depleted the soils, and suddenly are daily copper exposure plummeted

62
00:05:31.439 --> 00:05:34.240
Doctor Artists. I don't know if you've ever heard of him,

63
00:05:34.319 --> 00:05:37.160
but he's amazing and I would recommend to check out

64
00:05:37.160 --> 00:05:40.600
his website. But he pointed this out in one of

65
00:05:40.639 --> 00:05:46.079
his talks. Quote we've systematically removed copper from our environment,

66
00:05:46.720 --> 00:05:51.839
and then we wonder why fatigue, anemia, and connective tissue

67
00:05:51.839 --> 00:05:57.680
problems are so widespread unquote Now in regard to the

68
00:05:57.720 --> 00:06:01.759
connective tissue and as far as the body is concerned,

69
00:06:02.759 --> 00:06:05.879
people oftentimes the ones who do the real deep dives

70
00:06:05.920 --> 00:06:11.160
about copper will supplement copper, saying that perhaps it can

71
00:06:11.199 --> 00:06:17.000
reduce the appearance and formation of the veins in their

72
00:06:17.079 --> 00:06:20.000
legs and stuff. So that's just one thing I thought

73
00:06:20.000 --> 00:06:23.160
i'd point out when I was doing My research that

74
00:06:23.199 --> 00:06:27.600
I came across is people will say that copper actually

75
00:06:27.639 --> 00:06:30.360
helps them. It helps with the veins in their legs

76
00:06:30.360 --> 00:06:34.319
and stuff. So that does make sense if it's helping

77
00:06:34.360 --> 00:06:40.480
with connective tissue problems. So there's so many health benefits

78
00:06:40.639 --> 00:06:45.639
to copper. So what actually happens when you restore copper too?

79
00:06:45.720 --> 00:06:50.399
It's healthy levels. Well, let's talk about it. Number one,

80
00:06:51.519 --> 00:06:57.439
improved iron absorption and anemia relief. Copper is needed to

81
00:06:57.600 --> 00:07:03.199
convert stored iron into usable hemoglobin, So supplementing with copper

82
00:07:03.360 --> 00:07:08.480
often helps people who don't respond to iron pills alone.

83
00:07:08.600 --> 00:07:11.959
Number Two, you might experience some boosted energy. Copper is

84
00:07:12.079 --> 00:07:16.079
essential for the mitochondrial enzymes. It literally helps your cells

85
00:07:16.120 --> 00:07:21.959
turn oxygen into usable energy. So here's an interesting quote

86
00:07:21.959 --> 00:07:24.920
by Dave Aspriy. He says this quote, if you want

87
00:07:24.959 --> 00:07:30.839
more energy, look at your mitochondria. And mitochondria need copper

88
00:07:31.279 --> 00:07:36.480
as much as they need co Q ten or magnesium unquote.

89
00:07:36.759 --> 00:07:44.040
Number three stronger connective tissue. Copper supports collagen and elastin formation,

90
00:07:45.279 --> 00:07:50.839
strengthening your skin, arteries, and joints. That's why copper deficiency

91
00:07:50.839 --> 00:07:55.920
can show up as sagging skin aneurysms. Or bone problems.

92
00:07:57.480 --> 00:08:03.680
Copper can help with sharp brain function. Copper helps produce

93
00:08:03.879 --> 00:08:09.399
dopamine and nora epinephrine. Low copper can lead to brain fog,

94
00:08:09.839 --> 00:08:16.160
mood disorders, and even neuro degenerative risks. Now think about

95
00:08:16.199 --> 00:08:20.000
that it helps produce dopamine, which means that it's possible

96
00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:25.680
some people who are having issues with depression could really

97
00:08:25.800 --> 00:08:31.000
just be deficient in copper. Copper also helps with your

98
00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:37.360
immune support. It has natural anti microbial properties. So why

99
00:08:37.360 --> 00:08:41.879
do you think hospitals use copper surfaces to reduce bacteria? Well,

100
00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:47.679
it also supports white blood cell function. Have you noticed

101
00:08:48.600 --> 00:08:51.799
people drinking more and more out of copper vessels lately?

102
00:08:51.960 --> 00:08:57.120
There's a lot of copper water traveling water containers out

103
00:08:57.120 --> 00:08:59.639
there for sale right now in different sizes all over.

