Why You Don't Have Chronic Fatigue
How to fix your energy problems
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Neuro Athletes,
I recently had a client, a 45-year-old portfolio manager, who had consulted 20 different doctors for his fatigue and energy problem. Despite the numerous visits, the medical professionals could only identify a Vitamin D deficiency, sending him home each time with a 5000 IU Vitamin D pill. His blood tests showed a level of 20ng/mL for Vitamin D, and a high cortisol reading.
Desperate for more energy, he resorted to drinking four cups of coffee daily, unknowingly exacerbating his situation by shooting up his cortisol levels even more.
Understanding Energy
The client came to me seeking a solution to his “energy” problem. To understand his issue, it is vital to delve into the essence of energy and its sources in the human body. Firstly, 75% of the immune system, responsible for defending our body against various pathogens, resides in or around the gastrointestinal tract.
The health of the immune system, hence, crucially determines our overall body health and our adaptability from training. Cortisol, a hormone responsible for managing stress and promoting energy, was paradoxically low in his system despite his excessive coffee intake, hinting at an underlying issue.
The Comprehensive Testing
Determining the root cause required extensive testing beyond standard blood work. I performed a full range of tests including blood, sweat, saliva, urine, and hair analysis on him. The shocking discovery was the high lead content in his system, an element known to drive down Vitamin D levels, and not the falsely diagnosed Vitamin D deficiency.
The Real Issue
This lead exposure was sabotaging his immune system, causing it to work inefficiently, thus leading to his continued fatigue and energy problems. Additionally, the constant coffee intake to combat fatigue was countering his body’s natural response to fight off infection by suppressing cortisol levels. In essence, his body was in a constant battle, trying to boost his TH1 immune response while his habits were unintentionally suppressing it.
The Path to Recovery
Understanding the real issue, a targeted approach was initiated. A complete metabolic test was conducted using doubly labeled water, giving precise data on his energy input and output along with exact body water measurements. Detailed electrolyte testing further revealed his sodium and potassium secretion levels during training. Tailoring his electrolyte solutions, I ensured they were customized for his sweat composition.
The Truth
Now, this might sound complicated, but addressing the real root cause led to immediate and noticeable improvements. His sleep became deeper, his reliance on coffee reduced drastically by two-thirds, and his energy levels naturally surged. He started to feel better within just a month – a testament to addressing the real issue head-on.
This journey emphasizes the critical importance of understanding the intricate balance of our body and how a misdiagnosis can lead one down the wrong path of recovery. Accurate diagnosis, comprehensive testing, and a tailored recovery plan led my client from a path of despair and fatigue to one of health, vitality, and renewed energy.
This narrative highlights the potential hazards of misdiagnosis and the profound impact of addressing the true underlying issues in health problems. As I worked with my client to reduce his lead exposure, balance his cortisol levels, and eradicate his gut infection, the enhanced energy and reduced reliance on external stimulants like coffee followed naturally.
By addressing the root cause – lead poisoning and its subsequent effects on his immune and hormonal systems – his symptoms of low energy and chronic fatigue not only diminished, but he also emerged as a more energetic, healthier individual, proving yet again the importance of accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Have you ever had low energy levels?
For more human performance knowledge, check out The Neuro Experience Podcast
Go Beyond Generic Bloodwork
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Really enjoyed this article as it was a different take on the normal Neuro Athletics newsletter. Curious how the patient had lead exposure and how you treated the root problem of removing it from his environment?
Great article, Louisa. It certainly speaks to the importance of a holistic approach and the rigor necessary to determine root cause. I'm curious, did you ever determine the cause of the high lead?