Remove sources of exposure, including birth control pills, copper IUD's, contaminated water supplies and copper-rich diets.

Strict vegetarian diets are to be avoided, when possible, because of the high copper content of nuts, seeds, beans and grains. However, the copper-toxic individual may re-quire a vegetarian-type diet for a period of time until he is able to adequately digest and assimilate animal protein.

Junk-food diets contribute to copper im-balance because they are low in zinc, man-ganese and other essential elements which are required for optimal adrenal gland activ-ity. Deficiency of these nutrients therefore contributes to a detrimental buildup of excess copper.

Restore normal adrenal gland activity through nutrition and positive lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle. A reduction in stressful activity is advisable. Adequate rest, sleep and avoiding excessive exercise is beneficial.

Enhancing adrenal gland activity is aided by a tissue mineral analysis. This test pro-vides an indication of adrenal activity; trace mineral deficiencies and toxic metals which serve to interfere with normal adrenal activity.

Nutritional supplement programs to en-hance adrenal activity should include vitamin C and E, manganese, pantothenic acid and adrenal glandular substance. Specific dos-ages depend on individual cases.

A major goal of the nutritional supplement program is to balance the oxidation rate, which increases the body's adaptive energy thus allowing healing to take place. That is; internal stress on the body is removed by nu-tritional balancing, allowing the adrenal glands to return to more normal functioning.

Optimizing energy levels is essential to enable the body to eliminate toxic metals; in-cluding copper. This is best accomplished by balancing the oxidation rate as indicated on a hair analysis, using precise supplementation as indicated on the test.

Copper-lowering agents may be given, including mineral and vitamin antagonists, chelating agents and sequestrants. Specific nutrient antagonists and chelators are helpful depending on the individual's mineral bal-ance.

These include vitamin C, molybdenum,

sulfur, vitamin B6, manganese, zinc and oth-ers. These nutrients need to be given in a manner that contributes to balancing the overall body chemistry.

Copper-toxic individuals frequently have an aversion to eating protein, particularly red meat. It is important for such individuals to eat some protein at least twice a day, even if the quantity is small, otherwise progress is delayed. Strict vegetarian diets are not advis-able, but may be necessary for a period of time in severe cases.

Many copper-toxic individuals have an in-satiable craving for sweets, fruit and fruit juices. Such items should be limited as much as possible for optimal results. In many cases, a high carbohydrate diet is necessary until adrenal activity is increased.

Six months to several years may be re-quired to correct a copper imbalance, de-pending on the severity of the copper toxicity problem.

During the correction of a copper imbal-ance, copper elimination frequently causes transient symptoms including headache, skin rash, free-floating anxiety, insomnia, fatigue and a flare-up of chronic conditions related to a copper imbalance.

These reactions generally last a day or two and then subside. The supplement pro-gram may be temporarily reduced if a symp-tom becomes particularly annoying. These symptoms are indications of a healing proc-ess and should be welcomed!

Elimination of excess copper often is ac-companied by an increase in awareness. Not only may a person become aware of physical aches and pains, but also emotional conflicts may come into consciousness.

These reactions occur because many copper-toxic individuals are living in a low-ered state of awareness. An increase in awareness is a necessary part of the healing process. Although there may be some tempo-rary anxiety or pain, usually one feels much better after the process has been completed.