Symptom 4: Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue goes beyond the usual tiredness we all experience after a long day. It’s that all-encompassing exhaustion, the kind that coffee can’t chase away, and sleep doesn’t always fix. You wake up tired, drag yourself through the day, and crash the moment you’re home. It’s relentless, and it’s debilitating.
The stomach’s primary role is digestion, but its impact on our energy levels is profound. Breaking down food and extracting nutrients is a primary source of our energy. When stomach acid is in short supply, as in hypochlorhydria, this process becomes inefficient. Essential nutrients, especially B-vitamins which are vital for energy production, aren’t properly absorbed. Over time, this can lead to an energy deficit.
Moreover, the body expends a significant amount of energy trying to digest food without adequate stomach acid. It’s like trying to drive a car with a faulty engine; it uses up more fuel but delivers less power. This extra effort can further sap energy reserves, leading to chronic fatigue.(4)
