How Copper Improves Circulation
Can copper improve your blood circulation? Well, it depends on how you use it and what you’re using it for. On the most basic level, copper is a chemical element that’s naturally soft and flexible. Used as metal, copper can be found in cars, household appliances, computers, TVs, and other products. It was first discovered 10,000 years ago, around 9000 BC, but some argue that it was discovered much earlier.
Copper is typically combined with other metals to produce brasses and bronzes. It’s always been used as a material for currency, jewelry, and decorations. The Egyptians, for example, used copper to make agricultural tools, while the Andes in South America used copper to create religious items. Copper held a spiritual and religious significance throughout time. As time went on, it was discovered that copper also held a medical significance.
“The first recorded medical use of copper is found in the Smith Papyrus, one of the oldest books known. The Papyrus is an Egyptian medical text, written between 2600 and 2200 B.C., which records the use of copper to sterilize chest wounds and to sterilize drinking water,” according to Copper.org.
These antimicrobial properties are still widely considered today. Some hospitals, for example, use copper beds and surfaces to fight bacteria and viruses. According to a study published in 2020 in the Journal of Hospital Infection, copper treatments on commonly touched surfaces can reduce health acquired infections, but more publicly funded clinical trials need to be conducted in order for the evidence to be conclusive.
From anti-infection surfaces to sterilizing materials, learn more about copper and its healing properties below.
Dietary Copper For Circulation
“Dietary copper has long been known to be essential for cardiovascular homeostasis,” according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition. Copper helps the body absorb iron and other essential nutrients, which and regulates blood flow and circulation.
“The benefits of copper in improving blood circulation are numerous. Copper helps to reduce the risk of developing blood clots, which can lead to serious complications. Copper also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease. Copper has been shown to improve the efficiency of red blood cells, which can help to improve overall health,” Doctor Nathan Fisher, a Chiropractor at Achieve Health and Wellness, said.
Copper is found as a trace mineral in foods that are high in protein including meats, shellfish, nuts, and fish. Eating these foods contain a multitude of health benefits like the following:
- Copper helps enzymes produce energy
- Copper helps break down and absorb iron
- Copper helps build red blood cells (carries oxygen from our lungs to the rest of the body)
- Copper supports brain development
- Copper supports the immune system
Without copper or too much copper in one’s diet can lead to poor health. A copper deficiency can result in anemia, low blood temperature, bone issues, and other problems. If you’re not getting enough copper, this can be treated with copper supplements or changing your diet.
Too much copper on a daily basis can cause abdominal pain, liver damage, and other issues. To get rid of extra copper, your doctor may prescribe medicine or supplements depending on the severity of your case. Some people have what’s called Wilson’s Disease, which a genetic disorder that produces too much copper that causes copper to accumulate in your vital organs.
Since we’re talking about copper as an essential trace element, it goes without saying that ingesting copper as metal (ex: pennies, wires) is not safe.
The average copper level in the blood is 62 to 140 micrograms per deciliter
Copper For Sterilizing Surfaces
As we mentioned earlier, some hospitals use copper-based coating on their beds and other surfaces to rid of infections and viruses. Because of copper’s natural antimicrobial properties, it kills bacteria and pathogens that are typically found in hospitals.
In 2021, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced that certain copper alloys provide long-term effectiveness against viruses. They also confirmed that other widely used surfaces like doorknobs and handrails can also use copper for its anti-virus elements.
Since this copper is strictly for sterilization purposes, it doesn’t directl help with blood circulation the way ingested dietary copper does.
Copper-Infused Compression Gear
Like surfaces, copper is used in compression gear for its antibacterial function. Compression gear helps improve blood flow and circulation, in addition to decreasing joint pain and soreness. Whether you’re wearing copper compression socks, sleeves, or braces, this type of gear squeezes your affected body parts in place and allows blood to freely move around your body. Without compression, your blood can build up pressure that has nowhere to go. Compression products help your body recover, heal, and enjoy life again.
In copper compression products, the compression acts as arteries and veins carrying blood to your heart and throughout your body. It can prevent thrombosis and decrease swelling from varicose veins. The copper material absorbs heat, which can increase blood flow. When your body is warm, it can raise your body temperature, which in turn boosts poor circulation. NASA and those in the army have used copper clothing as a natural thermal property for warmth.
Copper’s its antibacterial and anti-odor properties also allow the compression to work in full effect. Compressions can get sweaty with skin to material contact. When you’re recovering from a injury or condition, the last thing you want is for your affected body part to get infected or smelly.
Copper Bracelets
Magnetic copper bracelets may help with arthritis joint pain and poor circulation, but there haven’t been any substantiated studies to prove it. According to Arthritis.org, magnetic wrist straps and copper bracelets don’t work on arthritis pain or stiffness. People assume the copper will leach into one’s skin to relieve joint pain if someone is deficient in copper. These theories have been debunked.
Before you try to incorporate more copper into your diet or wardrobe, you can consult with a healthcare provider to learn more or check out coppercompression.com to shop our products.
