Zinc + GHK-Cu: The Critical Balance You're Probably Missing β οΈ
Running GHK-Cu for anti-aging, skin health, or recovery? Here's what most people don't know: Copper and zinc compete for absorption. And if you're supplementing GHK-Cu without balancing zinc, you're potentially sabotaging your results. The Copper-Zinc Seesaw βοΈ When you increase copper intake (via GHK-Cu), you can: - Deplete zinc stores over time - Disrupt the optimal copper:zinc ratio (should be 1:8 to 1:15) - Create deficiency symptoms that counteract your GHK-Cu benefits This is especially critical if you're using: - High-dose topical GHK-Cu (2-4%+) - GHK-Cu protocols - Multiple copper peptide products daily What Happens When You're Zinc Deficient? π¬ Physical symptoms: - Weakened immune function - Hair loss (ironic, right?) - Skin inflammation and acne - Poor wound healing - Fatigue Hormonal effects: - Lowered testosterone - Estrogen dominance - Thyroid dysfunction - Mood swings, anxiety, irritability The kicker? These are the OPPOSITE of what you're trying to achieve with GHK-Cu! The "Copper Uglies" Connection π€ Ever heard of people looking WORSE on copper peptides instead of better? It might be copper-zinc imbalance: - Excess copper increases oxidative stress - Accelerates collagen breakdown (via MMPs) - Causes inflammation - Creates that "aged" look some people report The Fix: Your GHK-Cu + Zinc Protocol π If you're using GHK-Cu regularly: β
Supplement 15-30mg zinc daily - Use zinc picolinate or glycinate (best absorption) - Take in the evening with food - Separate from GHK-Cu application by 6-8 hours β
For higher doses or injectable GHK-Cu: - Consider 30-50mg zinc - Get blood work to monitor copper:zinc ratio - Work with a healthcare provider β
Eat zinc-rich foods: - Red meat - Pumpkin seeds - Eggs - Cashews Bottom Line π¬ Don't optimize one mineral in isolation. GHK-Cu is powerful for anti-aging, skin regeneration, and tissue repair - BUT if you're depleting zinc in the process, you're undermining those same benefits.