Homeopathy & Zinc

and why it can be unwise to supplement ...

May 12, 2024

Stress is a normal response to stimulus – and can be external i.e., nervousness in new social situations or internal i.e., oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is cellular, system wide inflammation which impairs our defensive antioxidant systems and drives disease.1 There is a link here with excess iron, particularly in the brain, where anti-oxidative defences are relatively low.2

Copper may enhance release of excess iron from stores. Copper depletion is seen in iron-loading disorders, such as hereditary hemochromatosis, and may be caused by high-dose iron supplements particularly in pregnancy when widely recommended.3

Supplementary zinc when not required will deplete our copper stores.4 As, according to Dr. Sara Pugh ‘‘too much zinc disrupts copper levels, and ceruloplasmin (master “multi-copper protein) which further dysregulates iron…’’5 (This Leland Stillman, MD podcast could be a helpful listen.6)

Dr. Lawrence Wilson calls zinc and copper the twins as they are both synergistic (involved in the stress response and regulation of of macrominerals, sexual and reproductive energy, emotional and brain activity, maintenance of connective tissues, and of the immune response) and also antagonistic7 for example, an overlooked contributor to fatigue is disruption to the copper-zinc ratio that follows excessive consumption of only plant-based foods i.e., veganism. The result is often toxic accumulation of copper in tissues and critical depletion of zinc through excretion.8

Foods naturally high in copper are oysters, liver, and dark chocolate. Stress is an important cause of copper imbalance because adrenal function affects the copper transport proteins ceruplasmin and possibly metallothionein.9

The body has an intricate system of checks and balances which operate through the mineral levels and ratios. If you are deficient in one mineral, another mineral accumulates and can become excessive. For example, when sodium and potassium levels go down, calcium and magnesium rise. When copper drops, iron increases. If zinc rises, copper goes down. If iron rises, chromium goes up. There is a constant and complex dance of minerals going on in the body, and the body very specifically retains and releases minerals in order to control certain body functions.10

Do you really, really, really need that supplement?

Is it possible that you are doing yourself more harm than good?

Another example here is taking vit D in isolation will deplete vit A…

The BEST source of both fat soluble vit A & D is cod liver oil - not a supplement but a whole food!11

(As an interesting aside here, Britain and Iceland almost warred over cod.1213)

Zincum metallicum – the homeopathic remedy

Dr. Roger Morrison writes ‘tremendous excitation of the nervous system, great mental activity, abnormal / involuntary movements, twitches, and convulsions are characteristic of this over-stimulated state are often followed by collapse - mental dullness, dissatisfaction, and depression. The complaining tendency of this remedy is similar to but more intense than that seen in Calcarea phosphorica!’14

Dr. Boericke wrote ‘The provings picture cerebral depression. The word “fag” covers a large part of zinc action. Tissues are worn out faster than they are repaired. Poisoning from suppressed eruptions or discharges. The nervous symptoms of most importance. Defective vitality. Impending brain paralysis. PERIOD OF DEPRESSION IN DISEASE. Spinal affections. Twitchings. Pain, as if between skin and flesh. Great relief from discharges. Chorea, from fright or suppressed eruption. CONVULSIONS, WITH PALE FACE AND NO HEAT. Marked anaemia with profound prostration. It causes a decrease in the number, and destruction of red blood corpuscles. Repercussed eruptive diseases. In chronic diseases with brain and spinal symptoms, trembling, convulsive twitching and fidgety feet are guiding symptoms.’15

Research - Zincum metallicum & homeopathic dilutions

Physicochemical Properties of Zinc and Lactose in Solid Mixtures: Influence of Trituration Process

‘aims to evaluate the physicochemical properties of metallic zinc and lactose, evidencing the interactions between all chemical components presented in dynamized solid mixtures by analytical techniques.’16

Silicea terra and Zincum metallicum Modulate the Activity of Macrophages Challenged with BCG In Vitro

concluded ‘Sil and Zinc presented different patterns of potency-dependent effect on macrophage activity. Bacterial digestion and a balanced IL-6/IL-10 production were related to Sil 6cH, though reduced oxidative stress with increased lysosomal activity was related to Sil 200cH. Degenerative effects were exclusively related to Sil 30cH, and potency-dependent phagocytosis was related only to Zinc.’17

Dilution-Induced Physico-Chemical Changes of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Due to Homeopathic Preparation Steps of Trituration and Succussion

‘We subjected cupric oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) to the homeopathic processes of trituration and succussion, followed by dilution up to 6 cH. Particle image velocimetry was employed to analyze the fluid motion during succussion and its effect on the NPs. The resulting microstructural and chemical changes at different dilution steps were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy.’18