104
00:09:00.200 --> 00:09:03.879
People are starting to show them on social media. Amazon

105
00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:07.639
has a ton of different sizes and styles of these vessels.

106
00:09:07.679 --> 00:09:12.600
Because it's starting to become known that we need our copper,

107
00:09:12.639 --> 00:09:16.440
that we're missing copper. And also, like it says here,

108
00:09:16.519 --> 00:09:21.639
the anti microbial properties of copper guarantee that if it's

109
00:09:21.720 --> 00:09:24.679
in that vessel long enough, some people believe in I

110
00:09:24.720 --> 00:09:27.200
believe in it. Leaving it in the copper vessel overnight

111
00:09:27.200 --> 00:09:29.720
and then drinking it the next morning, then you have

112
00:09:29.799 --> 00:09:35.320
all the benefits. It's also good for cardiovascular health. Balanced

113
00:09:35.320 --> 00:09:41.519
copper reduces LDL oxidation, it lowers cardiovascular risk, and supports

114
00:09:41.720 --> 00:09:46.960
flexible arteries. Doctor Barbara O'Neil, a beloved natural health educator,

115
00:09:47.000 --> 00:09:52.000
often reminds her audience as quote, copper is not optional.

116
00:09:52.519 --> 00:09:56.480
It's essential for blood, for energy, and for the resilience

117
00:09:56.480 --> 00:10:03.440
of the body. Most people are unknowingly running on empty.

118
00:10:03.600 --> 00:10:07.759
So here are some ways to supplement with copper and

119
00:10:07.919 --> 00:10:10.080
how do you How can you safely bring copper back

120
00:10:10.080 --> 00:10:13.159
into your daily life? Well, I talked about the copper vessels.

121
00:10:14.240 --> 00:10:19.480
This is an ancient aerovidic practice. Storing water overnight in

122
00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:23.440
a copper jug allows trace amounts of copper ions to

123
00:10:23.679 --> 00:10:27.600
leach into the water. Drinking this water in the morning

124
00:10:28.039 --> 00:10:34.039
provides a gentle, natural source of copper. Another way that

125
00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:38.720
you can supplement is through copper capsules. High quality supplements,

126
00:10:38.840 --> 00:10:43.679
usually in the form of copper, biz glycinate or gluconate,

127
00:10:44.519 --> 00:10:48.240
provide a measured dose. Most people need only one to

128
00:10:48.320 --> 00:10:53.279
three milligrams per day, depending on diet. Always pair copper

129
00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:58.120
with zinc for balance. Now, I will say this, as

130
00:10:58.159 --> 00:11:00.799
far as the capsules are concerned, I do have a

131
00:11:00.960 --> 00:11:05.879
three milligram capsule, and if I'm in my diet, if

132
00:11:05.919 --> 00:11:10.000
I'm incorporating, say something like an avocado, which is known

133
00:11:10.080 --> 00:11:15.840
to have copper in it, I will probably typically will

134
00:11:15.879 --> 00:11:19.080
skip that capsule and not take it, knowing that I'm

135
00:11:19.120 --> 00:11:22.519
already getting a source of copper in my diet. But

136
00:11:22.600 --> 00:11:26.480
not always. It's just something to think about. Maybe if

137
00:11:26.519 --> 00:11:29.159
you decide this is something that's for you and you

138
00:11:29.200 --> 00:11:30.759
want to make sure you don't get too much of

139
00:11:30.799 --> 00:11:34.600
it on a daily basis, take a peek, maybe google

140
00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:37.879
items that food items that have a lot of copper

141
00:11:37.919 --> 00:11:41.000
in them, and if you think that you are have

142
00:11:41.039 --> 00:11:42.799
a day where you're eating a lot of them, maybe

143
00:11:42.840 --> 00:11:47.360
just back off on that capsule. So some dietary sources

144
00:11:47.399 --> 00:11:51.600
we were just talking about, and avocado is one of them.

