How Does Copper Jewellery Work?

Copper is a naturally occurring essential mineral found in both nature and the human body. Humans have recognized and utilized the benefits of copper since as far back as 8,000 B.C.

Copper Reduces Inflammation

Studies have shown that a deficiency in copper can lead to increased inflammation. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, copper has been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties since the Renaissance, where it was used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

For individuals suffering from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed. These medications help reduce inflammation, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to reduce inflammation naturally, without relying on medication? Copper offers this potential.

What Are the Other Benefits of Wearing Copper?

Copper is widely used for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. The oxidation process that occurs when wearing copper jewelry may cause your skin to turn green. This is a natural reaction and part of how copper works, as enzymes from the oxidation process are absorbed into your skin and enter your bloodstream.

Our bodies naturally contain between 1.4 and 2.1 mg of copper per kilogram of body weight. If levels drop below this range, copper deficiency can occur, leading to imbalances in the body. Modern diets, particularly in Western countries, often lack sufficient copper due to the widespread consumption of processed foods. Foods naturally high in copper, such as beef liver and shellfish, are rarely consumed in Western diets. In the EU and UK, half of the adult population consumes less than the daily recommended amount of copper (1). This figure is even lower in Canada and the USA, where at least a quarter of the population is deficient.

Health Risks of Copper Deficiency

A deficiency in copper can have serious health consequences, including:

  • Increased risk of heart disease (2)
  • Elevated cholesterol (3)
  • High blood pressure (4)
  • Increased inflammation
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Hepatic iron overload
  • Alzheimer’s disease (5)
  • Osteoporosis (6)

Copper Can Improve Immune Function

Copper has been used for over 4,000 years as an immune booster. As early as 2200 B.C., it was utilized to purify water and heal wounds due to its antibacterial properties. Copper kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, making it an effective tool for supporting immune health.

In recent years, copper has been explored as a means to combat the spread of COVID-19. Studies have shown that copper-coated surfaces can reduce the spread of the virus by up to 96% (7). Copper deficiency, on the other hand, can lead to neutropenia—a condition characterized by a lack of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections. Research has linked copper deficiency to an increased susceptibility to infections (8).

Why Copper Jewellery?

Copper jewellery is highly valued for its scientific connection to biochemistry and its potential as an adjuvant therapy. It offers a natural, wearable way to supplement copper levels in the body, particularly for individuals who may struggle with dietary copper or supplements.

Why Choose Copper Jewellery Over Supplements?

Copper bracelets are preferred by some over dietary copper or supplements for several reasons:

  • Gastrointestinal disorders may disrupt copper absorption.
  • Certain foods, such as soy products, can interfere with copper absorption.
  • Chronic inflammation reduces the body’s ability to absorb copper.
  • Some oral copper compounds can cause nausea and vomiting.
  • Regional dietary differences often result in low copper consumption.

By wearing copper jewellery that also contains neodymium magnets (3000 gauss each), individuals can bypass these challenges and benefit from the combined therapeutic effects of copper and magnets.

References

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2782734/
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12492401/
(3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1295842/
(4) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10801948/
(5) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16448634/
(6) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12492401/
(7) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7296419/
(8) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12492401/