Nutrition for HPU
We live in a world of expertly organized malnutrition. Although there is now an overabundance of food, the body is often not adequately supplied with micronutrients and is additionally burdened with pesticides.
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in the course of the metabolic disorder HPU.
Because the body of someone with HPU constantly excretes zinc, manganese, and vitamin B6, there is an increased need for these vital nutrients, which should be met, among other things, through a nutrient-rich diet. Since HPU often manifests itself very differently and each person with HPU has different allergies and intolerances, it is difficult to recommend a uniform diet. However, some basic principles apply to all people with HPU:
Make sure you consume the macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and fats) in the correct proportions. Avoid foods you don’t tolerate well and choose organically produced foods whenever possible.
Identifying food intolerances:
The basic principle is: if you are intolerant to a particular food, it doesn’t matter how healthy the food is in general. It’s simply not suitable for you at the moment. You should definitely heed this simple rule, because intolerances and allergies can trigger many other physical symptoms (e.g., adrenal fatigue, fermentation disorders, and dysbiosis in the gut).
Overall, more than 80% of HPU patients are affected by food intolerances, which can originate in childhood. IgG tests are informative diagnostic methods for identifying which foods can trigger a so-called delayed reaction. Unlike an allergy, which causes an immediate physical reaction (skin rash, diarrhea, shortness of breath), food intolerances can manifest up to 72 hours after consumption.
The following foods have the greatest potential to trigger an immune response in the body:
- Wheat
- Cow’s milk products
- Additives in finished products
- eggs
- nuts
- soy
But also other substances such as
- large amounts of simple carbohydrates (sugar)
- alcohol
- Coffee or caffeine
can put a heavy strain on the HPU metabolism.
Replace processed foods with fresh ingredients:
Highly processed foods place an unnecessary burden on the detoxification organs, as they often contain numerous additives. Over 300 additives are legally permitted in conventionally produced convenience foods. These primarily benefit the industry, as additives make food more visually appealing, tastier, and have a longer shelf life. Those with HPU (hemopyrroluria), who inherently have a more impaired detoxification process, should particularly avoid food additives altogether. If you’re in a hurry, opt for an organic convenience food. While additives are also permitted in organic products, the amount is far less than in conventional ones.
Some food additives have already been found to have concerning health effects. The white pigment titanium dioxide, for example, is often used to “enhance” the appearance of food. However, studies on rats show that this additive can promote intestinal inflammation and may even trigger cancer. It will therefore be banned in food products starting in the summer of 2022. Unfortunately, numerous other additives also cause metabolic problems.
Therefore, if we opt for freshly prepared foods instead of highly processed foods, this relieves the HPU-affected metabolism very effectively and leads to greater well-being in the long term.
Here’s what you should keep in mind when shopping:
- Your food should be naturally grown, as unprocessed as possible, and organically grown.
- If you do decide to buy a processed food, the ingredient list should be short and not contain anything you can’t pronounce or don’t recognize.
- Rule of thumb: Only eat what your grandmother would have eaten.
The correct macronutrient distribution:
Carbohydrates:
Since untreated individuals with HPU often suffer from highly fluctuating blood sugar levels, they should limit their carbohydrate intake. Many people with HPU experience regular cravings and episodes of hypoglycemia, which manifest as dizziness, nausea, and tremors. The reasons for this are: HPU individuals excrete increased amounts of zinc, which is lacking for the metabolism of fructose. Due to a vitamin B6 deficiency, insulin activation and deactivation are also impaired. Furthermore, the body requires the tripeptide glutathione (an amino acid formed from glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine). To synthesize glutathione, the metabolism requires two molecules of pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P). Consuming rapidly digestible carbohydrates, such as white flour or sweets, throughout the day causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate wildly, demanding large amounts of B vitamins from the body and further weakening the HPU metabolism.
People with HPU should therefore avoid simple carbohydrates (refined sugar, white flour products, soft drinks) and replace them with complex carbohydrates (whole grain products, potatoes, fruit), as these cause blood sugar levels to rise only slowly. In addition to all B vitamins, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and protein, complex carbohydrates also contain fiber. Fiber consists of plant-based fibers and bulking agents that are largely indigestible for the body. They provide a lasting feeling of satiety, stimulate bowel activity, and can even normalize blood sugar by lowering the glycemic index (the blood sugar response) after eating.
Proteins:
Those who start the day with a protein-rich breakfast can keep their blood sugar levels stable for longer, even if they then consume carbohydrates.
Proteins are indispensable building blocks for the human body. Cells use them to build enzymes, which in turn synthesize and break down numerous other substances. Of the 20 different amino acids, eight must be regularly supplied to the body because it cannot produce them itself. These are therefore called essential amino acids.
People with HPU, in particular, often have trouble properly digesting protein. Due to a lack of stomach acid and manganese, this leads to digestive problems, which is why those affected naturally consume less protein. However, if we don’t consume enough amino acids, the body lacks essential building blocks, and we feel exhausted.
For many people with HPU who are still unable to digest sufficient protein on their own due to vitamin B6 and manganese deficiencies, an amino acid supplement helps ensure they are adequately supplied with protein building blocks. The major advantage over protein powders is that amino acids do not burden the digestive system or the liver and can be directly utilized by the body.
Essential amino acids are available as tablets or powder in the and You Shop.
Protein powders are often less well tolerated by untreated HPU individuals than amino acids, as the protein still needs to be broken down into its components. Furthermore, HPU individuals often lack sufficient stomach acid and functional enzymes for this process.
Fats:
Healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids, are highly beneficial for the health of someone with HPU (hemopyrroluria) because they play a crucial role in cell health. The human body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids itself, which is why it relies on external sources (food). However, if you primarily consume oxidized or trans fats (especially in fast food), the lipid bilayers around the cells harden, hindering the exchange of substances into and out of the cell. Fats with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., cold-pressed olive oil and flaxseed oil) make the cell membrane more flexible, thus facilitating the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Omega-3 fatty acids also stabilize mast cells, which is particularly beneficial for people with HPU who have histamine intolerance. A highly recommended product is Omega Total von Norsan (liquid, also suitable for those with histamine intolerance, 15% discount for first-time customers with code EM985).. All Norsan oils are free of heavy metals and have a good Totox value (this value indicates how strongly the fatty acids are oxidized; for good products it is below 5).
Important:
Always check whether any nutritional advice is individually suitable for you and feels good in the long run!