What is the role of the acid in our stomach?

As someone who suffered from acid reflux, I learned way too much about stomach acid! It's not just about digestion - it's our first line of defense against food-borne illnesses. The acid creates a pH of 1.5-3.5, which is incredibly hostile to most microorganisms. Another cool fact: the "burning" sensation of heartburn usually isn't from too much acid, but from acid being in the wrong place (esophagus). The esophagus doesn't have the protective lining the stomach does. If you want to learn more about gut health, the GI Society has reliable patient-friendly information.

Stomach acid (mainly hydrochloric acid) is way more important than people realize! Its main jobs are: Breaking down proteins - It denatures proteins, making them easier for enzymes to digest Activating pepsin - This key digestive enzyme only works in acidic environments Killing pathogens - It destroys most bacteria and viruses we swallow with food Absorbing nutrients - It helps with absorption of minerals like calcium, iron, and vitamin B12The stomach lining protects itself from this acid with a mucus barrier. When this fails, we get ulcers. Amazingly, stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve metal, yet our stomach contains it safely!