I'm looking into getting an IUD and trying to choose between hormonal and copper. Copper is waaaaay more cost effective. Does anyone know of any negative connections between copper and Lyme?
Thanks!
Posts: 41 | From Toronto, formerly of CT | Registered: Apr 2003
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heiwalove
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i would worry about heavy metal exposure.. ?
Marnie
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Would be good to know where your mineral levels are at...all of them. Doctor's Data can run them. It is done thru a urine sample, but requires a doctor's order and you have to pay (insurances will only cover "lead").
Meanwhile...to be on the "safe" side...
Consider condoms along with spermicidial foams?
I know...not as effective, but used together (he and she) might improve the % of protection.
Meanwhile...click on below and use your "edit" key to find the word, copper.
[ 29. March 2007, 05:53 AM: Message edited by: Marnie ]
Posts: 9424 | From Sunshine State | Registered: Mar 2001
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clairenotes
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Marnie -- the link is not pulling up. I think you might have been trying to access this article?
An excerpt from Dr. K's article 'A Look Beyond Anti-biotics,' where there is a discussion about some positive benefits of copper and the possibility that copper might be low in some of us with lyme disease:
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The Mineral Issue
...Amazingly, the most depleted minerals in our Lyme patients are often copper, magnesium, manganese ( in Lyme) and iron (in Babesiosis). Bb and Bartonella need magnesium to duplicate and deplete the host's body rapidly. Copper and iron have all but disappeared from most of our supplements based on faulty interpretation of hair analysis. The immune system uses those 2 metals in the process of phagocytosis. They are the main constituent of the enzymes (or ``bullets'') the immune cells use in the battle against the invaders.
Oxidized used-up iron and copper get displaced into the extracellular compartment and body fluids and appears in the hair and skin, as the body's most efficient way of excreting toxins without hurting the kidneys. This has led to the dangerous and in its consequence catastrophic assumption, that these metals are the enemy and need to be restricted. It is true, that oxidized metals pose a danger and have to be reduced (=substitution of electrons) or eliminated. However, when copper and iron are needed and substituted appropriately, major improvements have been observed. Appropriate antioxidant treatment can reduce these metals. Homeopathic copper and iron will lead to beneficial redistribution of these metals and makes them bio-available again.
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I have read that some elderly people wear copper bracelets to help absorb needed copper.
I am taking homeopathic doses of copper and am finding a clear shift upward in health.
But copper can be harmful if we have too much (even carcinogenic). It IS important to check mineral levels.
So it could depend on mineral levels... but still, it would be important to discuss this with a professional. And there may be other reasons against using an IUD. I like the condom idea, but definitely not as convenient.
Claire
Posts: 1111 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2006
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Thanks guys. Condoms are a no-go... the reason I am looking into this is that I am on the pill right now but we have to use backup due to all the abx I am taking so it is a pointless waste of money.
I've spoken to a doctor about all the other stuff related to an IUD, I just wanted to explore the Lyme related part. The stuff I'm seeing doesn't show any conflicts between copper and Lyme. Ahhh...decisions, decisions...
Posts: 41 | From Toronto, formerly of CT | Registered: Apr 2003
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GiGi
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I don't think it has anything to do with mineral balance.
"Metals" do not belong in the body and I would avoid it, especially with a disease that taxes the Autonomic Nervous System as Lyme does. Having learned and still learning what foreign matter can do in the body, I would not put it in my body for any reason.
I also would not use the pill either and never did when it was a factor in our lives. Not that it means much, but if I were to ask Dr. K. this, I am sure he would give me the same answer.
Take care.
Take care.
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Marnie
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Corrected link above. When the website is pulled up, use the "binoculars" to find "copper" statements with re: to lyme.
Little confusion about the terms: metal and mineral...
Magnesium A malleable and ductile silvery white metal that is used in alloys.
To SEE the HUGE number of metals in the periodic table of elements:
An inorganic element, such as calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, or zinc, that is essential to the nutrition of humans, animals, and plants.
The above elements happen to be metals too. Zinc is another metal-mineral.
There are 35 metals that concern us because of occupational or residential exposure;
23 of these are the heavy elements or "heavy metals": antimony, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, cerium, chromium, cobalt, copper, gallium, gold, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, platinum, silver, tellurium, thallium, tin, uranium, vanadium, and zinc (Glanze 1996).
Interestingly, small amounts of these elements are common in our environment and diet and are actually necessary for good health , but large amounts of any of them may cause acute or chronic toxicity (poisoning).
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