The Acid Bath in Your Stomach

[Kaiser]

Our stomachs contain a powerful acid called hydrochloric acid (HCl) that can break down food and even dissolve metals! This potent acid is crucial for digestion, but how does our stomach avoid being dissolved itself? This is where mucus comes in. Our stomachs produce a thick layer of mucus that acts as a protective barrier, allowing the acid to work its magic on food without harming the stomach lining.

How does the body regulate the production of stomach acid?

 

[tts.alexius]

Our body keeps stomach acid in check by using hormones and nerve signals to ramp up or tone down acid production as needed, kind of like adjusting the volume on a stereo to make sure it's just right for digesting food without wrecking our stomach.