Tag: copper

A condition called Pyrrole Disorder

Hello all Scott here again.

Following on from my last post I thought I would talk about something called “Pyrrole disorder” or Pyroluria.

So what is pyrrole disorder?

Pyroluria, or pyrrole disorder, is a condition caused by stress. It develops when there are too many pyrrole molecules in your body.

Hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one (HPL) is a molecule naturally excreted via urine. Some people may excrete more HPL (pyrroles) than others. Previously called elevated HPL, this condition is now known as pyrrole disorder.

Pyrrole molecules don’t serve any important function in the body. However, an excessive amount can deplete the body of certain vitamins and minerals before they are able to be absorbed.

This means that these nutrients, mostly zinc and B6, become depleted in the body. This in turn leads to an excess of copper because copper and zinc are linked and the levels of one affect the other.

The result of this is noticeable shifts in mood.

Pyrrole disorder has been known to have symptoms including anxiety, depression and even schizophrenia.

How is it diagnosed?

The condition has many and varied signs and symptoms, making it impossible to diagnose from history and observation alone. It is often mistaken for bipolar disorder. This is due to the variations of mood changes, which can range from mania to depression over a period of weeks.

There is also pathology testing which includes a urine assessment called a kryptopyrrole test. This test identifies how many HPL molecules you have in your body. An excessive amount may indicate pyrrole disorder.

What are some common symptoms?

This disorder is thought to affect around 10% of the population with the most likely cause being genetics.

Common symptoms include –

  • sensitivity to light or sound
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • mood swings / a propensity to anger easily for insufficient reason
  • memory loss / poor short-term memory
  • feelings of anxiety / depression
  • Insomnia / fatigue

The severity of symptoms can be affected by stressful or traumatic situations and/or poor diet as well as allergies.

How is it treated?

Research on this subject is still ongoing and new things are being discovered about it all the time.

At this stage there appears to be no cure as such for Pyrrole disorder. However, given the role of HPL molecules in removing vitamin B6 and zinc from the body, it has been found that supplementing these micronutrients can help treat pyrrole disorder.

Most therapies focus on a holistic approach that addresses nutrition, stress, and lifestyle.

I hope you found this information interesting.

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper

 (Sources – Nutrient Power  by Dr William J. Walsh,  The Science of Psychotherapy )

Sharing a Carrot Cake Bliss Balls recipe

Today I’m sharing a Carrot Cake Bliss Ball recipe.

Initially I couldn’t decide what to write about this week, until a friend of mine praised some bliss balls I made for her. She advised that she had put them in the freezer so she could have them as her work snacks over a week.

The recipe is adapted from one I saw in the Woolworths free recipe magazine.

These balls are so easy to make and really do taste just like carrot cake. They are perfect for school or work snacks.

Carrot Cake Bliss Balls

This mix makes approx. 20 balls.

Ingredients

100g pitted dates

100g raisins

¾ cup grated carrot

½ cup pecans

1¼ cups desiccated coconut

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla essence

 

¼ cup fine shredded coconut to roll balls in

 Method

First, put the pecans into your food processor and pulse till crumbly, and place them into a bowl.

Next put the dates, raisins and carrot into the processor and pulse till combined, then add the coconut, chopped pecans, vanilla and spices.

You can play around with the measurements of the spices to suit your taste.

Process till the mix is combined.

Now the mix should look crumbly, and if you scoop out a teaspoon full, it should press together. (If the mix is a little dry, just add water, a tablespoon at a time.)

I use my tablespoon-measuring spoon to scoop out the mix and pressed the mix into shape.

 Now for some nutritional information,

Carrots have a number of health benefits.

They are a particularly good source of beta-carotene, fibre, vitamin K, potassium and antioxidants. The traditional orange coloured carrots get their bright colour from beta-carotene.

The beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A promotes good vision, and is important for growth, development, and immune function

Raisins have benefits too.

As a dried fruit, they are naturally sweet and higher in sugar and calories. Raisins are also beneficial to our health when eaten in moderation. In fact, raisins can aid digestion, boost iron levels, and keep your bones strong.

Raisins are a good source of iron. One-half cup of raisins contains 1.4 milligrams of iron. That’s about 7 percent of the recommended daily amount for most adult females, and 17 percent for adult men.

Raisins are also high in calcium and antioxidants.

Pecans also have qualities beneficial to our health.

A few studies have shown that pecans can lower “bad” LDL cholesterol in people with normal cholesterol levels.

Pecans are rich in polyphenol antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, which have been tied to heart benefits. In fact, the nuts have more than twice the flavonoid content found in almonds, cashews, and pistachios, and seven times the amount in walnuts.

Pecans are also an excellent source of thiamin and zinc, as well as manganese and copper. Manganese helps regulate blood sugar, and is needed for healthy bones. Copper aids in iron absorption, and works with iron to help the body form red blood cells.                                     (Sources – www.healthline.com & www.health.com)

So the iron in the raisins and the copper in the pecans actually work together to improve our health.

I hope you enjoy these bliss balls as much as my friend does.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper.