Introduction
Wilson’s disease is a rare genetic disorder that causes the accumulation of copper in the liver, brain and other vital organs. Wilson’s symptoms usually begin with people between the ages of 12-23.
Importance of copper element
Copper is known to play a role in the development of nerve, bone, collagen and melanin, and it is usually obtained from food, and the excess is eliminated by the bile, a substance produced in the liver.
But when Wilson’s disease occurs, copper accumulates in the body that properly can’t dispose it, and then discharge it into the bloodstream, damaging vital organs and thus Wilson’s disease.
Symptoms of Wilson ‘s disease
Wilson’s disease leads to a combination of signs and symptoms that include the following.
- Fatigue and loss of appetite to eat.
- Abdominal pain.
- Yellowing of the skin.
- White eye.
- Accumulation of fluid in the legs or abdomen.
- Speech problems.
- Muscle stiffness.
- Changes in behavior.
- Swollen liver.
Complications of Wilson ‘s disease
The individual infection of Wilson’s disease may lead to many health complications, which may include the following.
- Kidney problems.
- Cancer.
- Neurological problems.
Causes of Wilson ‘s disease
Wilson’s disease is a hereditary disease that affects a person when he inherits two defective genes, one from both parents, but if a person’s had only one of those two genes, it does not lead to illness, but the disease can spread to children through passing genes.
Ways to treat Wilson ‘s disease
Wilson’s methods depend on drugs to get rid of excessive copper in the body, and dietary patterns of keeping away from eating copper-rich foods through a lifelong diet.
Foods rich in copper
People with Wilson’s disease should avoid eating foods rich in copper, such as oysters and liver, as well as avoiding chocolate, cocoa, mushrooms, nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame, meat, spinach, and they also should stay away from any vitamins that contain copper.
