Role of Stomach Acid in Digestion

Stomach acid aids in breaking down foods after neutralizing enzymes found in pre-digestion. Stomach acid contains hydrochloric acid and the acid enzyme pepsin.

Digestion Enzymes

Food-based enzymes and digestion enzymes begin the process of digestion. Foods chewed properly achieve 75 percent of digestion within the first hour of consumption.

Stomach Acids

Stomach acids neutralize digestive enzymes, continuing the digestion process. Hydrochloric acid and pepsin are introduced to the food matter, breaking down the remaining 25 percent before moving it to the intestines.

Excessive Stomach Acid

The stomach will react to a lack of enzymes in food. The stomach will produce large amounts of stomach acid to aid in digestion, leading to heartburn.

Insufficient Stomach Acid

Too little stomach acid can cause health problems. Conditions such as poor digestion, inability to absorb nutrients and bacteria colonization can result from a lack of acid.

Considerations

Eat foods rich in enzymes and chew your food properly. Should acid indigestion present itself repeatedly, a physician should be consulted.

References

• "Mosby's Medical Dictionary" Mosby 8th Edition: 2009
• "The Pocket Doctor" Christine Chen: 2008

Resources

• WebMD: Digestion