It was an honor to be selected as one of fifteen participants for The Future of Health presentations at Mindshare in August 2019. I presented this to my peers in the integrative health and nutrition space but it’s applicable to everyone and I’d like to share it with you today.
Here is my video presentation: Why social anxiety, introversion and loneliness can be lethal and a simple nutritional solution (click below to watch the video)
Here are some additional reading resources on much of what I cover in my 5 minute presentation:
- Pyroluria is a social anxiety condition that is not well recognized in the medical community. It responds really well to a few key nutrients, with zinc and vitamin B6 forming the foundation. I cover this in this blog post: Pyroluria, high mauve, pyrrole disorder, malvaria, elevated kryptopyrroles and social anxiety.
- Here is a link to the Pyroluria Questionnaire from my book The Antianxiety Food Solution (which has an entire chapter on the topic). I created this questionnaire using the work of Carl Pfeiffer and Joan Mathews-Larson, modifying it based on feedback I receive from my clients.
- I discuss how I first discovered the pyroluria-introversion connection here – Am I an anxious introvert because of low zinc and vitamin B6? My response to Huffington Post blog. I wrote this in response to the Huffington Post article, “23 Signs You’re Secretly An Introvert”, by Carolyn Gregoire.
- Here is the webmd loneliness article with this quote: “Loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, making it even more dangerous than obesity” ~ Douglas Nemecek, MD, chief medical officer for behavioral health, Cigna
- And this loneliness paper, Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-Analytic Review
- In this blog I write about how Increased sociability improves vagus nerve function: the role of social anxiety, pyroluria and low zinc
This is the the amazing and inspiring group of speakers who I shared the stage with:
- Amie Apigan – Why Attachment is the New Field of Medicine
- Lauryn Lax – Eating Healthy is Killing You
- Jess Sherman – Raising Resilient Kids in a Complex World: Will we Rise to the Challenge
- Terry Wahls – Creating an Epidemic of Health – My Radical Path
- Susanne Bennett – The Kimchi Revolution: How an Ancient Food Can Transform the Future of Health
- Razi Berry – Love is Medicine
- Kaylea Boutwell – I’ve Got Your Back: Novel Pain Therapies Transforming Spinal Care Outcomes
- Dana Cohen – Hydration: 8 Glasses a Day is not the Way!
- Elisa Song – Breathing Life into Your Kids
- Joel Sprechman – Creating 1M Super Poopers & Evolving Crohn’s Colitis
- Katy Kimball – My Plan to Empty Your Waiting Rooms (the Real Root Cause of Poor Health)
- Heather Paulson – Why Choose? Using the Best of Both Worlds to Experience Health with Cancer
- James Maskell – Group Visits: How Functional Medicine Reaches the Vulnerable
- Mehgan Walker – Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Chronic Disease: Why Chasing Happiness is Making us Sick
(do let me know if you’d like me to share any of these presentations in the follow-up blog)
We each had a maximum of 5 minutes to present and were not allowed slides or notes. The last time I had memorized my talks and had them timed was 15 years ago when I was in Toastmasters. Before that it was when I was in school. I wasn’t even sure if I could do it when I entered my proposal to speak. When practicing the day before I was still unsure I could manage. Because of my Lyme disease, my memory and word recall isn’t as great as it used to be.
If you pay close attention and you’ll notice the spot where I almost freeze – everything just went out of my head! I simply breathed in calmly, made an attempt to look like I had paused and was fortunate that most of the ending came back to me! Whew!
I’d love to hear what you think of my message and if it resonates with you or a loved one. Feel free to share your pyroluria score and how you score on the introvert questionnaire.
Please also share if you’ve seen the benefits of no social anxiety, introversion and/or loneliness (or much less) when on the pyroluria protocol.
What???? Where have you been? I think you need to read up on what introversion is. And by the way, do you also have special supplements for some of those obnoxious extroverts?
You are really disgusting
Beatriz
Lets agree to disagree nicely please 🙂
I’m sorry Trudy, but you are so honest and generous and wise!! I can’t tolerate such a comment without saying something about it. It is part of my irritability for anxiety ….:)
Beatriz
All good 🙂 and I appreciate your support!
Yes, it’s very important to know that there is a difference between introversion and pyroluria.
Susan Cain’s “Quiet” is very helpful in understanding
introversion. I can see how supplements may help ease the discomfort of some social settings for some introverts, if there is a deficiency. But introversion is not a disease or disorder to be cured!
