Pyroluria is a genetic abnormality in hemoglobin synthesis that affects up to 10% of the population (although most people don’t know they have it) and often leads to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety and, in severe cases, , can cause bipolar disorder and schizophrenia if left untreated. Memory problems, insomnia, learning disabilities, low stress tolerance, and irritability may be additional symptoms, as well as a variety of other signs and symptoms (see below). It can be triggered by ongoing stress or a traumatic event, although there are often no known triggers, and symptoms usually begin during the teens or early 20s.
People with this biochemical imbalance have high levels of pyrrole in their body, which is a neurotoxic substance that affects the nervous system and brain and when levels are elevated it can trigger mental illness. Pyrroles are a by-product produced during the production of red blood cells (RBCs) and, in patients without pyroluria, are effectively broken down and eliminated. However, when someone has undiagnosed and untreated pyroluria, pyrroles are not broken down and eliminated efficiently enough and accumulate in the body and bind to certain essential nutrients such as vitamin B6, zinc, magnesium, manganese, biotin and others, leaving the body. depleted of these nutrients.
Treating the condition with the correct supplementation, such as a coenzyme form of B6 and zinc, as well as manganese, biotin, magnesium, niacin, omega 6 fatty acids (particularly arachidonic acid), vitamin C, and other nutrients, reduces toxic levels of pyrrole. and increases these essential nutrients. Supplementing with a coenzyme B6 also allows the body to create serotonin that it cannot make without optimal levels of B6. If OCD, Bipolarity or Schizophrenia have already developed, additional supplements such as NAC for OCD and Bipolarity or Vitamin B3 for Schizophrenia may be required, so an individualized approach is necessary. Treatment with the correct supplementation and proper diet generally results in complete resolution of symptoms for patients with Pyroluria, as long as they continue to take the supplements and eat an adequate and healthy diet.
The following signs and symptoms may occur in people suffering from Pyroluria. If you have at least 8 of these symptoms, see a naturopathic doctor or doctor for testing:
Anxiety; nervousness; severe internal stress
Depression
Little ability to cope with stress.
emotional instability
Mood swings or temper outbursts
Panic attacks
addictive personality; substance abuse
Cravings for foods that are high in carbohydrates and foods that are high in sugar.
neurosis
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Episodic anger/temper outbursts/explosive temper
histrionic (dramatic)
Arguing/enjoying a discussion
insomnia
Tired
pessimistic thinking patterns
Digestive problems, for example, abdominal tenderness; constipation, IBS, etc.
Glucose intolerance/hypoglycemia
alcoholism
Little or no memory of dreams
White spots on the nails
Frequent infections, inc. colds; poor immune function
Poor morning appetite and tendency to skip breakfast.
Frequent and unexplained nausea
Much greater capacity and alertness at night, compared to the mornings
Increased sensitivity to bright light, loud noises, smells, touch.
Joint pain, especially in the knees/legs; Restless leg syndrome; crispy knees
Food allergies or intolerances/environmental allergies/sensitivities
drug sensitivities
Learning problems (eg, dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc.); auditory processing disorder
Behavior problems in children and adolescents such as oppositional defiant disorders
Antisocial behavior
ADHD
Disorganization
poor short-term memory
Skin problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin
Significant growth after age 16.
delayed onset of puberty
Crowded teeth and poor tooth enamel; receding gums/gum disease; sensitive teeth
Cold hands and feet even in summer
Sweet and fruity breath and body odor
Abnormal distribution of body fat (tendency for abdominal fat)
Stretch marks
thick eyebrows
stunted growth
tremors
motion sickness
irregular menstruation
migraines
impotence in men
tics
Droopy eyelid(s)
Pale skin + poor tan + sunburns easily
Likes routine (especially as a child)
emotional withdrawal
social retreat
Gluten intolerance or celiac disease
Eosinophilia (elevated levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell)
Anemia/low iron levels
elevated copper levels
Elevated levels of heavy metals
IN SEVERE CASES:
Emotional lability (exaggerated emotional reaction, for example, laughing or crying uncontrollably or inappropriate emotions, for example, excessive anger or irritability or laughing when something is sad), especially when stressed or tired.
disordered perception; loss of reality
hallucinations; hallucinations
Paranoia
Suicidal tendencies
Autism, Asperger’s
Bipolar (manic depression)
Schizophrenia
Down’s Syndrome
Epilepsy; seizures
Tourette syndrome
Acute intermittent porphyria
Latent acute intermittent porphyria (Note: The porphyrias are a group of rare genetic disorders related to heme production)
Dissociative identity disorder (DID) – more commonly known as multiple personality disorder
If you suffer from depression, anxiety, or another mental health disorder and have 8 or more of the signs or symptoms listed above, see a naturopathic doctor or doctor for testing and advice on the best treatments for pyroluria. The test is a non-invasive urine test and if the test shows you have pyroluria, your doctor will provide treatment recommendations that will take into account your individual requirements.
Please share this article in case it can help in the lives of others who may unknowingly have this condition and suffer unnecessarily when simple treatments exist.
