HPU – a metabolic disorder with consequences
HPU is a form of porphyria, and under conditions of high stress, porphyrins and pyrroles are excreted. One of these pyrroles is HPL (haemopyrrolactam), which binds to zinc, vitamin B6 (P5P) and manganese during excretion.
This leads to a deficiency in these micronutrients, which is the cause of most symptoms. These include, for example, a weakened immune system, disturbances in amino acid metabolism, as well as the haem deficiency that these patients typically exhibit. Haem plays a major role in detoxification, as well as in cellular energy production (mitochondria). Some HPU patients are extremely sensitive to stress, which often leads to them suffering from adrenal fatigue or thyroid disorders as a result of chronic stress. A deficiency in zinc and vitamin B6 leads to the accumulation of HPL. Tissue adducts are formed, which promote the development of autoimmune diseases.
The HPU test is used for diagnosis; this can only be carried out by the KEAC laboratory in the Netherlands. It is advisable to carry out other blood tests alongside this, such as an analysis of minerals in relation to heavy metal exposure, leaky gut (i.e. intestinal mucosal permeability), vitamin D levels, bioactive intake of B vitamins, folic acid status and, where appropriate, tests for inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress. Most HPU patients also have intolerances to gluten, lactose and fructose, etc.
HPU treatment can take several months to years, depending on how early the metabolic disorder is detected and the specific individual exposures or toxicities present.
Treatment always begins with addressing the detoxification disorder! Only once the body’s own detoxification processes are functioning optimally again can micronutrient supplementation begin. All other secondary effects of HPU are also treated once the body’s own detoxification systems have been reactivated.
Treatment of detoxification disorders
Naturopathic therapies support and regulate the body in a holistic manner when it is unwell.
We assume that the body functions according to interconnected regulatory circuits. This means that even a minor disturbance in the body can trigger a chain reaction throughout the entire organism.
When making a diagnosis, it is important for a naturopath to identify such disrupted regulatory circuits and to find a healing approach that restores the body’s strength and reserves for self-healing.