Food allergies will arise because of the large amount of undigested protein molecules in the small intestine.

Half of the population above the age of 60 suffers from hypochlorhydria. How to Overcome Low Stomach Acid Stomach acid is required for the absorption of nutrients and the control of undesirable microorganisms and it becomes the body's first line of defense against infections, effectively sterilizing your food. In addition, it is also required for the breakdown of protein in the stomach. Low stomach acid is called hypochlorhydria while its absence is referred to as achlorhydria.

This condition leads to indigestion especially with high protein meals. If there is indigestion, none of the nutrients will. However, its action on protein breakdown is only effected in the presence of pepsinogen where the two combines to form a very powerful enzyme called pepsin. These two states have been associated with carcinoid tumours in the digestive tract. You must be concerned with low stomach acid because a lack of the acid will leave you unable to digest your food properly and this will also make you more vulnerable to infections.

The body cells such as in the pancreas need vitamins and minerals to produce enzymes to digest food.