I was reading on another forum about excess copper and symptoms associated with it and did some reading and came across this website:
http://overcomingcandida.com/autism_copperheads.htm


'At one laboratory, it is reported that more than 50% of all hair samples show a copper imbalance. This copper is unbound with protein (ceruloplasmin), and thus, unavailable for normal uses, including its use as an antifungal to fight candida. In one long-term study, the U.S. Army found that the immunized group had depressed serum iron and elevated serum copper. These “Copperheads” have very active minds, but the excess copper causes GI disturbances, impaired protein metabolism—causing a weakness of protein structures by interfering with the cross linking process (one effect being breakage or leakage of capillaries which may cause small strokes, and/or a dangerous aneurysm in vein or artery), salivation, acne, a metallic taste, dizziness, headache—including migraine, loss of appetite (underweight), no desire for the zinc of red meat (yet an inordinate desire for chocolate, avocados, soy, or carob that are very high in copper), anxiety, various female difficulties, severe fatigue—even after adequate rest, detachment from reality termed spaciness, alternating moods, panic, fearfulness, schizophrenia, phobias, and weakness. Excess copper also raises sodium and lowers potassium and manganese tissue levels. Excess copper, by displacing zinc and manganese, is often associated with pancreatic dysfunction. Pro-oxidant copper ions affect glutathione distribution in several ways. Jaundice and high bilirubin levels are signs of copper toxicity, as is earaches and ear infections.'

'The principal reason for copper toxicity is adrenal insufficiency (in 70 to 80%) resulting largely from stress, leading to a deficiency of zinc, sodium, manganese, pantothenic acid (PABA), inositol, Folic acid, rutin, and vitamins A, B1, B6, C, and E. This adrenal insufficiency prevents synthesis of ceruloplasmin, necessary to utilization of copper. Additionally, lead and mercury interfere with the synthesis of ceruloplasmin or ferritin, contributing to copper toxicity. When unbound with ceruloplasmin, copper begins to accumulate in tissues and organs. The adrenals are strengthened, and copper absorption and utilization are increased by supplementing adrenal glandular, molybdenum, iron, sulfur, folic acid, niacin, inositol, choline, and the above listed nutrients, including extra biotin and PABA. Significantly elevated moly is unusual, and some toxic effects are due to displacement of copper or inactivation of copper enzymes. Copper deficiency predisposes to moly excess. If suffering from high copper levels, avoid high copper foods soy, avocado, chocolate, nuts, and seeds, and all things that raise copper tissue levels such as birth control pills, Antibiotics , and foods with high content of phytoestrogens (soy and flax). Some children do a lot more stimming when using soy. Unfortunately, copper sulfate is added to some city water supplies, and to swimming pools, as a fungicide.'

'Copper toxicity is associated with symptoms of mind racing (commonly seen in ADHD) due to enhanced activity of the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin resulting in inability to stop thoughts. Common problems will be loss of appetite, failure to eat protein, failure to thrive, insomnia, getting up in the middle of the night jumping and stimulating the metabolism, and headache. This constant, self-stimulation is to enhance the metabolic rate by stimulating the burned-out adrenals. They are tired, and yet will compulsively do anything to stimulate the adrenals and make themselves feel more normal. This “stimming” raises the blood sugar, and may allow them to get back to sleep eventually. This activity further drains the adrenals, however, leading to complete adrenal exhaustion unless something is done to support the adrenals. Copper and mercury being elevated usually means not enough bile and glutathione are being made by the liver. This can sometimes be improved by taking milk thistle extract, taurine, and glycine.'

'Excess copper depletes zinc and vitamins B6 and C, and zinc deficiency results in impaired absorption of folic acid. The best way to overcome copper toxicity is to rebuild the adrenals, and to supplement significantly vitamins B6 and C, and zinc. Large amounts of these will excrete the copper. Unless tests show the copper to be extremely high, our purpose is not so much to excrete it, but to make it bio-available so the body can use it rather than store it. Attempts to reduce copper levels will likely precipitate a copper dump, and a flare up of symptoms, including depression. '


And this from
http://www.colonhealthinfo.com/problems/candida.htm


'Another effective way to combat candida is using zinc therapy. Candida is killed by metallothionein (MT) proteins which are normally in high concentration in intestinal mucosa. MT is induced by zinc. Many persons with candida are low zinc and low MT persons. They usually exhibit low zinc in plasma, serum, or packed cells, but high zinc in hair. You can expect chronic candida problems until zinc is normalized. In a sense, zinc can be an effective weapon in your anti-candida arsenal. Typical anti-candida therapies (including dietary restrictions) can manage the problem for a while....... Maintenance supplementation with zinc (after these interventions) can permanently fix the problem, in many cases, without the need to continue dietary vigilance.'


I have been taking about 25mg of zinc for just over a week to improve my digestion and hopefully alleviate pms, since excess copper is also associated with that symptom.