It makes sense. I have been researching the connection between candida, copper, and estrogen. Estrogen seems to be a key player which may explain why many more women suffer than men, but copper storage could be a link as well. The copper can become biounavailable, but the high levels will still cause a reduction in both zinc and can affect iron levels. Men need more zinc, so that can throw off their testosterone levels and create an imbalance with estrogen that can start or perpetuate the candida cycle for them. I'm really wondering about the hormonal relationship with candida. Hormones are distorted easy enough by diet and environmental toxins to create an hospitable candida environment. Nutrition and enhancing natural detox mechanisms is key.

Protein foods brings to the table high amounts of zinc and vitamin A. Zinc is a natural candida inhibiter and a key factor in both progesterone and testosterone production, both of which can keep estrogen levels down. Vitamin A is vital for intestinal cell health and development. If HCl is too low and the body can't access the zinc and vitamin A, then the hormones can skew and the intestinal cells weaken. I can see a definite connection. Also, if HCl is low, it will encourage the colonic yeast to travel up the intestinal tract causing SIBO which further inhibits digestion and keeps the cycle going. HCl can help to reduce SIBO which will naturally enhance digestion and hopefully absorption.

Ran across this site, and wondered.

http://www.euroamericanhealth.com/how.html


It comments on low stomach acid meaning low bicarbonate production, too. So, I'm curious how that will affect the neutralizing of the HCl supplements. My multi has a good bit of calcium and mag in it, but I'm not sure if that will help much with the neutralizing. I've also read that high stomach acid can interfere with calcium absorption and that calcium can reduce stomach acid, and also that calcium needs adequate stomach acid to be absorbed.

Anyway, it can all be conflicting, I guess I just have to see what works best for me.