Differential effects of Zincum metallicum on cell models

'concluded ‘Differing responses and non-linearity were found on macrophages challenged with Zincum metallicum at high dilutions. No changes in melanoma cells were observed. Customized assays using target cells can be useful to investigate high-dilution effects. Other cell types and conditions should be explored.’19

Structural and thermal analyses of zinc and lactose in homeopathic triturated systems

‘A series of different experimental approaches was applied in Zincum metallicum (Zinc met.) samples and lactose controls. Experiments were designed to elucidate the effect of zinc trituration and dynamization on physicochemical properties of homeopathic formulations, using lactose as excipient.’20

Zincum metallicum research: an international scientific collaboration in homeopathy

‘…It was with this vision that we have organized, since 2012, a multicenter project on Zincum metallicum. This project included the participation of six different universities, researchers from Brazil and Italy, and included studies on the action of Zincum metallicum in macrophage activity, in infection caused by parasitic agents and in animal behavior. In parallel, an in-depth study on the physicochemical properties of this remedy was also carried out. To compare the results consistently, all participants used drugs obtained from the same batch, manufactured in the pharmacy school of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The results, so far, have been the subject of debate in recent GIRI meetings, up to getting a final complete format. This special issue shows the main results obtained from this initiative.’21

A clinical history of Zincum metallicum: homeopathic pathogenetic trials and case reports

‘In the present study, we investigated the experimental basis for the indications of homeopathic drug Zincum metallicum. The current body of knowledge about Zinc met has a core composed of pathogenetic and clinical data collected in the 19th century surrounded by layers of clinical observations reported over time. In the description, we prioritized poorly known sources, especially the ones that were never translated from the original German. We also performed quantitative and statistical analysis of repertory data. Through a literature survey and a call to practicing homeopathic doctors from many countries, we were able to put together a relevant case-series that represents homeopathic indications of Zinc.’22

In vitro effects of Zinc in soluble and homeopathic formulations on macrophages and astrocytes

‘Zincum metallicum did not cause toxicity in any cell type and showed some small stimulation in WST assay that was statistically significant in a few experimental conditions.’23

Polycrystalline structures formed in evaporating droplets as a parameter to test the action of Zincum metallicum 30c in a wheat seed model

‘Polycrystalline structures formed inside evaporating droplets of different biological fluids have been shown sensitive towards various influences, including ultra high dilutions (UHDs), representing so a new approach potentially useful for basic research in homeopathy. In the present study we tested on a wheat seed model Zincum metallicum 30c efficacy versus lactose 30c and water.’24

[On the stability of homoeopathic dilutions in glass and plastic containers (author's transl)]

‘Adsorption of traces of gold, iron, zinc and mercury, labelled with 195Au, 59Fe, 65ZN, 203Hg, was studied in dependence on time as well as on the container-material and composition of the solution. With exception of the zinc-solutions in all other solutions a considerable decrease was ascertained. Acid- or silicone-treatment of the surfaces shortly cause altered adsorption properties, but cannot prevent a sorption. From the different adsorption behaviour of the investigated elements one can conclude that the different affinity and adhesive power of the ions must be referred to their different chemical and physical properties.’25

‘In contrast to frequent claims, the available Meta Analyses of homoeopathy in placebo-controlled randomised trials for any indication show significant positive effects beyond placebo. Compared to other medical interventions, the quality of evidence for efficacy of homoeopathy was similar or higher than for 90% of interventions across medicine. Accordingly, the efficacy evidence from placebo-controlled randomised trials provides no justification for regulatory or political actions against homoeopathy in health-care systems.’26

Dear reader, I have a small favour to ask of you please... If you find value in this work please take a few seconds to give a ‘like’ or ‘share’ or a few minutes to leave a comment. I always love to know your thoughts. Thanks!

Attiq et al., 2024. Hegemony of inflammation in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Eur J Pharmacol. Mar 5;966:176338. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38242225/

Carocci et al., 2018. Oxidative stress and neurodegeneration: the involvement of iron. Biometals. Oct;31(5):715-735. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30014355/

Doguer et al., 2018. Intersection of Iron and Copper Metabolism in the Mammalian Intestine and Liver. Compr Physiol. Sep 14;8(4):1433-1461. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30215866/

Tornabene et al., 2024. Neurological complications due to copper deficiency in the context of Wilson disease treatment: a case report with long-term follow-up and review of the literature. Neurol Sci. Mar;45(3):987-996. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10858109/

