What is HPU?
HPU stands for Hemopyrrollactamuria and describes a genetic metabolic disorder. In HPU, the haem metabolism is disturbed.
On „HPU and You“ you can find out which symptoms occur with HPU, how HPU is diagnosed and treated. As an HPU sufferer, you can also do a lot yourself to strengthen your health. You can read about the lifestyle that alleviates symptoms in HPU here.
- low stress tolerance
- anxiety / depression
- exhaustion
- irritable bowel syndrome / food intolerances
- migraine
- thyroid disorders (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
- Muscle and joint pain (fibromyalgia)
- autoimmune diseases
- allergies
- menstrual cycle disorders / poylcytic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
If “haem” is damaged
Haem is one of the substances used in the human body in many places. Most people have heard of haem in connection with red blood cells – haemoglobin.
Oxygen supply of the organs via the blood
Hemoglobin transports oxygen through our body. It consists of a haem molecule in the middle surrounded by a protein structure. Haem takes over the active part in this structure, because it binds the oxygen molecules directly. A defective haem cannot properly bind oxygen. As a result, the body can absorb less oxygen.
Supplying the muscles with oxygen
Haem also occurs in the muscles of the human body (myoglobin). Here, too, it binds oxygen and supplies the muscles with it. If haem is damaged by HPU, the muscles are not sufficiently supplied with oxygen – they fatigue quickly.
Energy generation in the cells
In the mitochondria, the so-called cell power factories, haem also plays a central role. The main task of mitochondria is the production of energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) – the universal energy carrier for all cells. This happens via the respiratory chain. The respiratory chain consists of a series of haem-containing enzymes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Detoxification
In the body’s own detoxification phase I, haem is an important component of enzymes. These detoxification enzymes are responsible for the degradation of alcohol, drugs and toxic metals. If the detoxification enzymes in the body are restricted by HPU, oxidative stress increases. As a result, free radicals can constantly attack the cells.
Metabolism
The body also needs haem for the metabolism of tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin.
Production of important substances
The body needs haem to produce cholesterol, steroid hormones, thyroid hormones, vitamin D and bile acids.