Too frequently, stomach acid tends to get bad press as it is considered to be the cause of many digestive symptoms; and consequently, medications that suppress its secretion are prescribed by the medical profession. This article demonstrates why we need stomach acid, why very often you may have too little rather than too much, the very important roles it plays towards our health, and what you can do to support its levels.
The stomach is positioned quite high up in the thoracic cavity, towards the left-hand side, under the breastbone and above the navel. The higher the concentration of protein in the meal, the longer food will reside there - up to three hours for more dense protein foods such as a steak — and this is to support the efficient breakdown of the protein in the meal. During the cephalic stage based on the sight, smell and taste of food followed by the chewing action in the mouth which triggers the release of more saliva, approx.
The vast majority of gastric secretions occur once the food arrives in the stomach and causes its distension. The greater the protein content, the greater the release of gastric juice.
The acidity neutralises harmful pathogens like yeast and bacteria that enter the body in food. If these are not destroyed, they may potentially cause food poisoning or upset the delicate balance of gut bacteria ; and this in itself can have a whole host of further digestive ramifications such as diarrhoea, gas, bloating and pain.
The acidity activates the protein-digesting enzyme pepsin in the stomach which is required alongside hydrochloric acid to commence the splitting apart of protein molecules. The acid unravels proteins to enable the pepsin enzyme to get to work. If you can see undigested food in your stools other than foods like sweetcorn , it can be a good indicator that digestive efficiency in your stomach is less than adequate as food should be unrecognizable once it leaves the stomach.
The acidic chyme triggers the release of further digestive secretions in the small intestines required for the complete breakdown of food for its absorption into the bloodstream. Really at this point, food is still external to the body and cannot be utilised, so to help optimise digestion and to support the absorption of the end products of digestion - simple sugars, amino acids and fatty acids and glycerol - we require good levels of stomach acid.
The acid helps liberate vitamin B12 from food and helps activate intrinsic factor required to enable B12 to be absorbed. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include memory loss, disorientation, hallucinations, and tingling in the arms and legs. The acid has an important role in the ionization of minerals like iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium for their effective absorption into the bloodstream.
The acid helps to close the lower oesophageal sphincter which helps reduce the ability of the acid to pass back into the oesophagus which may lead to acid reflux. The acid helps to activate the pyloric sphincter to enable 'chyme' to pass into the small intestines and therefore not remain in the stomach longer than necessary.
The above is an impressive list of essential roles that are easy to overlook when one is faced with what appears to be an excess production of stomach acid. Acid reflux or GERD - gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is an uncomfortable but very common symptom of heartburn. Gastrin is a hormone that tells your stomach to produce more stomach acid.
The symptoms of high stomach acid are very similar to those of other digestive conditions. Your doctor can work with you to help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and create a treatment plan. Having high levels of stomach acid can increase your risk of developing other stomach-related health conditions. These include:. High stomach acid is often treated with protein pump inhibitors PPIs. These medications work to lower stomach acid production. PPIs have a higher efficacy than H2 blockers.
If your high stomach acid is caused by an H. The antibiotics work to kill the bacteria while the PPI will help lower stomach acid production. Sometimes surgery may be recommended, such as removal of gastrinomas in people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Additionally, people who have severe ulcers may need to have surgery to remove part of the stomach gastrectomy or vagus nerve vagotomy.
If heartburn is one of your symptoms, you can make dietary changes to help reduce your symptoms:. Your stomach acid helps you break down and digest your food. Sometimes, a higher than normal amount of stomach acid can be produced. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and heartburn.
There are several causes of high stomach acid. Examples include H. If left untreated, high stomach acid can lead to complications like ulcers or GERD. See your doctor if you develop any digestive symptoms that are persistent, recurring, or concerning. Have you ever experienced a burning pain in your stomach and wondered what causes it? A hole in the diaphragm allows the upper part of the stomach to enter the chest cavity, sometimes leading to GERD.
Other risk factors are more easily controlled:. A recent study suggests that dietary choices may be as effective as using proton pump inhibitors PPIs in treating acid reflux.
PPIs and H2 blockers decrease acid production and reduce the potential for damage caused by acid reflux. These medications are generally safe and effective, but like any prescription drug, they are not appropriate for all people with reflux disease and can cause side effects. For instance, they can cause problems absorbing nutrients. This can lead to malnutrition. For people who experience heartburn or indigestion infrequently, perhaps in association with occasional food and drink triggers, OTC treatments to reduce the acidity of the stomach contents are available.
These liquid and tablet formulations are called antacids, and there are dozens of brands available, all with similar effectiveness. They may not work for everyone, and any need for regular use should be discussed with a doctor. They contain chemical compounds such as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, aluminum, and magnesium hydroxide.
They can also inhibit nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies over time. Gaviscon is probably the best-known heartburn therapy. It has a different mode of action than antacid drugs. Alginate drugs such as Gaviscon vary slightly in composition, but they usually contain an antacid. The alginic acid works by creating a mechanical barrier against the stomach acid, forming a foamy gel that sits at the top of the gastric pool itself.
Any reflux is then relatively harmless as it consists of alginic acid and not damaging stomach acid. If you want to buy Gaviscon, then there is an excellent selection available online. If GERD is severe and unresponsive to medical treatment, a surgical intervention known as fundoplication may be needed. Acid reflux usually produces heartburn, whether it is due to a single episode of overeating or persistent GERD.
Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation that occurs in the esophagus and is felt behind the breastbone area. It tends to get worse when lying down or bending over.
It can last for several hours and often worsens after eating food. The pain of heartburn may move up toward the neck and throat. Stomach fluid can reach the back of the throat in some cases, producing a bitter or sour taste.
Without treatment, GERD can lead to serious complications in the long term, including an increased risk of cancer.
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