What Is the Function of Stomach Acid?
Stomach acid, also called gastric acid (since the stomach is part of the body's gastrointestinal system), is a fluid secreted by the stomach to assist with the breakdown and digestion of food. The acid is produced by specialized cells in the stomach and works in conjunction with enzymes to process nutrients from food and create waste, which is sent to the intestines.
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Composition
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Stomach acid is an acidic solution with a Ph that normally ranges between 1 and 3. The solution consists mainly of hydrochloric acid, a very corrosive acid commonly used in industry. The acid also contains high levels of salt and potassium chloride. When the acid is first created by specialized cells lining the stomach, the Ph may be lower than 1, but it is diluted before being secreted into the stomach.
Heartburn
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One problem many people have with stomach acid is heartburn. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid and perhaps bile is regurgitated partway up the esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation in the upper abdomen under the sternum and next to the heart. (Heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart itself.) Pain can rise above the sternum if gastric acid comes further up the esophagus.
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Acid Reflux
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Acid reflux is a condition where the esophagus becomes damaged from chronic regurgitation of stomach fluids. Reflux can cause discomfort and pain in the throat and when swallowing and may be accompanied by salivation. Saliva has a neutral or basic Ph, which can help neutralize stomach acid when swallowed. Excessive vomiting from acid reflux can also lead to erosion of the teeth from stomach acid.
Treatment
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A common way to reduce the affects of heartburn and possible onset of acid reflux is to calm stomach acid by taking medication that neutralizes its Ph. Since stomach acids have a low Ph, ingesting supplements that are mildly basic on the Ph scale-- above 7--can reduce the burning caused by stomach acids. Alginates are another treatment which form a protective film over the esophagus to limit the burning sensation of heartburn.
Prevention
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Preventing problems with stomach acid is often a matter of keeping to a strict diet that avoids certain foods. Most people experience heartburn after consuming specific foods that upset their stomachs. Foods high in fat, such as certain fast foods, tend to cause heartburn. Also coffee and other foods with high amounts of caffeine are likely to lead to increased incidence of heartburn.
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