Stomach acid (HCL) also known as gastric acid is a hydrochloric acid solution. Your stomach produces about 4 litres a day and it performs a vital role for food digestion. Major functions include the following:
The lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) prevents the backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus. The pyloric sphincter at the bottom of the stomach opens when food is ready to move into the small intestine for the next stage of digestion. Food entry and exit from the stomach is controlled by these sphincters which act like little gates. The pH of the stomach is controlled via stomach acid levels and this influences internal pressure to trigger them to open or close.
Our stomach acid directly acts on our food to break it down but it also activates enzymes to digest it further. This includes an enzyme called pepsin for protein digestion. Stomach acid also helps the body to absorb micronutrients such as vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, selenium and boron.
Most bacteria do not like acid so if they gain entry (via food) they are usually destroyed by the acidity. It also takes care of the majority of pathogens. This means it is very protective from infections of all kinds and helps to prevent an overgrowth of harmful bacteria (dysbiosis). The latter can lead to all sorts of digestive issues including gas, constipation, bloating, nausea and diarrhoea.
The presence of bacteria in the wrong location and resulting gas build up can exert pressure on the sphincter at the top of the stomach. If this opens at unwanted times the acid can leak into unprotected areas (acid reflux), which can cause tissue damage. The conundrum is that whilst we take medication to reduce stomach acid and symptoms such as heart burn, the initial problem, dysbiosis and gas, is facilitated by far too low levels of stomach acidity.
Low levels or absent stomach acid inhibit the liver from releasing bile which we need to digest and absorb our fats. A lack of proper bile flow will also inhibit our detoxification system and the excretion of toxins from the body. Stomach acid is therefore essential for detoxification.
