Stomach acid, or hydrochloric acid (HCl), is a substance found in the human digestive system. It is responsible for breaking down food particles, aiding in digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. But what exactly does stomach acid do, and how does it affect your health? Let’s take a closer look at this important component of the digestive process.
What Does Stomach Acid Do?
Stomach acid helps break down food so that your body can absorb vital nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It begins to work as soon as you start eating and continues to work throughout the digestive process. HCl also helps protect against foodborne illness by killing potentially harmful bacteria before they can enter your bloodstream through your intestines.
How Does Stomach Acid Affect You?
When functioning properly, stomach acid helps keep your digestive system healthy and running smoothly. However, too little or too much stomach acid can have serious effects on your overall health. Too little stomach acid can lead to indigestion and poor nutrient absorption, while too much stomach acid can cause heartburn, ulcers, nausea and vomiting. If left untreated, both conditions can cause serious health problems over time.
How Is Stomach Acid Diagnosed?
If you experience any symptoms related to an imbalance of stomach acid—such as chronic indigestion, heartburn, or chronic fatigue—it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional right away. It’s important to understand when something is off-balance with our bodies so we can intervene before it leads to more serious issues down the road! Give us a call at 314-293-8123 to book a consultation with one of our practitioners so you can take a healthy step into 2023.
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