New research indicates that in cases of closed crush injury, runaway inflammation is not due to infection, as previously thought. Never able to find the source of the supposed infection, doctors and researchers were baffled until now. It turns out that when there is such an injury, the mitochondria, which are the energy powerhouses of the body, are released into the circulation. Since mitochondria are thought to be energy producing bacteria-like organisms it’s not surprising that the immune system would mount a response to these usually cell bound parts of us. Mitochondria are not usually present in the blood stream, and so they are recognized as foreign by the neutrophils that police our circulatory system against foreign invaders.

I find it interesting that the very essence of what allows us to have energy-these mitochondria-look and act like bacteria, and even have their own DNA. How is that for a cooperative relationship? We could not exist without them. We are more inter-dependant on those around us (and in us) than we like to think!

Most people (except those with liver and kidney disease) do not get enough protein (fish, meat, eggs) for breakfast and lunch. Try increasing your protein at breakfast and lunch for five days and see if you don’t notice a difference in your energy, reduced cravings at night, improved mood, and less of an afternoon slump within five days. I was so impressed by this effect that it was part of the motivation for my second book.

A recent study known as the Colorado Thyroid Disease Prevalence Study, found that 13 million Americans may have undiagnosed thyroid conditions, and suggested that more widespread thyroid testing is needed. Among their findings are the fact that 9.9 percent of the population had a thyroid abnormality that had gone unrecognized. An underactive thyroid -- hypothyroidism -- affects more women than men, and the risk increases with age for both men and women. Clearly, there is a need for more widespread thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) testing and more aggressive treatment, especially for subclinical patients. Additionally, another study, called the NHANES study, showed that the reference ranges (for TSH) in most laboratories are too wide. Furthermore, relying on the TSH (being in the normal range) as the only way to define hypothyroidism may mean that still more millions are hypothyroid, but undiagnosed and overlooked.

A thorough workup of the thyroid axis should include an assessment of the adrenal axis as well. Of course a history (dry skin, hair loss, constipation, weight gain, brittle nails, irregular menses, muscle weakness, sensitivity to cold, recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, depression, low energy, hoarseness, elevated cholesterol), physical exam, body temperatures, and lab testing (TSH, free T4 , Free T3, reverse T3) are part of a complete evaluation.

Finally, another new study (of 17, 684 people) showed that when one is on thyroid hormone, an optimal dose is one that keeps the TSH very low, but not completely suppressed. This reduces risks of cardiovascular complications and fractures. These results are surprising, but the study was quite strong in design. (J. Clin Endocrinology Metab, Jan 2010, 951(1):185-193).

We will be hosting a workshop webinar on the effects of thyroid function and mental health on April 7th at 12:00 noon EST - 12:30pm. Registration is free, sign up today.