Pyroluria, Pyrrole Disorder and Depression
People suffering from Pyroluria or Pyrrole Disorder often endure the crippling effects of Depression, without fully understanding why. Depression can be caused by many factors, but one of the most common causes is the lack of a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) called serotonin. Serotonin is our feel good neurotransmitter and when we have adequate levels we feel positive, cheerful, content, joyful and happy with life. Conversely when those levels are lower than they should be we feel down, sad, moody, angry and of course depressed, which are many of the negative symptoms associated with Pyroluria.
To understand the connection between Pyroluria and Depression we first need to know how the body makes serotonin. The precursor of serotonin is the essential amino acid L-Tryphophan. Before tryptophan can be absorbed it needs to be cleaved from food, for which there needs to be adequate levels of stomach acid and pancreatic or digestive enzymes. Once absorbed, tryptophan is then converted to a substance called 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) and then onto serotonin. For many people this process works quiet effectively, but unfortunately for a Pyroluria sufferer this task proves difficult. Mainly because Zinc and Vitamin B6 are essential to manufacture stomach acid and convert 5HTP to serotonin.
Stress, Depression and Pyroluria
Not only does stress increase the levels of hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one the substance that depletes Zinc, Vitamin B6 and Biotin and makes Pyroluria worse. But excessive or long term stress exacerbates depression by increasing the hormone cortisol. Elevated cortisol increases the levels of tryptophan pyrrolase, which inhibits the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin and cause the destruction of available tryptophan.
Thankfully, nature has provided herbs such as St John's Wort, Withania and Ginkgo biloba to help reduce the toxic effects of stress on the body, lower cortisol levels, which helps serotonin stay in the brain longer, thus reducing the symptoms of depression and improving moods. Cortisol Calm is a non-alcoholic herbal tonic containing herbs that reduce elevated cortisol levels and calm the body.
To gain more insight into how Pyroluria contributes to Depression please listen to this podcast.
The information provided here is of a general nature intended for educational purposes only. We make no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, alleviate or cure illnesses or diseases with any information or product stated. With any health issue we suggest you consult your healthcare professional before undertaking any health treatment.
For more infomation on Pyroluria and depression
Please read Pyroluria, Pyrrole Disorder and the GABA Connection
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