Читать книгу Why Am I So Tired?: Is your thyroid making you ill? - Литагент HarperCollins USD, Martin Budd N.D. D.O. - Страница 13

I had known and treated Peggy, who was a very active 85 year old widow, for 16 years. She had always taken care of herself, eating well and avoiding cigarettes and excessive alcohol. She had suffered a tendency to be overweight, although her blood pressure was always normal. Knee and lower back stiffness and pain, particularly in the winter, and a slightly raised cholesterol had all needed treatment. None of these problems however had caused her great concern and she freely admitted that her motivation to consult me was entirely based on her love of golf. She played two half rounds each week, which provided her with exercise, and what she termed ‘a healthy challenge’. She also met her friends and enjoyed a pleasant social lunch at the club house. She saw her visits to my surgery as necessary maintenance to enable her to continue her one sporting activity, around which her social life revolved.

Peggy’s concern began when she found that her stamina only allowed her to complete two or three holes. This had developed very slowly over a six month period. Routine cardiovascular checks were carried out by her doctor, but nothing was discovered except for the slightly raised cholesterol and a raised uric acid (this was in line with the fact Peggy suffered from mild gout).

Her doctor further requested a bone density scan to assess osteoporosis risk and a full biochemistry and haematology screen. No other imbalances or deficiencies showed. He made it clear to Peggy that at her age she should now discontinue golf and settle for the occasional short walk. He also advised her to lose weight and avoid the foods and drinks that can lead to gout.

She was not happy with her doctor’s diagnosis and even less happy with his recommended treatment.

After Peggy had reassured me that she was sleeping well and that she had not suffered recent infections or stress, I questioned her for more detailed information on her fatigue. She was able to confirm my suspicions that she was also suffering mental fatigue, described by her as a ‘mental fog’. This included poor memory and concentration, and a reduced sense of smell and taste. Peggy also remarked that her hands and feet had been unusually cold over the previous few months.

I requested a morning temperature check and thyroid blood tests. In addition I asked the laboratory to check Peggy’s levels of minerals and vitamin B₁₂.

Vitamin B₁₂ absorption is reduced with hypothyroidism. Lack of this vitamin in humans can cause fatigue, neuralgia, poor memory and general sluggish thinking.

In common with many other nutrients, it cannot be assumed that eating a good diet offers sufficient protection from deficiencies. Food digestion and absorption depends on many interactions, nutrients and enzymes.

Peggy’s morning temperatures showed an average of 96.8°F (36°C). Her vitamin B₁₂ and thyroid hormones were all within the normal ranges, but towards the lower end of each range. Her minerals showed deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, chromium and manganese.