Mary
I hear you and my message is not to say introversion is a disease or disorder to be cured but, as you say, rather to help introverts feel less anxious and ease the discomfort in social settings. As I said to Felicity I had 5 minutes to present and I add this comment when doing this as an hour long presentation.
I gather you consider yourself an introvert and would love to hear if you experience social anxiety and what works for you to ease the discomfort of some social settings?
I’m very familiar with Susan Cain’s wonderful book “Quiet.” Unfortunately she doesn’t address the nutritional/nutrient aspect at all. I’ve reached out a number of times to try and share my findings but she is a very busy person!
Hi Trudy,
I am an introvert in the classic Jungian sense.( I’ve used the Meyers-Briggs often in my work- I’m a psychologist.) I don’t share other symptoms of pyroluria, though. I am not outgoing in most situations, but I can participate-especially with friends and family. I’m not the neighbor who’s out and about and knows what’s going on with everyone-that would be my husband! For many years I taught psychology and sociology at a small college, and I would feel anxious at the start of the term, before I got going, and I encouraged discussion, rather than lecture, but always made myself available after class to talk to students who were not comfortable asking a question or engaging in the debate. I do use a liposomal GABA/l-theanine spray (under the tongue!) when I feel stressed-like at a doctor appointment. I find that it helps, but doesn’t change my basic personality! I find your work very interesting and helpful, I think we just define and use the term “introversion” somewhat differently!
Kathy
Can I ask that we have a civil discussion and simply agree to disagree. I have actually spent a great deal of time and thought on this and done a lot of reading as well as seeing results both personally and with my clients.
As I said to Felicity my message is not to say fix introverts but rather to help introverts feel less anxious and more social without having to force themselves and put on a brave face which leads to exhaustion, added stress and needing more down time. I had 5 minutes to present and I add this comment when doing this as an hour long presentation.
I would love to hear if you experience social anxiety and if you’re putting on a brave face? If yes please consider what I’m sharing to help with this aspect. Perhaps you can help me understand your resistance to wanting to learn more about this possible nutritional deficiency connection?
And please also share what behaviors you don’t like about extroverts? Many behaviors have a nutritional aspect – a good example is attention-seeking which can be related to low dopamine
What are the doses of zinc and B6 recommended ? Thanks
Ron
I list the supplements I use here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/ I typically start clients on 30mg zinc and 100mg B6 and we adjust based on zinc challenge test, dream recall and social anxiety/other symptoms on the questionnaire. I also use alk phos as a marker for low zinc.
I also like to use 1300mg evening primrose oil (enhances zinc absorption), a copper-free multivitamin and sometimes additional magnesium depending on unique needs.
For many folks it’s simple and we see results in a few weeks. For others we have to unwind many issues – I cover trouble-shooting here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-protocol-why-arent-i-getting-results-trouble-shooting-checklist/
I also have an entire chapter on pyroluria in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” which I have all my clients read too. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
If this works applaud! I have a huge basket of supplements. Gaba is hailed as one for anxiety. Nothing ; I will accept I feel better some with B vitamins and magnesium. I have had this ALL my life and have no social life now at 59. It’s better at times but still stumble talking with acquaintances I have known for years. I will try zinc and b6
Will b-100 work too?
Paula
I’m glad to hear this resonates with you and B vitamins and magnesium has helped. I list the supplements I use here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/ I typically start clients on 30mg zinc and 100mg B6 and we adjust based on zinc challenge test, dream recall and social anxiety/other symptoms on the questionnaire. I also use alk phos as a marker for low zinc.
I also like to use 1300mg evening primrose oil (enhances zinc absorption), a copper-free multivitamin and sometimes additional magnesium depending on unique needs.
For many folks it’s simple and we see results in a few weeks. For others we have to unwind many issues – I cover trouble-shooting here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-protocol-why-arent-i-getting-results-trouble-shooting-checklist/
I also have an entire chapter on pyroluria in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” which I have all my clients read too. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
A question for you …I’ve had some of the common responses when I write about introversion having a biochemical aspect … “please don’t try and fix me – I’m fine the way I am – the world needs both introverts and extroverts”. I’m curious about why you are open to this and wanting to to try the pyroluria protocol?
May I ask how you trialed GABA and what product you used? which low GABA symptoms do you have?
I come from a family with a long history of pyroluria and supplements have been life saving on so many levels.
Thank you for the work you do Trudy.
I have self treated myself for the last few years with great success with zinc and by. My anxiety is pretty much gone and while I can talk with people now, I still have zero desire to be social and much rather be alone. I get invited to social events and literally dread going. It used to be because of anxiety, but now its because I truly dont want to socialize. Do you think this will ever get better, or is this just who I am?
