Pyroluria, also known as Pyrroles, is a metabolic disorder in which the body produces an abnormally high chemical called pyrrole. This chemical binds to and removes essential nutrients like zinc and vitamin B6 from the body, leading to a deficiency. This can, in turn, cause a range of symptoms, such as explosive temper, emotional mood swings, poor short-term memory, pessimism, anaemia, poor stress control, fearfulness, gastrointestinal issues, mental health conditions and frequent infections, including anxiety and ADHD.
The connection between pyrroles, ADHD and anxiety is likely because zinc and vitamin B6 are essential in regulating mood and anxiety. Zinc is vital for producing neurotransmitters like GABA, which helps calm the brain and reduce anxiety. Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and reduce stress. When these nutrients are deficient, it can lead to imbalances in these neurotransmitters and contribute to feelings of anxiety.
Similarly, evidence suggests that zinc and vitamin B6 play essential roles in the development and function of the nervous system, and deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to symptoms of ADHD. For example, zinc is involved in the production and release of dopamine. This neurotransmitter is vital for attention and motivation, while vitamin B6 synthesises important neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin, which also play roles in concentration and focus.
Research has also shown that elevated urinary pyrrole levels are found in Down syndrome (70%), Schizophrenia (up to 70%), autism (50%), ADHD (30%), and alcoholism (up to 80%). Another study showed that 43% of patients diagnosed with arthritis, chronic fatigue, heart disease, hypertension, irritable bowel, and migraine had elevated urinary pyrroles.
In summary, Pyroluria can be one of the key causative factors in addressing anxiety and ADHD due to the deficiencies of zinc and vitamin B6, essential for regulating mood and neurotransmitter production and the development and function of the nervous system. It’s also imperative to treat the gut to diagnose and heal any gut issues, including leaky gut and support the liver to improve detoxification pathways.
Natalie uses naturopathic treatment for pyroluria, which will typically involve addressing the nutrient deficiencies associated with the condition, gut, and liver and supporting your overall health and well-being.
Some common naturopathic approaches used include:
- Nutrient supplementation: Pyroluria is associated with deficiencies in zinc, vitamin B6, and other nutrients. Supplementation with these specific nutrients may help to alleviate symptoms—the appropriate dosages and forms of supplementation are based on individual needs.
- Diet modifications: Eating a healthy and balanced diet that includes specific nutrient-rich foods can help support overall health and well-being and provide essential nutrients such as Omega 3 and 6 needed to alleviate symptoms of pyroluria. It usually involves increasing protein with each meal and reducing sugar, junk food and empty calories. And avoid all preservatives, colourings, and flavourings.
- Lifestyle modifications: Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises may help to reduce anxiety symptoms associated with pyroluria. Regular exercise and getting adequate sleep can also be beneficial.
- Herbal remedies: Certain herbs may have a positive effect on reducing anxiety and improving overall mental health. Examples include NAC, passionflower, chamomile, and valerian root. However, working with Natalie ensures proper dosages and avoids interactions with other medications.
- Functional testing: Natalie may use functional testing to identify any imbalances or deficiencies contributing to the symptoms of pyroluria. Tests may include nutrient level testing, hormone testing, heavy metal testing, yeast/mould testing, blood sugar irregularities and DNA genetic testing to evaluate for underlying imbalances. The decisive laboratory test is an analysis of pyrrole levels in urine. Treatment is based on normalising blood levels of B-6 and zinc. It is also thought to be related to a leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability), so this may involve further gut testing analysis, such as a Complete Microbiome Mapping (PCR) – GI Map test. The panel is a comprehensive collection of microbial targets and immune, inflammation and digestive markers. It screens for pathogenic bacteria, commensal bacteria, opportunistic pathogens, fungi, viruses, and parasites.
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I’m very excited to help support you on your health journey to improve the quality of your life by reducing your symptoms and introducing you to nutrients that can have tremendous healing power on the brain to help improve your moods and mental health. In addition, I would like to help you learn how to manage your stress levels so you can enjoy your life at your best.
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This blog is for information only and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek assistance for any medical concerns.
