Tired of Feeling Run Down? Boost Your Immune System with This Simple Fix
If you're a man in midlife who feels like you're constantly getting sick, run down, or just not bouncing back the way you used to, you're not alone.
Many men experience a dip in their immune system as they age. More colds, infections, and that overall feeling of being "off" starts to creep in. Sound familiar?
Last year, I hit a breaking point. My daughter—who’s at that lovely age of non-stop playgroups, rhyme time, and daycare—was constantly bringing home colds. Her immune system is still in boot camp, so she's catching everything under the sun.
Every time she got sick, I got sick. It felt like I was on a constant merry-go-round of tissues, lemon and honey.
I got fed up with getting sick.
So, like any determined dad, I did some research. I wanted to know how I could boost my immune system. Diet? Check. Sleep? Pretty solid. But one thing stood out: stomach acid.
Turns out, as we get older, our stomach acid levels can drop, and low stomach acid can have a serious impact on our immune system. Who knew?
Here's why fixing your gut might be the key to not constantly being under the weather.
The Secret Link Between Stomach Acid and Immune Health
Most of us think of stomach acid as that stuff that breaks down the burger we just ate. But it’s got a hidden superpower—helping our immune system. If you're constantly catching colds or feeling run down, experimenting with an HCL (hydrochloric acid) supplement might just give your immune system the boost it needs.
Here’s why:
1. Better Nutrient Absorption
You know all those immune-boosting vitamins like zinc, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B12? Stomach acid is the gatekeeper that helps your body absorb them.
You could have the best diet in the world, but if you don't have the stomach acid to digest and absorb the it, whats the point?
When your stomach acid is low, it’s like trying to fill up a leaky cup—you're not getting the nutrients you need. And without these, your immune system is left hanging.
Adding an HCL supplement can help your body properly absorb these immune-boosting nutrients, giving your system the fuel it needs to fight off sickness.
2. First Line of Defense Against the Bad Guys
Your stomach acid is like your body’s personal bouncer—it helps keep out harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi that hitch a ride on your food and drink.
When stomach acid levels drop, the bouncer’s on break, and the bad guys get in, putting extra strain on your immune system.
By boosting your stomach acid with an HCL supplement, you can help your body maintain its defenses and reduce your chances of getting sick.
3. Gut Health = Immune Health
Here's a fun fact: a huge chunk of your immune system lives in your gut. So, when your stomach acid is low, it messes with the balance of good and bad bacteria, leading to gut issues. This imbalance weakens your immune system, making you more likely to get sick.
Taking an HCL supplement can help restore a healthier gut environment, and a healthy gut means a stronger immune system.
Ready to Give HCL a Try?
If you’re tired of feeling run down and like every sniffle is your next battle, it might be worth experimenting with an HCL supplement. I use Thorne HCL and take 2 caps before each main mean (yes, 6 caps per day).
Start with a low dose and gradually increase until you feel your digestion improving (without discomfort).
Taking Back Control in Midlife
A lot of us chalk up feeling tired or constantly under the weather to “just getting older,” but the truth is, there could be hidden factors—like low stomach acid—that are making you feel this way.
By giving your gut some extra love, you might just find that your immune system perks back up, and you’re feeling more like your old, resilient self again.
So, if you suspect low stomach acid might be messing with your health, consider trying out HCL supplements.
Your immune system—and probably your family—will thank you.
