Zinc may be one key to your health struggles

I’ve been reviewing a lot of bloodwork lately, and one pattern keeps coming up: low stomach acid, which can often be due to low zinc.

Even when someone is supplementing, eating well, and trying to fix their iron or thyroid levels, things sometimes aren't improving the way they should. If you’ve been putting in the work and still not seeing results, zinc might be the reason.

Here’s why:

↣ Zinc is essential for stomach acid production

↣ Low stomach acid leads to poor digestion and nutrient absorption

↣ That includes iron, B12, magnesium, protein, and other essentials including zinc itself)!

↣ Zinc is also needed to make and convert thyroid hormones

↣ It helps maintain the gut lining and prevent leaky gut

↣ Gut damage can trigger histamine intolerance, and gut inflammation and low nutrient absorption means you can't make enough DAO, the enzyme that breaks down histamine

When zinc is low, it creates a ripple effect, because low stomach acid makes it so you can't absorb your zinc! It's a vicious cycle. Then your supplements don’t absorb well, your food isn't digested well, iron levels stall out, and thyroid hormones can't be made or converted as well as they should.

The Autoimmune Connection

A weak gut lining can trigger autoimmunity. One of the leading theories behind why autoimmune disease starts in the first place is the "three-legged stool" theory. The key factors behind autoimmune conditions in this theory are genetics, a trigger, and intestinal (or skin barrier) permeability. Zinc plays a direct role in that third one.

So, if your labs are confusing because you're doing everything right but aren't making progress, or your supplements aren't doing much, checking zinc is a good place to start. Sometimes it's the simplest nutrient that unlocks the bigger picture.

You can download my free Zinc Guide. It explains what zinc does, how to spot a deficiency, how to choose a supplement, and which foods are rich in zinc.

If you want expert eyes on your labs, I also offer bloodwork reviews. I'll spot patterns and connect the dots on clues in there as to what's going on, even if your doctor keeps saying your labs are "normal."

If you have Hashimoto's, keep an eye out for the relaunch of my program Back to Balance: A Functional Roadmap for Healing Hashimoto's. It's moving to a brand-new platform and I'm giving the whole course an overhaul with new sections and updated videos. I'll be looking for a few beta testers soon, so if you want first dibs on the limited spots to try out the new platform at am amazing discount, jump on the VIP list.

Disclaimer: I do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing I share with my clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. I may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician’s care. It is my role to partner with you to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and any changes should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician.