Morley Robbins, creator and founder of The Root Cause Protocol and the Magnesium Advocacy Group, dives deep into the unique benefits of magnesium, copper, and iron. They discuss the impact of magnesium on stress, the effects of copper deficiency, how to test for and regulate magnesium, the iron and copper relationship, anemia and iron deficiency, and recap supplementation requirements.
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Quick takeaways
Copper deficiency is linked to chronic illnesses and can be influenced by factors like diet and glyphosate exposure.
Sourcing high-quality copper-rich foods and supporting regenerative farming practices are crucial for maintaining adequate copper levels.
Testing for copper and magnesium deficiency poses challenges, but measuring ceruloplasmin, uric acid, and red blood cell magnesium levels can provide insights into the status of these minerals.
Deep dives
The Relationship Between Copper, Magnesium, and Iron
Copper, magnesium, and iron are interdependent in the body and play a crucial role in regulating oxidative stress levels. Copper deficiency is linked to many chronic illnesses and is affected by factors like glyphosate, nutrient-poor soils, and a high-fructose diet. Magnesium, an essential mineral, is crucial for enzyme function and is affected by stress and iron levels. Iron and oxygen regulation are regulated by copper, with imbalances leading to heightened oxidative stress. Metabolic syndrome and hormone dysregulation can be linked to copper deficiency. Testing for copper deficiency is challenging due to the lack of FDA-approved tests.
The Importance of Copper in the Body
Copper is a vital mineral in the body with roles in energy production, collagen formation, melanin production, and hormone regulation. Copper deficiency is a significant concern globally, with glyphosate, high-fructose diets, and antibiotics contributing to copper depletion. The ideal copper levels in the body vary, but a deficiency can lead to various physiological dysfunctions. It's crucial to focus on sourcing high-quality copper-rich foods like liver and prioritize regenerative farming practices to ensure bioavailable copper in the diet.
Testing Copper and Magnesium Levels
Measuring copper and magnesium levels can be challenging due to limited FDA-approved tests. Serum copper and ceruloplasmin can provide some insights into copper status, but they do not measure copper enzyme activity. Assessing uric acid levels and using the ceruloplasmin-to-uric acid ratio can also provide indications of copper and oxidative stress status. Red blood cell magnesium levels can be measured and targeted, but magnesium absorption can be inhibited by iron levels in the body. Transdermal magnesium absorption, through sprays or soaking in magnesium-rich waters, can also be effective in increasing magnesium levels.
Sources of Magnesium and Considerations
Magnesium can be obtained from various sources, including magnesium-rich water, green foods, supplements, and transdermal applications like magnesium oil or Epsom salt. Meat and organ meats can also provide magnesium, especially when sourced from regenerative farms. While magnesium bioavailability can be influenced by oxalates and phytic acid in certain foods, maintaining a balanced diet with key magnesium sources can help meet recommended intake. Consideration should be given to the quality and bioavailability of magnesium sources, as well as potential contaminants or excipients in supplements.
The Importance of Magnesium and Iron in the Body
Magnesium and iron play crucial roles in the human body. Magnesium deficiency is prevalent and can lead to various health issues, including fatigue, muscle cramps, and sleep disturbances. To ensure an adequate intake of magnesium, a recommended dosage is around 5 milligrams per pound of body weight. In addition to dietary sources, such as orange juice, coconut water, and meat, topical magnesium sprays can supplement magnesium levels. Iron metabolism is closely intertwined with copper metabolism. Copper is necessary for the proper functioning of ferritin, a storage protein for iron. Insufficient copper levels can hinder the release of iron from ferritin, leading to iron overload. Evaluating iron status involves assessing markers such as ferritin, serum iron, and transferrin saturation. Understanding the connection between copper and iron is crucial for maintaining optimal health.
The Significance of Copper in Iron Metabolism
Historically, our ancestors consumed higher levels of copper, averaging around 4-6 milligrams per day. However, modern dietary guidelines suggest less than one milligram of copper intake daily. This deficiency could lead to an imbalance in copper-iron metabolism. Copper is essential for the proper functioning of copper pumps and regulating iron levels. Copper enables iron to attach to transferin and reach the bone marrow for red blood cell production. Inadequate copper levels can lead to anemia and impaired iron recycling, affecting individuals' energy levels. Daily copper supplementation, preferably through copper-rich foods like liver or supplements, is recommended. Copper and iron metabolism should be considered together for comprehensive health evaluations.
This week, Paul talks for Morley Robbins, creator and founder of The Root Cause Protocol and the Magnesium Advocacy Group, self-taught mineral expert, and author of [Cu]re Your Fatigue: The Root Cause and How to Fix It on Your Own. Paul and Morley do a deep dive into Magnesium, Copper and Iron and how deficiencies of these minerals may be linked to chronic disease.
