top of page
Search

What is HPU – and why it has far more to do with your health than you might think

By Johanna Schneider – Holistic Health Coach



Maybe you’ve already tried everything — eating healthier, checking your hormones, sleeping more, taking supplements… and yet you still feel exhausted, irritable, struggle with digestive issues, skin flare-ups, mood swings, or your cycle is completely out of balance.

If that sounds familiar, it may be time to learn about something that is barely acknowledged in conventional medicine — yet for many people is the missing piece of the puzzle:

What Is HPU?


HPU stands for Hemapyrrollactamuria.It is NOT a disease, but a metabolic pattern in which your body loses specific micronutrients through the urine — especially during stress or physical overload — without you noticing it.

The nutrients most affected are:

  • Zinc

  • Vitamin B6

  • Manganese


These three nutrients are key players in the body.If they are depleted, essential processes begin to struggle, including:

  • energy production & nervous system regulation

  • detoxification pathways (Phase 1 & Phase 2)

  • hormone balance

  • gut flora & mucosal repair

  • mood, skin health & stress resilience


And here’s the tricky part:Standard blood tests usually show nothing abnormal.Which is why HPU often remains undetected for years.

Typical Symptoms of HPU


Many people live with the effects of HPU without ever knowing it:


  • chronic fatigue or burnout feeling

  • brain fog & concentration issues

  • IBS symptoms, bloating, food intolerances

  • mood swings, PMDS, menstrual problems

  • acne, eczema or other skin issues

  • sleep disturbances & inner restlessness

  • histamine intolerance

  • muscle weakness

  • sensitivity to light, sounds, smells

  • feeling constantly overwhelmed


You don’t need to have all symptoms — sometimes just a few are enough to disrupt your metabolism.

Why HPU Is So Often Missed


  • It does not show up in a standard blood panel

  • It is not yet recognized as a classic medical diagnosis

  • Symptoms are often labeled as “stress” or “psychosomatic”

  • Complaints vary widely between individuals

  • Micronutrient testing is rarely done preventively


In reality, HPU is far more common than most people think.


Which Test Can Confirm HPU?

HPU is not diagnosed through blood work. The most important test is a simple urine test that measures the HPU / Kryptopyrrole value.


Supplementary blood markers can then help understand your individual needs:

  • active Vitamin B6 (P5P)

  • Zinc (whole blood)

  • Manganese

  • relevant liver & detox parameters

  • thyroid hormones (often affected as well)


I’m happy to guide you on which values are meaningful and how to interpret them.


HPU & Detoxification — How They’re Connected


If your body constantly loses Zinc, B6, and Manganese, your detoxification processes slow down:


Phase-1

  • enzymes become unstable


Phase-2

  • detox pathways get blocked

  • liver & gut become overloaded

  • toxins are cleared more slowly

  • oxidative stress increases


This often leads to:

  • skin issues

  • headaches

  • PMS

  • chronic fatigue

  • inflammation

  • digestive complaints


HPU & the Gut — A Critical Connection


In my practice, I see the same combination again and again:

➡️ HPU + gut issues


Why?

  • Zinc & B6 are essential for gut lining repair

  • deficiencies can contribute to leaky gut

  • weakened gut flora stresses the immune system

  • digestive enzymes work less effectively

  • inflammation develops more easily


This was also true for me:

I developed intolerances, bloating, brain fog, and unstable energy — and only after discovering my HPU, everything finally made sense.




My Personal Journey With HPU

When I received my own HPU diagnosis, it felt like someone finally turned on the lights. I suddenly understood:

  • why I reacted so strongly to stress

  • why my detox system ran slowly

  • why I had nutrient deficiencies despite eating well

  • why my digestion was unstable


I went through a 6-month detox & metabolic support protocol, which is typical for HPU, including:

  • targeted supplementation

  • gut-healing protocols

  • metabolic & liver support

  • stress & nervous system regulation

  • individualized nutrition adjustments


Yes — I experienced a temporary initial worsening, which is completely normal when the body starts regulating and balancing. But afterwards, everything improved noticeably:

  • more energy

  • fewer stress symptoms

  • clearer skin

  • more stable digestion

  • improved hormone balance

  • more inner calm & emotional balance

What HPU Is NOT

  • not a trend

  • not a psychological disorder

  • not “just a blood value”

  • not something to fear

  • not a disease that needs to be “cured”


HPU is a metabolic individuality — and once you understand it, everything changes.


How I Support You


I guide clients with HPU holistically through:

  • nutritional coaching

  • micronutrient rebuilding

  • gut healing

  • stress & nervous system support

  • TriloChi® & Laughter Yoga

  • emotional coaching

  • cycle & hormone support

I work especially often with women experiencing PMDS, hormonal imbalance, or chronic exhaustion — but my coaching is open to anyone wanting personalized guidance.

✨ You don’t have to function perfectly. But you’re allowed to start understanding your body.




Comments

bottom of page