Collagen Model

There are two collagen-based problems:

Fibroblast Proliferation results in laying down undesired collagen fiber.

Weak Collagen --- Collagen is made up of very strong randomly oriented fibers which are crosslinked, one to another, by copper molecules (CU₂). Because of the random orientation, collagen can deform to some degree when placed under tensile (pulling) stress. Once that limit is reached, deforming it becomes very difficult! Past that limit, very large forces will begin breaking the crosslinks.

This is the same sort of mechanism at play in crosslinked polymer plastics. Crosslinked polymer plastics are very strong, tough plastics! Like the crosslinked polymers, collagen fibers are cross linked to each other with (CU₂) molecular bonds. The entire fabric of a collagen tissue is one single molecule! With the copper links in place, the collagen tissue can stretch only so far, before it will strongly resist further stretching. That is how it can be so strong.

If collagen tissue is healthy, (and has its copper links!) then in order to tear it, an enormous force must be exerted (to break the molecular bonds!). Also because of the basic nature of the "engineering" of collagen, if good collagen is so overloaded that it tears, the tearing would occur in a rather cataclysmic fashion, where there is a sudden and violent collagen failure. Given these understandings, it is very logical to assume that if a hernia has occurred without the patient noticing it, that it was not simply caused by overloading of normal tissue! Another explanation is required!

If the CU₂ is missing, then the fibers are free to slip past each other as the collagen is subjected to stretching forces. After repeated events of slippage, and not sufficient time for the body to repair itself (if able!), the collagen becomes thin, and eventually separates. This separation will not likely be a dramatic physical event. It is likely to not even be noticed until there is an examination or a symptom. It is much more likely that this is the mechanism which explains most hernias, than "Just lifting too much!"

This writer has seen evidence of such failure within himself.

• At one time it was determine he had a pronounced copper deficiency.
• The writer was not lifting or moving heavy objects.
• There were several distinct areas on his abdomen which would pooch out under hydrostatic stress ("Pushing" to pressurize the abdomen). This reversed after supplementing with copper.
• He has had two inguinal hernias repaired.
• The skin on his hands and feet have failed, tearing loose from the tissue underneath when placed under repeated tangential force.
• The skin on his fingers has split wide open from the force of applauding a theatrical performance.

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