HPU: Causes, Symptoms & Histamine Intolerance

HPU (hemopyrrollactamuria) is a metabolic disorder in which the synthesis of heme (a component of red blood cells) is impaired. This leads to an increased loss of micronutrients , which cannot be compensated for through diet alone. This deficiency can cause a variety of complaints and symptoms. This blog article will explain how you can address these symptoms and the connection between HPU and histamine intolerance .

HPU: Metabolic disorder at a glance

HPU is in most cases genetically determined , affecting approximately 10% of women and 1% of men. Often, HPU remains undetected for a long time , and the symptoms are so mild that they go unnoticed. Symptoms and secondary conditions can then be triggered by specific stressors , such as injuries, surgeries, physical exertion, heavy metal exposure, or certain medications.

The role of heme: its importance for the body and its effects on HPU

As mentioned above, HPU is a metabolic disorder that disrupts the synthesis of heme. Heme is a component of red blood cells and is required in the following areas:
  • Detoxification in the liver
  • During hemoglobin synthesis
  • In mitochondrial ATP synthesis
  • During the building of muscle tissue
These disturbances make it clear that those affected by HPU suffer from symptoms such as fatigue and exhaustion .

Diverse symptoms: Physical and psychological effects of HPU

The symptoms and presentation of complaints in existing HPU can be very diverse and vary greatly in severity. The symptoms can manifest themselves on both a physical and psychological level.

The following symptoms manifest physically:

  • Drug intolerance
  • Allergies and food intolerances (histamine, fructose, gluten, lactose, etc.)
  • Frequent fatigue
  • Rapid exhaustion
  • Susceptibility to infection
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Fertility, pregnancy, and menstrual problems (in women)
The following symptoms manifest themselves psychologically:
  • Depression
  • Psychoses
  • ADHD
  • short-term memory
  • Concentration problems
  • Sleep disorders
  • Susceptibility to stress

Stressed woman

HPU diagnosis: How is the metabolic disorder diagnosed?

Specific diagnostic testing is necessary to diagnose HPU. If HPU is suspected, a corresponding urine test is performed. This test can detect the abnormal hemopyrrole complexes in the urine. However, a distinction is made between children and adults.
  • Children and young adults under 30 years of age must submit a one-time morning urine sample .
  • For adults aged 30 and over, a 24-hour urine collection test is recommended.

The link between HPU and histamine intolerance

Many people with HPU also suffer from histamine intolerance , as they often exhibit severe deficiencies in vitamin B6, zinc, and manganese . Vitamin B6 plays a significant role in histamine metabolism, as it is required for the normal function of the histamine-degrading enzyme DAO (diamine oxidase). In general, nutrient deficiencies can also be a cause of histamine intolerance.

Since HPU is also associated with impaired detoxification , various detoxification phases can function only to a limited extent. This results in liver overload and a reduction in the histamine-degrading enzyme HNMT , which is located in the liver . Consequently, this can lead to both impaired breakdown of exogenous dietary histamine (DAO) and metabolic disorders of the body's own histamine (HNMT).

HPU therapy: Treatment options for a better quality of life

As with histamine intolerance, it's important to ensure a holistic approach to treatment for HPU. Nutrient deficiencies should ideally be addressed through the active intake of vitamin B6, zinc, and manganese . If vitamin B6 hasn't been taken previously, it's recommended to start with a low dose to avoid potential side effects . Furthermore, it's advisable to begin with zinc and taurine , adding vitamin B6 only after 4-6 weeks.

Fortunately, HPU can be treated relatively well with dietary supplements, so that the symptoms can be significantly reduced or even disappear. However, the metabolic disorder itself persists. Therefore, those affected should learn to live more mindfully, reduce stress , and pay attention to a low-toxin diet .


Recommendations for a low-histamine diet for HPU and histamine intolerance

For those with a combination of HPU and histamine intolerance, we recommend a low-histamine, organic diet . Ideally, processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol should be completely avoided. Additionally , sugar, dairy products, and gluten should be reduced. It is highly recommended to increase the intake of bitter substances , as these cause the intestines to contract and expand. This leads to the faster elimination of pathogens, toxins, and food residues. Therefore, improved digestion also benefits the immune system .

Aside from diet, it is extremely important to reduce stress, for example through meditation, a walk, or yoga . Sometimes it also helps to simply say "no," set your personal boundaries, and pay attention to your own well-being .

=== PRODUCT LIST PRODUCTS ===

Sources

deutsche-heilpraktikerschule.de | HPU – The unknown metabolic disorder
hpuandyou.de | Why bitter substances are so valuable
frauenärztin-dr-jacob.de | Metabolic disorder HPU/KPU

Recently viewed