Gastric Acid Production: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Gastric acid production occurs through the mucous membranes of the stomach. The acid is the most important secretion in the digestive process. It consists mainly of highly dilute hydrochloric acid. The liquid, also called gastric juice, is of more or less viscous consistency and clear. In its normal state, the hydrochloric acid in the stomach has a concentration of 0.5 to 1 percent. Furthermore, gastric acid is composed of mucus, the protein-splitting enzyme pepsin and mucoprotein, which is responsible for the absorption of vitamin B12. The so-called rennin, which supports the coagulation of milk protein, is also present.

What is gastric acid production?

Stomach acid production takes place through the mucous membranes of the stomach. Acid is the most important secretion in the digestive process. When the stomach is empty, gastric acid has a pH of approximately 0. This increases to 2 to 4 when the stomach is full. Gastric juice is produced both between meals and during the nighttime rest period. The intensity is highest around midnight and then decreases significantly until early morning. The digestion or utilization of food by gastric acid occurs by means of hydrolytic cleavage (hydrolysis), a reaction with water. In this process, the proteins in the stomach contents are converted into individual amino acids or chains of them. Cell biologically, gastric acid consists of protons and chloride ions. The gastric mucosa is responsible for the production of chloride ions. Its larger and smaller ducts contain the so-called voucher cells, which receive the stimuli for the secretion of the chloride ions. In turn, the epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa prevent the gastric juice from breaking down and eventually digesting the cell membranes. This would be tantamount to self-destruction of the stomach. If the stomach acid enters the esophagus, heartburn results. If this happens frequently or regularly, cell transformation of the covering tissue (epithelium) of the esophagus can result, possibly leading to cancer. If too much gastric acid is produced, the stomach overacidifies, which can lead to heartburn as well as a feeling of fullness and stabbing stomach pain. These accompanying symptoms often occur in acute gastritis. Acidosis can be prevented by cutting down on alcohol, nicotine and coffee. Often, too fatty and too spicy food also plays a negative role. Last but not least, constant stress can upset the acid balance in the stomach. If these factors are taken into account and the complaints still persist, a doctor should find out possible causes of disease in the stomach, intestines or esophagus.

Function and task

About two liters of gastric juice are provided daily. Its production is significantly stimulated as soon as the ingested food has met with the gastric mucosa. Then the stomach immediately expands automatically. The hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice particularly attacks the proteins in the food and breaks them down. At the same time, gastric acid fights bacteria and viruses in particular before they can cause disease. The mucus, which is also contained in the gastric acid, is largely supplied by the surface cells of the gastric mucosa. It forms a thin, closed film that completely lines the inside of the stomach. This is how the stomach’s self-protection against hydrochloric acid is achieved. Stomach acid production can be divided into three phases. First, the secretion of gastric juice is stimulated by thinking about food as well as its visual perception and smell. This is the so-called head phase, as it is triggered by stimulation of the X. Cranial nerve (vagus nerve) is initiated. It is followed by the gastric phase, in which the stomach stretches and is chemically stimulated by proteins, spices, etc. Finally comes the so-called intestinal phase, in the course of which gastric acid production is inhibited or blocked by hormonal influence, since the food pulp has arrived in the duodenum. Stomach acid prevents bacteria, germs and parasites from entering the intestine by killing almost everything that can harm the body. In addition, if not enough gastric juice is secreted, food cannot be properly utilized. Especially proteins, carbohydrates and fats are then insufficiently broken down.

Diseases and complaints

The consequences of gastric acid deficiency are extremely varied. Flatulence, diarrhea or persistent constipation often occur.Heartburn can also become noticeable, even more frequently than with too much stomach acid. At the same time, food intolerances develop, for example of green vegetables, lentils and nuts. Iron and vitamin deficiencies, skin diseases such as acne or eczema, and even asthma may develop. In many cases, fingernails become brittle and cracked. Sudden hair loss can also be related to a lack of stomach acid. As a result of the incomplete breakdown of food components, the body often also lacks calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium and zinc. The lack of protein as a result of inadequate food processing can lead to severe blood anemia (anemia of the blood). In addition, damage to nerve functions and the mucous membrane of the stomach is possible. Sugar in foods and beverages in particular significantly curbs the production of gastric acid. Reducing glucose intake is therefore always good for health and well-being. If there is a suspicion of too much stomach acid, the daily consumption of raw oatmeal helps. In such a case, the somewhat diluted juice of freshly grated raw potatoes is also recommended. Pure juice of aloe vera, chamomile, peppermint and centaury (bitter herb) are also effective against hyperacidity. Any good stomach drops can also have a beneficial effect on the regulation of gastric acid production. Above all, purely herbal remedies are recommended in this regard.