What type of acid is found in the stomach

Many articles on the internet including this one seem to give off the impression that gastric acid is powerful enough to end civilization as we know it. Our stomachs only contain 0. People seem to assume that because our stomachs contain HCI it's as strong as the more concentrated HCI used in labs or industrial applications-it's not nor does it need to be.

The primary purpose of the acid is just to activate the various digestive enzymes needed to break down protein in our food. Aug 5, Hi, Jay! Sad Mar 5, I have acid reflex because i have too much acid in my stomach. Mar 5, Thanks for sharing with us, Sad!

Tyler Aug 12, I was wondering if you ate an entire eggplant whole how long would it take your stomach acid to dissolve. Aug 13, Esan Jerry Sep 9, Sep 9, Feb 23, Thanks, sydney! We're glad to have you learning with us! Feb 7, Great question, addison! We hope you do some research to learn more about this topic!!

Jan 15, We're glad you liked this one! Thanks for being our Wonder Friend! Kai Sep 22, I really love this topic. It inspires me to become a doctor. Sep 26, Malakai Sep 22, How can you create stomach acid. Can you even create stomach acid. Sep 28, Aspiring Chemist Aug 7, I just wanted to let the author know that the strength of an acid is technically not related to its concentration.

Generally, we assume that an acid is "strong" if it is concentrated because it is more powerful, but the strength is actually dependent on the degree of ionization an acid undergoes in an aqueous solution. The acid in your stomach is classified as a strong acid regardless of the concentration. Aug 10, Zoe Oct 9, Thank you! Oct 10, Karter Sep 12, I knew that we had acid in are belly but I dident know that it was as powerful as a batery.

Sep 13, We thought that was very interesting, Karter! Thanks for commenting! Abigayle Fuller Feb 8, Feb 9, Cadence Feb 8, How would you do stomach acid for a science fair project? Jan 25, Jacksonthekewlest Dec 14, I hear that stomach acid could disintegrate a penny after a couple days.

Dec 15, Cornfuzzled Sep 11, So why aren't we building houses and cars out of corn?? Sep 14, Zachary Lamb Apr 2, I learned that stomach acids are powerful and monster trucks are scary Wonderopolis Apr 2, Wonderopolis Mar 21, Yeah but what is the strongest metal that stomach acid can eat through??? Jan 5, Rachel Jan 14, Wonderopolis Jan 15, Dom Mrs. Mason'sClass Jan 13, Does that mean the hot chemicals in our body ejects steam and a reading smell?

Emma Williams From Mrs. Jan 13, I'm the first person to comment! I was always fascinated with stomachache acid! But I never new it was strong enough to melt metal!

I was really surprised when I read that. And HCl contributes to disease resistance by destroying most ingested pathogens and bacteria that are on the foods you eat. Your stomach is protected three ways from the harsh acidic and enzymatic environment it creates. It produces a mucous coat, a thick and highly alkaline mucus that resists the action of acid and enzymes. The tight junctions between epithelial cells prevent gastric juice from seeping between them and digesting connective tissue. And lastly, the stomach rapidly replenishes epithelial cells every three to six days.

A breakdown of any of these protective measures can result in inflammation and peptic ulcers. Digestive problems often involve deficits in the production of HCl or digestive enzymes or both. According to registered dietitian Joanne Larsen, people with hypohydrochloria -- less than the normal amount of acid -- or ahydrochloria -- no acid -- will experience an intolerance to some foods because they lack enough acid to chemically digest their food.

Proton pump inhibitors PPIs work to lower stomach acid. Your doctor may prescribe PPIs by themselves. Sometimes PPIs are prescribed with other medications. Other treatments will depend on the suspected cause of these high acid levels. These treatments may include:.

A number of conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors can cause acid level fluctuations. While some fluctuations are normal, not all are.

Additionally, chronically low or high levels of acid can be problematic for your health and well-being. Seeking treatment can prevent long-term complications. Likewise, certain factors can increase your odds of having high stomach acid levels. These include:. Stomach acid is a highly acidic liquid your body naturally produces to help you digest and absorb nutrients in food. High levels of stomach acid can lead to heartburn, acid reflux, and eventually ulcers. Low levels of stomach acid may impair your ability to digest food.

Your doctor can review your symptoms and decide the best treatment for you. In some cases, they may look for underlying health issues, like an infection, that could be contributing to the altered acid levels. Heartburn is uncomfortable, producing a burning sensation in the chest and throat.

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