Monday
Jul202009
Mon, July 20, 2009 | Lisa Barger Copper Bracelets
“Do copper bracelets work for arthritis or are they a scam?”
Well, I’m not ready to pronounce them a complete scam but, in my opinion, copper bracelets probably do not work for arthritis. They are certainly not the miracle cures some “natural” writers would have us believe.
In 1976 there was a very interesting study that looked at 300 arthritis patients who wore either copper bracelets or “placebo” bracelets made to look like copper. Researchers found that a “significant” number of the bracelet wearers felt the copper bands helped them.
This study also seemed to suggest that the body can absorb copper through the skin. In this particular study, each bracelet lost about 40-45 milligrams of copper over the 50 or so days it was worn. This was true whether the bracelet was worn on the ankle or wrist. The amount of copper excreted in the wearers’ perspiration also increased.
And unfortunately, that’s about as far as studies on copper bracelets for arthritis go. There’s no real scientific evidence that they work and no good explanation for how they would, even if they did. In fact, a survey of 199 patients with rheumatoid arthritis actually found faith healing more effective than the bracelets in a 1983 study.
Another Thing To Think About With Copper Bracelets
One reason why I believe that copper bracelets probably won’t work for arthritis is this: The birth control devices known as IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are wrapped in copper. Millions of women around the world have used IUDs for decades. If copper really helped arthritis, wouldn’t we have already seen this effect in at least some of these women?
As far as I know, there is no scientific evidence that wearing any kind of copper jewelry can help arthritis. But don’t just take my word for it. For the information that’s right for you, talk to the only person who’s truly qualified to give you medical advice—your own doctor.
References:
Walker, W., et al. (1976.) An investigation of the therapeutic value of the ‘copper bracelet’-dermal assimilation of copper in arthritic/rheumatoid conditions. Agents and Actions.
Struthers, G., et al. (1983). The use of ‘alternative treatments’ by patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology International.
Well, I’m not ready to pronounce them a complete scam but, in my opinion, copper bracelets probably do not work for arthritis. They are certainly not the miracle cures some “natural” writers would have us believe.
In 1976 there was a very interesting study that looked at 300 arthritis patients who wore either copper bracelets or “placebo” bracelets made to look like copper. Researchers found that a “significant” number of the bracelet wearers felt the copper bands helped them.
This study also seemed to suggest that the body can absorb copper through the skin. In this particular study, each bracelet lost about 40-45 milligrams of copper over the 50 or so days it was worn. This was true whether the bracelet was worn on the ankle or wrist. The amount of copper excreted in the wearers’ perspiration also increased.
And unfortunately, that’s about as far as studies on copper bracelets for arthritis go. There’s no real scientific evidence that they work and no good explanation for how they would, even if they did. In fact, a survey of 199 patients with rheumatoid arthritis actually found faith healing more effective than the bracelets in a 1983 study.
Another Thing To Think About With Copper Bracelets
One reason why I believe that copper bracelets probably won’t work for arthritis is this: The birth control devices known as IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are wrapped in copper. Millions of women around the world have used IUDs for decades. If copper really helped arthritis, wouldn’t we have already seen this effect in at least some of these women?
As far as I know, there is no scientific evidence that wearing any kind of copper jewelry can help arthritis. But don’t just take my word for it. For the information that’s right for you, talk to the only person who’s truly qualified to give you medical advice—your own doctor.
References:
Walker, W., et al. (1976.) An investigation of the therapeutic value of the ‘copper bracelet’-dermal assimilation of copper in arthritic/rheumatoid conditions. Agents and Actions.
Struthers, G., et al. (1983). The use of ‘alternative treatments’ by patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology International.
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Reader Comments (1)
See I have tried everything for my arthritis. I feel so let down that I've suffered so much pain when I could have had help if I would of came online wuicker and read up on "kiwi drug" news about Lyprinol which is a once a day pill for pain relief specially made for people with arthritis. I can not live one day without taking these pills now. Thank god for real relief that is not harsh on my stomach or a scam like these bracelets.