Before your body is able to derive nutrients from the foods that you eat, the foods must first succumb to the digestion process. A complex process, digestion converts food into usable energy, which is necessary to your survival. Digestion also separates nutrients from waste, which your body disposes of during elimination.
What Is Stomach Acid?
Also known as gastric acid, stomach acid contains hydrochloric acid and pepsin enzymes. According to the University of Cincinnati Clermont College, the pH of the hydrochloric acid in your stomach is between 1.5 and 3.0, usually hovering around 2.0. The hydrochloric acid, which is strong enough to dissolve metal, destroys bacteria and breaks down proteins into smaller molecules. The pepsin enzymes break the proteins down even further, making it easier for the body to absorb them.
Causes
A variety of situations causes the cells in the stomach to produce more gastric acid than your body needs. Environmental factors such as stress, as well as overeating and caffeine consumption, often results in too much stomach acid. If you are suffering from an increase in stomach acids, you may want to consider cutting back on alcohol. Health Services at Columbia University explains that aside from irritating the lining of your esophagus, stomach and intestines, alcohol also increases stomach juices.
Complications
Excessive amounts of stomach acid often results in the development of uncomfortable and sometimes painful health complications. Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when excess stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Heartburn causes a burning sensation in the upper chest and esophagus, along with feelings of regurgitation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, hydrochloric acid and pepsin enzymes, in combination with a helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, are contributors to the development of stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Solutions
Antacids are over-the-counter medications that neutralize excess amounts of stomach acid. Common antacids are calcium carbonate, magnesium and aluminum. Some antacids contain a combination of both magnesium and aluminum. New York University Langone Medical Center explains that antacids come in chewable tablet, dissolving tablet and chewing gum forms. Antacids are short-term solutions. Proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers are acid reducers that physicians prescribe for long-term use. Acid reducers take several days to work. The addition of an antacid for the first few days of use may help relieve symptoms while you wait for the acid reducer to kick in and start working.
References
- University of Cincinnati Clermont College: Digestive System
- Health Services at Columbia University; Suddenly, Drinking Alcohol Makes Me Sick!; November 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Digestive Disorders
- New York University Langone Medical Center; "Healthwise"; Antacids for Peptic Ulcer Disease; Monica Rhodes; January 2008
