Chronic Fatigue, Thyroid Imbalance, and Teflon

When was the last time that you were able to wake up and get going with out your morning cup of coffee? The last time you didn’t crave that nap after lunch? Were able to finish work, go grocery shopping, take the kids to soccer practice, clean the house, and finish up those other errands without wondering why you are always so tired?

Chronic fatigue is the second most common reason that people visit their doctors, with some reports claiming that 80% of all patients report fatigue as one of their primary symptoms. These patients often seek the assistance of caffeine containing stimulants such as coffee, soda, and energy drinks to get them through the day. Day after day, night after night, they are unable to keep up with the stressful demands of their hectic schedules. Does this sound like you or someone you know?

The thyroid is a small hormone gland located in the front of the neck below the “Adam’s Apple.” This gland plays a vital role in hormone function through out the entire body. The thyroid works hand in hand with the other hormone secreting glands in the body such as the adrenals, pituitary, and ovaries/testes to activate and deactivate specific functions. One of the primary functions of the thyroid gland is to regulate metabolism.

Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction often include fatigue, weight problems, excess sweating, weakness, always hot/cold, thinning hair, weak and brittle nails, muscle and joint pain, women’s hormone complains (PMS, infertility, menopausal symptoms, etc), bowel problems, cholesterol imbalance, depression, and more. Women are more likely to have a thyroid imbalance and some researchers estimate that over 59 million Americans have a thyroid problem and do not even know it.

West Virginia University recently studied 69,000 people in West Virginia and Ohio and reported that a chemical commonly found in Teflon, food wrappers, and dozens of other products (including tap water) known as Perflurooctanoic Acid, PFOA, or C8 may harm the immune system, liver and thyroid and cause higher cholesterol in children. Key points from the WVU C8 Health Project include:

• In animal studies, PFOA exposure has previously been linked with death of immune cells and weakening of the body’s ability to protect itself from infection. The WVU study indicates higher levels of PFOA in people correlate with lower levels of a protein that helps the body fight bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
• Higher PFOA levels in West Virginia and Ohio residents are associated with higher levels of two enzymes that can indicate liver damage, and with lower levels of a liver protein that is an important part of the body’s defense against infection.
• Elevated PFOA levels in children are associated with high cholesterol levels, predisposing children to future weight problems and accompanying risk of heart disease. In animal studies, early exposure to PFOA results in obesity later in life.
• Thyroid function was clearly affected in PFOA-exposed people, with the effect strongest at moderate levels of exposure, rather than the highest exposures.

Through the use of blood tests, saliva tests, a complete patient history, and physical exam we are able to identify if the thyroid is contributing to the fatigue that you or your loved ones are experiencing. After we have identified the problem, we help our patients to find the solution they need to correct the imbalance. From nutritional supplementation, diet modification, chiropractic adjustments, quantum neurology rehabilitation, or removing the chemical pollutants, we pick from a variety of tools to help our patients to find relief from their symptoms. If you have any questions about the symptoms you are experiencing, or would like to contact The Hayden Institute to schedule an appointment, please click HERE.