Copper is an essential mineral that helps the body perform necessary functions, such as processing cholesterol and forming red blood cells, bones, and other tissues. However, people with Wilson’s disease have excessive levels of copper in their body, which means they must avoid food containing the mineral to mitigate symptoms.
With Wilson’s disease, increased copper levels in the body primarily affect the liver and the brain, but it can also impact the eyes, bones, heart, and kidneys. To manage the condition, doctors prescribe copper chelating agents, which are medications that bind to copper to allow it to be flushed from the body.
Copper can be found in many of the foods you eat, so people with Wilson’s disease are cautioned to eliminate high copper foods from their diet. The following foods are known for containing high levels of copper:
Your doctor can provide a comprehensive list of items to remove from your diet. Additionally, people with Wilson’s disease must be vigilant about copper levels in their tap water in the event that their homes have copper pipes.
Wilson’s disease can cause some very serious health effects, but it is possible to manage the condition with medication and lifestyle changes. You will also need to visit your doctor regularly to monitor copper levels in your body. With these steps, it is usually possible to prevent the more serious effects of Wilson’s disease.