145
00:11:51.639 --> 00:11:57.600
But organ meats, especially liver shellfish like oysters, crab, and lobster,

146
00:11:57.759 --> 00:11:59.159
Now this isn't going to work for you if you're

147
00:11:59.159 --> 00:12:03.559
eating kosher. I personally don't eat shellfish anymore. I've seen

148
00:12:03.639 --> 00:12:07.360
too many things about the contaminants in the shellfish. But

149
00:12:07.600 --> 00:12:10.679
I did want to mention in case you're a shellfish eater,

150
00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:14.200
that you're going to be getting some copper if you're

151
00:12:14.240 --> 00:12:18.080
going to be eating those things. There's also copper found

152
00:12:18.120 --> 00:12:23.000
in seeds and nuts like sesame, sunflower, cashees, and almonds.

153
00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:26.200
And I will say this, I no longer eat sunflower

154
00:12:26.200 --> 00:12:31.039
seeds because the sunflower actually absorbs toxins from the soil.

155
00:12:31.960 --> 00:12:36.320
And I haven't seen anything yet to contradict this. I'm

156
00:12:36.360 --> 00:12:39.480
still kind of investigating it, but in the meanwhile, I'm

157
00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:41.919
just going to stay away from sunflower seeds because I

158
00:12:41.960 --> 00:12:43.559
don't want to take that chance. And there are too

159
00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:46.200
many other things that I could eat besides a sunflower seed.

160
00:12:46.840 --> 00:12:51.320
So another great dietary source is dark chocolate and legomes.

161
00:12:52.600 --> 00:12:56.200
So there are ways that you could supplement with your diet. Now,

162
00:12:56.639 --> 00:13:01.639
another easy way is copper cookware. So cooking acidic foods

163
00:13:01.639 --> 00:13:05.320
like tomato sauces in copper cookware can provide a small

164
00:13:05.399 --> 00:13:10.080
bit meaningful mineral contribution. So if you like to make

165
00:13:10.120 --> 00:13:13.720
homemade tomato sauce like I do, think about making it

166
00:13:13.799 --> 00:13:20.120
in some copper cookware when possible. Avoid plastic pipes and

167
00:13:20.159 --> 00:13:22.840
plastics in general, as they not only remove copper, but

168
00:13:22.960 --> 00:13:26.960
often add harmful chemicals. If you're lucky enough to be

169
00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:30.360
one of those people that loves old homes and you

170
00:13:30.600 --> 00:13:34.600
live in one, you might already have copper pipes in

171
00:13:34.639 --> 00:13:37.320
that home, so you definitely don't want to switch those

172
00:13:37.320 --> 00:13:42.600
copper pipes out. As far as plastics, well, some of

173
00:13:42.639 --> 00:13:45.559
us can't help it. We have plastic pipes and we

174
00:13:45.679 --> 00:13:47.960
can't afford to switch them out for copper pipes. I'm

175
00:13:48.000 --> 00:13:53.200
sure that's probably very expensive. I was watching a home builder.

176
00:13:53.399 --> 00:13:55.840
I can't remember the name of his company, but he

177
00:13:55.879 --> 00:13:59.480
does a lot of building for excessively wealthy people, for billionaires,

178
00:13:59.519 --> 00:14:04.039
and he was saying the consistent factor he's seen is

179
00:14:04.080 --> 00:14:07.759
that they all request copper piping in their new homes,

180
00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:11.960
so there's something to be said for that. So, of course,

181
00:14:12.000 --> 00:14:15.039
balance is the key. Too much copper can be toxic,

182
00:14:15.320 --> 00:14:18.639
and that's why it's important to get your levels tested.

183
00:14:18.639 --> 00:14:22.440
If you can aim for balance between copper and zinc,

184
00:14:22.759 --> 00:14:27.120
that's something to think about. Avoid synthetic forms of copper sulfate,

185
00:14:27.159 --> 00:14:31.279
which are harsh on the stomach. Doctor Berg, he says this,

186
00:14:31.639 --> 00:14:33.720
I just love doctor Burg. I don't know if you're

187
00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:36.039
familiar with him, but he's really well known for the

188
00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:39.440
Kido diet. But honestly, he's just a plethora of information.

189
00:14:39.600 --> 00:14:42.159
He's he talks about everything, and he's a really smart guy.

190
00:14:43.000 --> 00:14:46.559
So he says this quote, it's not about mega dosing,

191
00:14:46.759 --> 00:14:50.559
it's about restoring balance. In most cases, two milligrams of

192
00:14:50.639 --> 00:14:53.559
supplemental copper easy enough to make a huge difference. So

193
00:14:53.679 --> 00:14:57.279
already I'm probably taking too many with my three milligram capsules.