Dr Sara Pugh's Quantum Health Substack

Bio-magnetism For Beginners

Welcome to my Substack ! Biomagnetism Basics Today I am going to discuss magnetism in simple terms as many people find this aspect of quantum biology the most confusing. Magnetism also relates to electromagnetic radiation, which is very complicated, but today's post is not about nnEMFs, the earth’s magnetic field, or heavy biophysics…

a year ago · 19 likes · Dr Sara Pugh

https://www.westonaprice.org/podcast/iron-overload/#gsc.tab=0

Wilson, 2016. Nutritional Balancing - and Hair Mineral Analysis.

https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/modern-diseases/copper-zinc-imbalance-unrecognized-consequence-of-plant-based-diets-and-a-contributor-to-chronic-fatigue/#gsc.tab=0

Wilson, 2016. Nutritional Balancing - and Hair Mineral Analysis.

https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/metals-and-the-mind/#gsc.tab=0

https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/cod-liver-oil/cod-liver-oil-basics-and-recommendations/#gsc.tab=0

https://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-articles/the-cod-wars-when-britain-and-iceland-almost-went-to-war-over-fish.html

https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2023/february/cod-wars-and-lessons-maritime-counterinsurgency

Morrison, R. 1993. Desktop Guide to Keynotes and confirmatory symptoms.

Boericke. Zincum metallicum. https://www.vithoulkas.com/learning-tools/materia-medica-boericke/zincum-metallicum-boericke/?s=Zinc

Fontes C, Oliveira AP, Batista JVC, Martins C, Rossi A, Yapuchura ER, Furtado P, Meireles P, Capella MAM, Picciani PHS, Holandino C. 2022. Physicochemical Properties of Zinc and Lactose in Solid Mixtures: Influence of Trituration Process. Homeopathy. Aug;111(3):164-175. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34820794/

Pinto SAG, Nagai MYO, Alvares-Saraiva A, Peres GB, Waisse S, Perez EC, Bonamin LV. 2021. Silicea terra and Zincum metallicum Modulate the Activity of Macrophages Challenged with BCG In Vitro. Homeopathy. Feb;110(1):52-61. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33348418/

Basu A, Temgire MK, Suresh AK, Bellare JR. 2020. Dilution-Induced Physico-Chemical Changes of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Due to Homeopathic Preparation Steps of Trituration and Succussion. Homeopathy. May;109(2):65-78. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31652463/

Gonçalves JP, Dos Santos MLF, Rossi GR, Costa Gagosian VS, de Oliveira CC. 22017. Differential effects of Zincum metallicum on cell models. Homeopathy. Aug;106(3):171-180. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28844290/

Holandino C, Oliveira AP, Homsani F, de Paiva JP, Barbosa GM, de Lima Zanetti MR, de Barros Fernandes T, Siqueira CM, da Veiga VF, Coli Louvisse de Abreu L, Marzotto M, Bernardi P, Bonamin LV, Bellavite P, Rossi AL, Picciani PHS. 2017. Structural and thermal analyses of zinc and lactose in homeopathic triturated systems. Homeopathy. Aug;106(3):160-170. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28844289/

Bonamin LV, Bellavite P. 2017. Zincum metallicum research: an international scientific collaboration in homeopathy. Homeopathy. Aug;106(3):133-134. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/homeopathy/special-issue/1092CCGJ0CH

Waisse S, Jurj G. 2017. A clinical history of Zincum metallicum: homeopathic pathogenetic trials and case reports. Homeopathy. May;106(2):114-130. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28552174/

Bonafini C, Marzotto M, Bellavite P. 2017. In vitro effects of Zinc in soluble and homeopathic formulations on macrophages and astrocytes. Homeopathy. May;106(2):103-113. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28552173/

Kokornaczyk MO, Baumgartner S, Betti L. 2016. Polycrystalline structures formed in evaporating droplets as a parameter to test the action of Zincum metallicum 30c in a wheat seed model. Homeopathy. May;105(2):173-9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27211324/

Röder E, Frisse R. 1981. Uber die Stabilität homöopathischer Dilutionen in Glas- und Kunststoffbehältern [On the stability of homoeopathic dilutions in glass and plastic containers (author's transl)]. Pharmazie. Sep;36(9):615-9. German. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7301902/

Hamre HJ, Glockmann A, von Ammon K, Riley DS, Kiene H. Efficacy of homoeopathic treatment: Systematic review of meta-analyses of randomised placebo-controlled homoeopathy trials for any indication. Systematic Rev. 2023 Oct 7;12(1):191. https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-023-02313-2#Abs1