What is Stomach Acid + Why is it important?
If you have ever gone to the doctor for acid reflux or heart burn, you were probably told to either use over the counter medications like TUMS, given a prescription for an acid suppressing medication like protonix, Prilosec or Nexium.
In this article we will be exploring why this can be harmful and why stomach acid is actually good for you.
First of all, what is stomach acid?
Stomach acid, also referred to as gastric acid or gastric juice, is a digestive fluid that is produced by the cells in the stomach lining. It consists mainly of hydrochloric acid (HCl) along with enzymes and mucus. Stomach acid plays a vital role in the process of digestion by breaking down food and eliminating any bacteria that might be present in the stomach. The acidic environment created by stomach acid aids in activating digestive enzymes and facilitating the breakdown of proteins into smaller molecules for absorption.
Why do we need stomach acid?
Our God designed ability to absorb nutrients from food, relies on good strong stomach acid. It is there for a reason. An example of this is the connection between stomach acid and pepsin pepsin. Pepsin is an enzyme that is required for the optimum initial digestion of protein. During the ingestion of food, the secretion of stomach acid triggers the production of pepsin. If acid levels are depressed, then so are pepsin levels. As a result, proteins don’t get broken down into their component amino acids and peptides (two or more linked amino acids). The resulting deficiency of many essential amino acids,* including phenylalanine, and tryptophan, as well as the “nonessential” amino acid tyrosine, may lead to chronic depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other disturbing or dangerous long-term disorders.
Another example of this is Vitamin B 12. Vitamin B12 binds to the protein in the foods we eat. In our stomach, stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) and enzymes unbind vitamin B12 into its free form. From there, vitamin B12 combines with a protein called intrinsic factor so that it can be absorbed further down in the small intestine. Without good strong stomach acid, this process is interrupted. Low level of b12 can then impact the way the body uses iron which can result in many symptoms (especially fatigue).
Due to the false belief that stomach acid is a root cause for heart burn, a conventional approach to treating heartburn generally consists of the use drugs to target stomach acid: acid neutralizers + acid suppressors + H2 Receptor drugs.
Here is a breakdown:
Acid neutralizers typically contain calcium, sodium, aluminum, or magnesium salts that combine with stomach acid (HCL) to form a neutral salt.
Since antacids do not affect the secretion of stomach acid, their influence on the gastric acid-base balance (known as the pH) is short term, lasting only until all the antacid molecules are used up. In the meantime, the stomach continues to secrete HCl. The unfortunate thing is that these types of products are readily available over the counter and chronically over used.
These include:
Tums
Rolaid’s
Alka Seltzer
Maalox
Overuse of these can result in serious problems. One over looked adverse effect of acid neutralizers is known as the milk-alkali syndrome, which consists of excess calcium in the blood, an elevated blood pH (alkalosis), and, most importantly, kidney failure.
Acid Suppressors:
Proton Pump Inhibitors:
These work by blocking the action of the proton pump responsible for secreting stomach acid. One pill can reduce stomach acid by 90-95 percent for the better part of the day.
Common names include:
Esomeprazole (Nexium)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
Rabeprazole (AcipHex)
Adverse effects: Diarrhea, skin reactions, headache, breast enlargement, impotence, and gout.
H2 Receptor blocks:
Common names include:
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Ranitidine (Zantac)
Famotidine (Pepcid)
Nitazidine (Acid)
One concerning side effects of these drugs (that I am especially cautious of as a breast cancer survivor) is an interference with the metabolism of the hormones estradiol (the most potent of the estrogens) and testosterone. This can also be concerning in men. In some men, this has resulted in breast enlargement and sexual dysfunction.
I personally wish I had known about the importance of stomach acid sooner because of my frequent history of antibiotic use (which harms good bacteria) + chronic use of PPIs + H2 drugs in attempt to soothe reflux, (which suppresses + impairs absorption).
Supporting my gut lining + optimizing stomach acid was a key factor when it came to reversing bloating, reflux, anxiety, depression + improving energy for me.
In short, stomach acid is good for us + our God designed bodies make it for a reason. It is key for optimal health.
Check out my YouTube channel for more info on gut health + stomach acid.
*This is not medical advice, if you have an ulcer there are steps you need to take in order to support stomach acid first.
For a deeper dive into the role of stomach acid, check out the book: Why Stomach Acid is Good For You.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279304/
Wright, Jonathan V. ; Lenard. Why Stomach Acid Is Good for You (p. 27). M. Evans & Company. Kindle Edition.
