From Gautam Menon, Walsall, West Midlands, UK
The story on the possible link between emotions and gastric pH was interesting and thought-provoking. Could this be an evolutionary protective mechanism for early humans, who, being predominantly hunter-gatherers, may have been compelled to eat things that might not have been fresh in times of scarcity?
Fear, disgust or even caution may have led to a surge in acid production that could potentially destroy any significant microbial content within the meal, thereby rendering a degree of protection. We can perhaps thank our ancestors for our “gut instinct”(18 March, p 16).
