Wilson's disease is a rare inherited disorder that affects approximately 1 in 30,000 persons
worldwide. In persons with Wilson's disease, the body is unable to metabolize the trace element copper as it should, with the result that excess copper accumulates in the brain, kidneys, liver, and
the corneas of the eyes. This causes organ damage and other complications, including neurological
problems and psychotic behavior. Untreated, Wilson's disease leads to brain damage, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, and, ultimately, death. Fortunately, early detection and treatment of the disease can minimize the symptoms and complications and possibly even prevent them altogether. Symptoms of Wilson's disease may include bloody vomit; difficulty speaking, swallowing, and/or walking; drooling; an enlarged spleen; jaundice; loss of appetite; loss of coordination;
progressive fatigue and / or
weakness; progressive intellectual impairment;
psychological deterioration manifested as personality changes and/or
bizarre behavior; rigidity, spasms, or tremors of the muscles; swelling
and/or fluid accumulation in the abdomen; and unexplained weight loss.
Sometimes the first sign is the development of a pigmented ring, known as a Kayser-Fleischer ring, at
the outer margin of the cornea, which may be detected during a routine eye examination. In the advanced
stages of the disease, symptoms due to chronic active hepatitis or cirrhosis may appear, menstrual cycles
may cease, and an individual may experience chest pains, heart palpitations, lightheadedness, pallor, and
shortness of breath as a result of exertion.
Although persons with Wilson's disease are born with the disorder, symptoms are rarely seen before the
age of six and most often do not appear until adolescence or even later. However, to prevent
complications, treatment is required whether symptoms have appeared or not. Diagnosis is usually based
on a study of individual and family medical history plus blood tests to determine levels of
ceruloplasm (a copper-carrying protein in the blood) and to check for anemia, plus a urine test to reveal elevated levels
of copper in the urine. A liver biopsy to evaluate the amount of copper in liver tissue may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
Magnesium |
8 |
low intake of magnesium has been linked to
the disease and many related problems. A good source of
magnesium is a quality multi-vitamin mineral supplement,
especially one with calcium and zinc. |
Calcium |
7 |
this mineral works with
magnesium to prevent muscle spasms |
Omega fatty
acids |
9 |
important for brain
function, healthy nerve
function, reducing blood pressure, increasing blood
circulation, and to prevent heart and cardiovascular disease.
Omega fatty acids are found in fish oil, flax seed, and borage seed. |
vitamin C |
10 |
vitamin C aids people with wilson's
disease by improving adrenal function. |
Multi-vitamin
and Mineral supplement |
10 |
vitamin B complex, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E all serve to
help with wilson's disease and reduce its effects. This type of
supplement provides nutrients daily that are required for
general good health and well being. |
vitamin B
complex |
8 |
they offer protection for the liver
and are needed for proper brain function. This family of
vitamins aids with stress, depression,
and overall nervous system health. |
vitamin E |
8 |
provides healing and helps to
prevent cell damage |
Zinc |
8 |
decreases copper levels and
strengthens the body's immune system |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|