Your stomach is filled with a type of acid known as hydrochloric acid. This stomach acid is critical for digestion and is made by special cells known as parietal cells. Sometimes stomach acid can cause health problems such as acid reflux. There are medications available that can interfere with stomach acid production.
Stomach Acid Function
Hydrochloric acid, also known as stomach or gastric acid, plays a key role in digestion. One of the most important functions of this acid is that it can convert an important enzyme, known as pepsin, from its inactive to active form. Pepsin helps break down proteins and also activates other enzymes that are needed to begin breaking down the fats, carbohydrates and protein in food. Stomach acid also helps keep bacteria from growing in your stomach.
Stomach Acid Secretion
Stomach acid is made by special cells known as parietal cells, Colorado State University states. These cells use a special protein known as a proton pump, which is a protein that uses energy to pump hydrogen ions into the stomach. Chloride ions are also transported into the stomach, and the combination of hydrogen and chloride ions creates hydrochloric acid. The production of this acid is regulated by different compounds, such as histamine, gastrin and acetylcholine.
Acid Reflux
If you develop acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, some of your stomach acid is getting into your esophagus where it causes chemical burns. Acid reflux can be triggered by eating certain foods, such as peppermint, chocolate, tomatoes and citrus fruits. Eating large meals, consuming fried or fatty foods, alcohol consumption and reclining soon after eating can also lead to acid reflux, PubMed Health reports. Acid reflux can cause a burning pain in your chest and nausea after eating.
Drugs That Reduce Stomach Acid
If you suffer from chronic acid reflux or have other conditions, such as gastritis, that are affected by high levels of stomach acid, you may need to take medications to interfere with the production of stomach acid. One type of drug is known as a proton pump inhibitor and it inactivates the protein that pushes hydrogen ions into the stomach. H2 receptor antagonists is another class of drugs used to treat excess stomach acid. It works by interfering with some of the chemical signals that tell parietal cells to make more stomach acid.
