Posted 7/22/2021 4:53 PM (GMT -5)
An article I came across-
In The Lyme Disease Solution I made mention of a condition called "pyroluria". There was not enough room in the book to cover this somewhat controversial condition. For that reason I wanted to deal with this topic on my web site. In this issue of the Newsletter I would like discuss this intriguing and very treatable condition that may sometimes coexist with Lyme disease or with Bartonella.
What is pyroluria and how is this related to brain function? Though well described in the medical literature by Pfeiffer and Hoffer, this disorder has not been received wide acceptance in the medical community for reasons that are not clear. (Sound familiar?) In some people (particularly females) and some families, during periods of high stress a specific biochemical called "kryptopyrrole" is produced by the body in excess and excreted in the urine. While this substance, 2,4-dimethyl-3-ethylpyrrole, is itself harmless, it may cause a major problem. It interacts with vitamin B6, zinc, and manganese by binding them, leaving these nutrients deficient in the body. The result is that these individuals have problems forming several vital body substances including: serotonin, dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine, and glycine. In addition, vitamin B6 is needed for proper brain detoxification. Zinc is essential in nerve development, intellectual function, serotonin formation, the regulation of mood, support of the immune system, and the prevention of oxidative damage (antioxidant function).
What are the signs and symptoms of pyroluria? The early symptoms often begin during the teen years with behavioral problems. These may include: very poor tolerance of physical and/or emotional stress, mood swings, depression, noise or light sensitivity, and skin sensitivity.
Adult symptoms can range from severe depression to schizophrenia. Most commonly the symptoms that are seen consist of severe inner tension, ongoing anxiety, excessive and inappropriate fearfulness, and sometimes anger outbursts. They may have pale "China doll" skin that is sensitive and easily burns. Eyes may be sensitive to light and ears to sound. Knee pain may occur for unclear reasons. White flecks/marks may occur on the nails and stretch marks (straie) on the skin - both of which may arise due to zinc deficiency. These patients may tire easily, tend to be anemic, and often have poor dream recall due to vitamin B6 deficiency state. Abdominal symptoms may occur with abdominal pain when stressed and side stitches with exercise. All symptoms get worse when the individual is under stress or has a chronic debilitating illness (such as a chronic infection like Lyme). A significant clue to the existence of pyroluria is the tendency for a patient to note that in the past alcohol usage was a reliable way to reduce the anxiety and to help them to feel more sociable and temporarily more "normal".
How is pyroluria diagnosed? The classic method for diagnosing pyroluria is by testing the urine for the presence of excess amounts of kryptopyrroles. The laboratories mentioned in the Resource section of my book can do this simple urine test. Another useful test is a blood test done by SpectraCell Labs which looks for functional deficiencies of vitamins and minerals in the blood. When a person has suggestive symptoms, and the SpectraCell test shows deficiency of zinc or vitamin B6, the test should be followed up with a urine test for kryptopyrroles in my opinion.
How is pyroluria treated? In addition to using supplemental doses of zinc, vitamin B6, and manganese, the following natural products (all discussed in The Lyme Disease Solution)are extremely useful in managing the anxiety symptoms of pyroluria: GABA, inositol, and tryptophan. It may take several months for complete recovery, but the person will improve. Relapse will occur within 2 weeks if one goes off the program.
It is my opinion that the many Lyme and especially Bartonella patients should be evaluated for pyroluria. This is especially true if there is a personal or family history of chronic alcohol use for anxiety control or of mental illnesses such as severe depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.