Missing "Lucky Penny" Mineral Harms Your Heart
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 3, 2023
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Some nutrients get all the glory. There are the vitamin A-Listers like C, D, and E.
And although minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium might be considered B-List stars, they ALSO get their fair share of attention.
But one vital nutrient never gets to walk the red carpet. And that lack of buzz means this mineral often gets overlooked.
So I’m not too surprised to learn that 25 percent of Americans are running short on this heart and bone hero.
Back in 1983, copper nearly disappeared from our pennies. These days they’re almost entirely zinc with a thin copper coating.
But there’s ANOTHER place copper has turned up missing. Many Americans are running low in copper TOO.
And those low levels could be a problem. Because while most folks couldn’t tell you what copper is even good for, it’s ESSENTIAL for our continued good health.
Copper is necessary for:
- energy production
- immune system maintenance
- energy production
- building healthy nerves
- improving brain function
- making red blood cells
But the benefits of this powerful mineral don’t end there. Not by a LONG shot.
Research links low levels to higher heart disease risk, elevated cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Copper is also necessary for bone-mineral production. Plus, those same bones RELY on the mineral to produce the connective tissues in your body that they’re built on.
It’s essential to top up your levels daily. You can do that by eating more of the right foods, including shellfish, nuts, beans, organ meats (like liver and kidneys), dark leafy greens, dark chocolate, potatoes, and shiitake mushrooms.
And keep in mind that if you’ve had weight loss surgery or have digestive issues such as IBS or celiac, your copper needs increase.
P.S. Around 80 percent of Americans DON’T eat enough servings of fruits and vegetables daily. But that’s not the only reason you may need to supplement your diet with a multivitamin. CLICK HERE to learn more.
SOURCE:
“Is the Western diet adequate in copper?,” Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Volume 25, Issue 4, December 2011, Pages 204-212, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2011.08.146
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...
“Canary in the Coal Mine” Test Sniffs Out Brain Issues Early
One of the most common questions I get is how to tell if you’re starting to experience cognitive decline. I get it—losing your memory is scary, especially when it sneaks up on you. But here’s some exciting news that might put your mind at ease. A fascinating new study suggests that your nose might be...
BEAT Stubborn Leg Swelling Without Dangerous Diuretics
“I need help with edema.” —Swollen Hi Swollen, When patients complain of edema—fluid retention that causes feet, ankles, and legs to swell—I explain that, while conventional medicine immediately prescribes diuretic drugs, nature offers us effective solutions we can try first. I’ll share those in just a moment, but first, let’s take a quick look at...