Jennifer
Thanks for sharing – these are great results – anxiety pretty much gone and can talk to people now. When I hear the word dread it makes me think more could be done. Why don’t you want to socialize? I’m curious what your protocol looks like and what symptoms remain on the pyroluria and introvert questionnaires?
Hi Trudy,
I went through the pylroluria qestionairre and this is what’s remaining #2 #16 #24 #25 #26 #27 #35 #36 #39.
My current protocol is 60 mg zinc, 100 mg b6, 500 mg vit c, and 50 mg p5p. If you have any advice I’d appreciate it!
dear Trudy,
It is more than amazing that you bring this subject to the world and so beautifully. For me i “have” this social anxiety, speaking about what is important is very hard/ impossible and like you i know this “freeze” reaction very well. Hearing you speak, feels as Love smiling at me: “You are okay and also not the only one!”Thank you for that.!! I have overcome already a lot of this great anxiety by partaking the Dynamic Neural Retraining System from Annie Hopper. It is about rewiring my Limbic system impairment. By surprise i discovered that many of my symptoms (as severe insomnia, digestive issues, fatigue, depression, hormonal issues, brainfog, self critizing for this, etc) come from there. And you are the first who acknowledges this (social) anxiety subject in such a beautiful, respectful way!
I will check out the amount of zink 30 mgI already take now, and maybe I need to take Vit.B6 separate as now itake it in Vit. B complex 2.8 mg, probably much too little.
I greet you from the heart, I live in Portugal and it is great for me after so many years of isolation to come more forward.
A big hug too you and some smiles from Portugal…We feel here in Europe for you in Australia…
Mieke
Thank you for the lovely feedback and so glad to hear this resonate with you. I’ve heard great things about DNRS and I’m so pleased to hear it’s help you so much. Know this – we must use everything at our disposal and the nutritional work I teach can help even further.
I list the supplements I use here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/ I typically start clients on 30mg zinc and 100mg B6 and we adjust based on zinc challenge test, dream recall and social anxiety/other symptoms on the questionnaire. I also use alk phos as a marker for low zinc.
I also like to 1300mg evening primrose oil (enhances zinc absorption), a copper-free multivitamin and sometimes additional magnesium depending on unique needs.
For many folks it’s simple and we see results in a few weeks. For others we have to unwind many issues – I cover trouble-shooting here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-protocol-why-arent-i-getting-results-trouble-shooting-checklist/
I also have an entire chapter on pyroluria in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” which I have all my clients read too. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html You should be able to purchase a kindle version in Europe.
I have a question for you. As you can see I’ve had some of the expected responses when I write about introversion having a biochemical aspect … “please don’t try and fix me – I’m fine the way I am – the world needs both introverts and extroverts”. I’m curious about why you are open to this aspect and wanting to to try the pyroluria protocol?
Thanks for your good wishes from Portugal and here’s to more of you coming forward!
Thank you Trudy and sure I am interesting in your knowing and expertise om this platform / have a nice day and thank you for sharing. Anna
The world needs introverts and extroverts. Being introverted is not something that needs to be fixed if indeed it can be. I don’t see my introversion as a problem that needs to be solved although at one point I did. Accepting myself as the person I’m meant to be has gone a long way towards healing my social anxiety . The two things are related but not the same. I need down time after being out at work or church but I also know too much alone time is not helpful too. It’s a matter of balance. The wild applause Trudy received demonstrated that the audience was made mostly of extroverts who see quietness and thoughtful ness as defects.
Felicity
I hear you and my message is not to say fix introverts but rather to help introverts feel less anxious and more social without having to force themselves and put on a brave face which leads to exhaustion, added stress and needing down time. I had 5 minutes to present and I add this comment when doing this as an hour long presentation. I really don’t see quietness and thoughtfulness as defects.
The audience was the typical mix of introverts and extroverts you’d expect at an event like this – about 50:50. I had many introverts approach me afterwards thanking me for my presentation and wanting to learn more. One gentleman whose introverted daughter has a high profile job was excited to share my work with her. He was an introvert himself and said “this should be presented in every single school in America.” School kids and college students often have a very hard time fitting in and if my work can help them be less socially anxious then I’ll be happy.
I had one extrovert woman saying thank you for helping her understand her husband and one son better and was excited to share this with them. Another practitioner who works with women, offering group health visits, thanked me and shared how valuable this will be for helping her clients to actually want to come to the group meetings.