194
00:14:59.200 --> 00:15:01.679
So let's summarize what some of the leading voices are

195
00:15:01.720 --> 00:15:05.679
saying about the copper. Doctor Berg. He says copper is

196
00:15:05.720 --> 00:15:09.240
often the missing link in iron deficiency and focus on

197
00:15:09.320 --> 00:15:15.440
mineral rich foods and balanced supplementation. Dave Asprey, the famous biohacker,

198
00:15:16.080 --> 00:15:22.200
says copper is a mitochondrial cofactor. Without it, energy and

199
00:15:22.320 --> 00:15:25.600
performance suffer, and who can't use more energy these days?

200
00:15:26.080 --> 00:15:31.399
Gary Breca, my favorite human biologist, says copper is the

201
00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:37.039
spark plug of iron metabolism and critical for oxygen transport

202
00:15:37.159 --> 00:15:40.559
and energy. And Doctor Artists who a lot of people

203
00:15:40.600 --> 00:15:43.279
haven't heard of, but I suggest you get to know

204
00:15:43.399 --> 00:15:46.799
him because he's really, really a great source of information

205
00:15:46.879 --> 00:15:50.879
on health. He says, modern society removed copper from homes

206
00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:57.360
and diets, creating widespread deficiency, and doctor Barbara O'Neil she

207
00:15:57.480 --> 00:16:03.879
says copper is essential for blood energy and connective tissue. Baja, gold, salt,

208
00:16:04.039 --> 00:16:08.039
and mineral rich diets can help restore the balance. So

209
00:16:08.080 --> 00:16:12.480
here's a few practical tips for your daily life. How

210
00:16:12.519 --> 00:16:15.279
do you get started with copper? Well? Number one, you

211
00:16:15.279 --> 00:16:17.799
can drink a glass of water from a copper vessel

212
00:16:17.840 --> 00:16:22.279
each morning. That's pretty easy, right. Number two, you can

213
00:16:22.360 --> 00:16:26.960
incorporate copper rich foods like liver, oysters, nuts, seeds, and

214
00:16:27.159 --> 00:16:31.240
if you like avocados, there's another one. Three you can

215
00:16:31.279 --> 00:16:35.480
consider a low dose copper capsule, especially if you've struggled

216
00:16:35.480 --> 00:16:41.720
with anemia or fatigue. Four Remember now balance copper with zinc,

217
00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:46.080
aim for a ratio around one to ten copper to zinc.

218
00:16:47.240 --> 00:16:51.399
Number five, if possible, bring back some copper cookware or

219
00:16:51.519 --> 00:16:58.720
utensils into your kitchen. So pretty much, we've seen that

220
00:16:58.840 --> 00:17:03.240
for too long, copper has been forgotten and pushed aside

221
00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:07.960
while iron supplements and pharmaceuticals took the stage. But as

222
00:17:08.119 --> 00:17:11.519
natural health voices remind us, copper is the key that

223
00:17:11.720 --> 00:17:17.359
unlocks the iron energy and vitality. Bringing copper back into

224
00:17:17.440 --> 00:17:22.759
our daily lives through food vessels or mindful supplementation can

225
00:17:22.920 --> 00:17:27.039
restore what's been missing and help us to reclaim our energy, strength,

226
00:17:27.480 --> 00:17:31.319
and resilience. Thank you so much for joining me today

227
00:17:31.319 --> 00:17:34.960
on Chasing Eden Natural Health God's Way. I hope this

228
00:17:35.079 --> 00:17:38.759
episode has opened your eyes to the powerful, yet forgotten

229
00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:43.240
role of copper. Remember, health isn't about chasing fads, It's

230
00:17:43.279 --> 00:17:47.960
about restoring balance and honoring the wisdom of creation. If

231
00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:51.440
you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast

232
00:17:51.559 --> 00:17:54.720
so you never miss an update and for more resources,

233
00:17:54.920 --> 00:17:58.559
articles and natural health guides. Bid us visit us online

234
00:17:58.880 --> 00:18:04.000
at Chasing Eden. Until next time, stay curious, stay balanced,

235
00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:11.200
and keep chasing Eden. Mm hmm