**Taos Toxins: Altitude Lies Hiding Copper Risk?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

May 12, 2026

The air in Taos, New Mexico, is thin and crisp, carrying the scent of piñon and juniper. But something else might be lurking unseen in your well water: copper. While essential in small amounts, copper, especially at high altitudes like those found in Taos, can become a silent threat to your health. Let’s cut through the confusion and get you the information you need to protect yourself and your family.

Copper toxicity is a real concern, particularly in areas with older plumbing and naturally occurring copper deposits in the soil, both of which are common in northern New Mexico. The high altitude of Taos, typically around 7,000 feet, can exacerbate the effects of copper toxicity due to increased oxidative stress on the body. This means your body has to work harder to combat the damage caused by excess copper.

So, how do you know if you’re at risk? The first step is testing your well water. Forget sending samples off to some distant lab. You can get reliable DIY water testing kits right here in Taos.

• Where to find them: Check out local hardware stores like Taos Hardware or even some of the larger grocery stores like Cid’s Food Market. Look for kits specifically designed to test for heavy metals, including copper.
• What to look for: Ensure the kit is certified by a reputable organization like the EPA or NSF. This ensures the accuracy of the results.
• How to use them: Follow the instructions precisely. Contamination is a common issue. Use distilled water for rinsing, and wear gloves to avoid introducing external copper sources.

Once you have your results, what do they mean? The EPA’s maximum contaminant level for copper in drinking water is 1.3 parts per million (ppm). Anything above that requires action. Even levels below that, if you’re experiencing symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, or fatigue, warrant further investigation.

Now, let’s talk about food. The Southwestern diet, while delicious, can sometimes contribute to copper overload. Certain foods are naturally high in copper, and others can leach copper from cookware.

• Foods to be mindful of: Organ meats (liver, kidney), shellfish, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and mushrooms are all high in copper.
• Cookware considerations: Avoid cooking acidic foods (like tomatoes or citrus) in unlined copper pots. These foods can leach copper into your meal. Opt for stainless steel, glass, or ceramic cookware instead.

But don’t despair! There are also foods that can help your body chelate, or bind to and remove, excess copper. These copper-chelating foods are readily available in Taos.

• Garlic and Onions: These contain sulfur compounds that aid in detoxification. Incorporate them liberally into your cooking.
• Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and kale are excellent sources of antioxidants and help support liver function, which is crucial for copper metabolism. The Taos Farmers Market is a great place to find these fresh and locally grown.
• Foods Rich in Zinc: Zinc competes with copper for absorption in the body. Oysters are a great source, but if you’re landlocked, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and chickpeas are good alternatives.

Here’s a practical example: Let’s say your water test reveals elevated copper levels. You love making salsa in your copper pot. First, switch to a stainless steel pot for your salsa. Second, increase your intake of garlic, onions, and broccoli. Third, snack on pumpkin seeds instead of almonds (which are high in copper).

But what if dietary changes and water filtration aren’t enough? That’s where local healthcare providers come in. Finding a doctor who understands environmental health and heavy metal toxicity is crucial.

• Where to look: Start by asking your primary care physician for a referral. If they’re not familiar with environmental health specialists, try searching online directories for integrative or functional medicine doctors in the Taos area. Look for practitioners who are members of organizations like the American Academy of Environmental Medicine.
• What to ask: When you call to schedule an appointment, ask if the doctor has experience treating patients with copper toxicity. Inquire about their testing methods and treatment protocols. Do they rely solely on blood tests, or do they also consider hair mineral analysis or urine porphyrin testing?
• Why it matters: A knowledgeable doctor can help you interpret your test results, identify the root cause of your copper overload, and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include dietary changes, supplements, or chelation therapy.

One common mistake developers make is relying solely on generic advice found online. Every individual is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. This is especially true when dealing with complex health issues like copper toxicity.

Another pitfall is ignoring the potential for other environmental toxins to be contributing to your symptoms. Taos, like many older communities, may have issues with lead paint, asbestos, or mold. Addressing these other exposures can significantly improve your overall health.

Let’s consider a case study: Maria, a long-time resident of Taos, experienced persistent fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues. Her initial blood tests came back normal, but she suspected something was wrong. She tested her well water and found elevated copper levels. She switched to bottled water, modified her diet, and consulted with a functional medicine doctor in Santa Fe. After further testing, it was discovered that she also had a mild mold exposure in her home. By addressing both the copper toxicity and the mold exposure, Maria was able to significantly improve her health and well-being.

The unique geological factors of Taos, with its mineral-rich soil and aging infrastructure, combined with the physiological stress of high altitude, create a perfect storm for potential copper toxicity. But by taking proactive steps to test your water, adjust your diet, and seek out knowledgeable healthcare providers, you can protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of excess copper. Don’t let this silent threat steal your health. Take control and breathe easy in the beautiful, high-altitude haven of Taos.