What is the role of acid in stomach?

The acid in your stomach is incredibly important. It basically has two big jobs. First, it acts as a gatekeeper. It kills off most of the harmful bacteria and viruses that you might swallow with your food. This helps prevent you from getting sick. Second, it's essential for digestion. It helps break down food and activates a key enzyme that starts digesting proteins. So it’s crucial for both defence and getting nutrients from your food.