I would love to hear if you experience social anxiety at work or church and if you’re putting on a brave face? If yes please consider what I’m sharing to help with this aspect.
I did the Pyroluria question and I checked 1,2,3,5,8,12,16,19,24,25,26,27,30,36,38,39,41. There’s so much I would like to say to give you a more clear picture of what I been dealing with for the last 3 years but I would be writing a novel. Right now the short version is I’m dealing with digestive issues, sleep issues and mood issues. The better I sleep (which is rare) the better I feel. I fall asleep fine but I don’t stay asleep but when I do I have much better days. I have a lot of vivid anxious anxiety nightmares. Currently I’m trying 500mg of tryptophan and 125mg of GABA at bedtime. I also have been taking around 50mg of Trazadone for years. I’d like to get rid of the antidepressants totally for various reasons. I do think I have Pyroluria based on listening to you. I am trying 125mg of GABA during the day as needed. I’m also gonna try some zinc and B6 separately so I can see which or if both help. I really wish I could talk to you cuz I really need help and there’s too many things that you should know to best help me.
Ron
A big clue for low vitamin B6 is “a lot of vivid anxious anxiety nightmares”
We have a waiting list for one on one consults – please sign up up here https://www.everywomanover29.com/services.html (I edited your comment to remove your phone number as these comments are visible to the public)
Trudy,
Thank you for replying. I did sign up for the one on one. Do you know anyone near the Buffalo NY area that can help me like you would? I could really use your help. I do have vivid anxiety provoking dreams every night. I rarely sleep through the night but when I do I usually have a good day. It is unbelievable the difference. I’m a totally different person when I get good sleep. When I don’t sleep well I have mood swings, pain in my muscles and my face and neck, low energy, GI issues etc etc. I fall asleep fine. My problem is staying asleep. Currently I’m trying 500mg of tryptophan 125mg of GABA, some Passion flower and 37mg of Trazadone all about 1hr before bed.
Thank you Trudy for your kind reply. You asked if I felt socially anxious at work or at church. The anxiety I feel at work is for other reasons but I used to feel dreadful at church. This has changed in recent years. I put it down to growing older and wiser( I’m 62) and being more at peace with myself. That is, I don’t care anymore what people think. As an introvert I put a lot of emotional energy into social interactions. I don’t avoid them but I like to make them count. I find mixing with extroverts draining because they tend to forget previous conversations we have had. Once I woke up to these differences in personality type I became more accepting of them as well as myself.?
But it may also be due to getting medication right. I take thyroxine. I also see a naturopath and take a number of supplements that might contribute to a better state of well being. I’m not sure. But my attitude is that “It is what it is” and there’s no way I can change how I basically am.
Felicity – thanks for adding to this and glad to hear the feedback about being wiser and more at peace with yourself. The latter is what we’re aiming for!
Hi Trudy – I started out with a well known clinic in the US for my pyroluria. I did compounds for 3 years – my pyrole levels went from 44 to 3. I experienced a lot of detox effects in the first year or so, then leveled out. They told me this protocol would be great for me for life, and after 3 years I wouldn’t need to see them anymore unless I needed compounded vitamins. I put together my own supps based on that protocol and that is what I take nowadays. Interestingly though – my iron has plummeted since being on this protocol now for 6 years. Among many nutrients for my protocol I have been on 100mg zinc picolinate for 6 years. Have you seen anyone have low iron from such high zinc? I know you can’t diagnose etc, just wondering if you had seen that with zinc affecting iron? I am considering halving my zinc and seeing how I feel. Then possibly doing a new pyrrole test to see where I am at with things.
Jodi
I have not seen the pyroluria supplements (zinc, B6, EPO and copper-free multi) impact iron levels but low ferritin/low iron is common in pyroluria. It is important to figure out the root cause and here are some factors I would consider: low dietary iron, poor absorption, gut issues like IBD, celiac disease, heavy periods, internal bleeding, low vitamin C (needed for iron absorption), high intake of foods that deplete iron (black tea, green tea, coffee), bariatric surgery, h pylori, low stomach acid etc
My big question is always this – what were symptoms like before starting and what are they once someone is on the protocol
Also, I seldom have clients get detox effects on the protocol and suspect it’s because they are also using various amino acids too.
