Allergies Starts from the Stomach Heres Why

Many individuals struggle with both allergies and stomach issues. Could these two issues be connected? As it turns out, there might be a link between stomach acid and allergies.

Understanding this relationship is important if you're seeking lasting relief and experiencing allergy symptoms, such as a chronic cough.

We often associate acidity with discomfort, but stomach acid plays a critical role in our health. When we discuss "low stomach acid," we’re referring to a condition known as hypochlorhydria. Let’s explore how hypochlorhydria relates to allergies.

Understanding the Role of Stomach Acid

While most people associate stomach acid with digestion, its importance goes beyond breaking down food. Stomach acid creates an acidic taste in an environment with a remarkably low pH between 1 and 3.

This extreme acidity, millions of times greater than our blood's, is essential for a few key reasons.

The Connection Between Stomach Acid and Allergies

Inadequate stomach acid can disrupt the breakdown of proteins. This is crucial because, to have a genuine allergy, a protein must be present. When proteins aren’t properly digested due to low stomach acid, they may enter the digestive system partially intact.

Now, if you factor in leaky gut, where the intestinal lining is compromised, those undigested proteins can slip through the gut wall and into the bloodstream.

Your immune system, mistaking these proteins for harmful invaders, springs into action, possibly causing itchy eyes. This is when the stage is set for a potential allergic reaction.

More Than Just Digestion: The Protective Power of Stomach Acid

The sterilizing effect of stomach acid is a crucial defense mechanism. Consuming food, even with rigorous hygiene, inevitably introduces microbes—like bacteria, viruses, and even candida—into our system.

A healthy level of stomach acid acts like a gatekeeper, effectively neutralizing these microbes before they get the chance to move further into the digestive tract.

When stomach acid is lacking, these microbes can proliferate, potentially contributing to various health problems, like ear infections, down the line.

Mineral Absorption and Immunity

Did you know there’s a strong link between stomach acid, mineral absorption, and immune health? Our bodies rely on essential minerals for a vast array of functions. When stomach acid levels dip, it directly impacts the absorption of vital minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, all crucial for a robust immune response.

A weakened immune system, struggling due to a lack of essential nutrients, can increase a person's vulnerability to not just allergies but a variety of ailments, including asthma and a sore throat.

Signs You Might Have Low Stomach Acid

If the interplay between stomach acid and allergies is new to you, you’re probably wondering if your own levels are adequate. Keep in mind that if you experience the symptoms below, it doesn't mean you automatically have hypochlorhydria, but they warrant attention.

These signs include gas, burping, bloating, and acid rising, all classic signs of indigestion. It is wise to speak to a healthcare professional if you have these symptoms.

Causes of Low Stomach Acid

Understanding the underlying causes of low stomach acid, or hypochlorhydria, is crucial in addressing allergies effectively.

One of the common causes is hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, affecting metabolism and stomach acid production.

Furthermore, adopting a low-salt diet might seem like a healthy choice but could backfire regarding stomach acid production. Why? It’s quite simple: sodium chloride is essential. You need chloride to make hydrochloric acid.

Ironically, both antibiotics and antacids, while commonly used, can also contribute to lower stomach acid levels. It underscores the importance of informed healthcare decisions.

Gastric bypass surgery, an effective weight-loss tool, is another factor to consider.

It alters the stomach's structure and capacity, which could potentially impact stomach acid production. H. pylori, a bacterial infection, adds another layer to this issue as it is known to affect and reduce gastric acids.

What Can You Do to Improve Low Stomach Acid?

First, I must clarify; I’m not a medical professional, and this information is not a substitute for professional advice. However, there are ways to test your stomach's pH levels, such as the Heidelberg test.

I recall using a different test method in my clinic where patients swallowed a capsule tied to a string, which then traveled down to their stomach. We’d wait, allow for some time, then pull it back up. This process helped determine the pH level of their stomach acid.

Sadly, finding such specialized tests can be challenging and not as readily available as they once were. Instead of searching endlessly for these tests, you could try taking remedies designed to raise stomach acid levels.

If your allergies are related to hypochlorhydria, you're likely to see some improvement. Two readily available remedies are apple cider vinegar and betaine hydrochloride. Both are excellent for naturally supporting acid levels in the stomach.

Digestive Harmony

Emphasize the critical role that a healthy digestive system plays in overall well-being, particularly in relation to allergies and sensitivities. A balanced gut microbiome can help mitigate allergic responses and improve nutrient absorption.

One powerful ally in supporting gut health is fulvic acid, a natural compound derived from organic matter in soil. Fulvic acid benefits include enhancing the bioavailability of nutrients, helping the body absorb essential vitamins and minerals more efficiently.

By incorporating fulvic acid through nutrient-rich foods or supplements, you can nourish your gut and enhance its ability to maintain balance. Additionally, consuming a diet rich in whole foods, fiber, and probiotics can further promote digestive health.

When combined with nature's gifts, such as fulvic acid, these dietary choices help create an environment conducive to optimal gut function, potentially reducing allergy symptoms and enhancing your body’s resilience to allergens.

Embracing the synergy between nutrition and nature can lead to a more harmonious digestive system and overall better health.

Conclusion

The link between stomach acid and allergies presents a compelling area for those experiencing persistent allergies, mold allergies, and pet allergies. While we’ve outlined a range of potential causes and remedies, this shouldn’t be taken as medical advice.

If you’re looking for lasting relief from allergies and suspect your stomach acid levels might be a factor, consulting a healthcare professional is the right course of action. They can provide personalized guidance and help you regain control over your health.