Wow! Really? I had severe detox effects after starting. Tonsillitis, sinus infections – hadn’t had since I was a child, quite severe depression, yeast infections. That’s great your clients haven’t experienced that. My adrenals have recovered, and gut. I show no inflammation in the gut anymore per GI Map, eat plenty of dietary iron, and avoid iron depleting foods, VIt C in my compounds. It’s just so strange – I still had plenty of symptoms even on my full protocol. I was diagnosed with mold illness and Lyme in the last year, and I really feel pyroluria is somehow connected to that. Going to halve my zinc for now and see if I can get my iron up. When my iron is low, I become hypothyroid as well. Need to get it back up. I did read excessive zinc depletes iron and copper over time. Will see how I go. Thanks!
I don’t understand why people react in a strange way. I am happy with you Trudy and stay in your power and belief in yourself. they don.t deserve your wisdom from your own experience. love Anna
🙂 thank you!
I placed a reaction
I was diagnosed with Pyroluria 18 months ago when I started seeing a nutritional therapist for chronic fatigue.
I scored relatively low on the LAB test results but certainly scored high on your Pyroluria questionnaire and the introvert questionnaire ……
* 21 out of 29 on common pyroluria signs and symptoms
* 9 out of 12 on less common signs and symptoms
* 17 out of 23 on the introvert questionnaire
I’m on a multitude of supplements and protocols for chronic fatigue and thankfully my symptoms are massively improving. In addition my pyroluria symptoms seem ‘manageable’ I’m still not a social butterfly and still dislike networking / being centre of attention but definately better after taking supplements.
I just have 2 questions that I would love your feedback on …
1) The supplement I take for Pyroluria contains copper (Epigenar HPU) https://naturaldispensary.co.uk/products/Glutathione_HPU_Formula_90_s-13538-0.html
but you highlighted in your blog to avoid copper. Can you provide more information on this topic?
2) As I scored low on the lab test results for pyroluria my NT wants to retest and suggested I can come off tablets. However, from your information I understand it is a condition for life. Can you please clarify?
I truly look forward to your feedback
Louise
Louise
I have found pyrolurics tend not to need copper esp when eating nuts, seeds, avocados etc. And it negates the benefits of zinc by lowering zinc.
It is considered a condition for life (although some practitioners feel it may be environmental). I don’t often have my clients test but retesting on the supps should show pyrroles coming down
Thanks loads for taking the time to respond.
This gives me points to discuss with my NT and further points I can investigate to get a better understanding.
Thanks again x
I was diagnosed with Pyroluria approx 10 years ago but have had difficulties finding the right doses of B6 particularly as it often makes me feel quite nauseous. Many practitioners either do a compounded supplement containing lots of other nutritional supplements (too hard to modify single supplements) or have little knowledge in the protocol, or focus on too much at once and results are confusing.
In the past, dream recall has been my marker for good B6, and I’m working towards that again.
After recently reading your book Trudy, I have come to realise that my anxiety and “depression” is definitely a combination of Pyroluria as well as low neurotransmitters.
My anxiety and depression, as discovered by you with one of your clients, was related more to the “I can’t be bothered”, or the foggy thinking and lack of usual ability and drive at work. (Yay for L-Tyrosine!) For me, I believe that Pyroluria is part of the story, but add in low serotonin and low dopamine too.
And then with new weight gain at age 50, adding to the depression…cravings for chocolate and sugar is clearly related to this vicious cycle too.
At times, I’m an introvert and don’t want to talk or socialise or be in the company of friends, colleagues or in groups. But when I take all my supplements every day and eat well, I want to socialise, I’m more outgoing and confident, less suspicious of others, less lonely and woe is me, and I am more productive with my work, find it easier to get motivated to exercise and less likely to eat carbs and sweets.
I think the key here is that unless you give change a go, you’ll never know!
Trudy, what do you estimate the wait for your 1-1 sessions to be? I’m keen to hone in on my individual supplement protocol with you.
Verona
Thanks for sharing and I love this: “when I take all my supplements every day and eat well, I want to socialise, I’m more outgoing and confident, less suspicious of others, less lonely and woe is me, and I am more productive with my work, find it easier to get motivated to exercise and less likely to eat carbs and sweets.” It sounds like you are doing just great! And yes always be willing to give it a go!
I’m not sure why you advise us to use a supplement that contains Pyridoxine Hydrochloride in it. This is considered a synthetic, so why do you promote it and why is it in ALL of the vitamins that contain B6??
Jennifer
It is well tolerated by most folks and well-researched. Some folks do better on P5P and we switch them to this form if they don’t get expected results on B6/pyridoxine. There are some individuals who report adverse effects but I don’t know if it’s B6 issue (and why they react poorly) or something else.