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When the stomach's self-protection system does not work effectively, it will cause an excess or a lack of stomach acid and thereby lead to many effects on the health of the digestive system. This article will provide more information to help you understand and improve stomach acid deficiency.
1. Stomach acid and formation mechanism
Stomach acid is called hydrochloric acid when in equilibrium, the concentration of the acid is usually in the range of 0.0001 to 0.001 mol/l. This index is high or low will signal abnormal effects on the health of the digestive system. Stomach acid plays an important role in the digestive system and is considered a digestive juice secreted from the gastric mucosa when oxyntic cells form hydrochloric, which contributes to the formation of gastric juice.
The stomach will secrete fluid in a process consisting of 3 stages corresponding to the digestion of food in the body:
Cephalic: The process is done after receiving the taste of food entering the stomach, The vagus nerve in the cerebellum and brainstem is then stimulated by this action and transmits the signal to the central nervous system. The brain will direct the process of gastric acid secretion with about 30% of this substance being produced and ready to participate in the digestion of food. When the food begins to be digested in the stomach, the acid in the stomach continues to be stimulated to secrete about 60% with the activities of contraction and crushing of the food. When the digested food is transferred to the intestine, almost all the food has been crushed and transferred to the intestine with about 10% of the remaining gastric juice being secreted. During the digestion of food, stomach acid is continuously secreted and plays an important role in helping to digest the entire food. However, the amount of acid in the stomach is only secreted just enough to ensure that gastric juice is in a balanced state.
Thừa hay thiếu axit dạ dày đều dẫn đến nhiều ảnh hưởng tới sức khoẻ của hệ tiêu hoá
2. The role of stomach acid for the digestive system
Acid in the stomach will help metabolize food in the stomach and intestines. After being secreted by the gastric mucosa, the amount of acid in the stomach will join with digestive enzymes to participate in contraction and crushing activities. As a result, it quickly fills the stages of food digestion as well as helps to maximize the function of the stomach.
Stomach acid also helps to increase the production of pepsin - a catalyst that supports the metabolism of food, providing essential nutrients for the body. These acids help to stimulate and form as well as increase the activity of pepsin. The process of producing pepsin takes place only when stomach acid assumes functions such as:
Creating a pH environment for pepsin to work; Pepsinogen activation; Breaks down connective tissue around muscle mass to release pepsin and break down peptides; Cutting protein chains and breaking the bonds of food helps the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food faster. The activity of food digestion is supported by stomach acid and is directly involved in the neutralization of insoluble salts before absorption by the body. At the same time, it also acts as a catalyst for hydrolysis reactions, helping sugars, starches, and proteins convert into simple substances for easy absorption by the body.
Acid supports intestinal bacteria, thanks to the presence of acid in the stomach, harmful bacteria in food are destroyed and cannot attack and damage these organs.
3. What symptoms does a lack of stomach acid cause?
Stomach acid deficiency occurs when the pH is greater than 4.5. With the amount of stomach acid less than the basic index will reflect the abnormality of the digestive system. Some signs help to recognize the decrease in stomach acid associated with symptoms such as:
Bloating or belching, especially with the appearance of this condition after 60 minutes of using food: What causes it? This symptom is caused by a lack of stomach acid to digest food, making food stay in the stomach for a longer time, when these foods can ferment and produce gas, leading to a feeling of fullness after a meal. eat. Acid reflux but not acid: Under normal circumstances, the sphincteric muscles between the esophagus and stomach open when food is swallowed and allow food to pass into the stomach, then close tightly to preserve food. esophageal guard. The accumulation of gas in the stomach can put pressure on the sphincter muscles causing the valve to open at the wrong time. At that time, acid backs up into the esophagus along with the undigested food. Bad breath is also known as a result of bacterial fermentation in the stomach. Passing raw feces also shows that the stomach is lacking in acid to metabolize food and often when eating meat, this will happen. Even though you are full, you still want to eat and this feeling of hunger is due to the fact that the body does not receive nutrients from the food that is loaded into the body. Elderly people are more likely to suffer from stomach acid deficiency. Compounds vitamins B1, B6, and zinc are often seen as essential ingredients in the production of stomach acid. When these 3 substances are not provided adequately for the body, it will lead to a condition in which the stomach does not secrete food to digest food. Chronic dehydration can also be caused by a lack of stomach acid. Or those who follow a low-salt diet, causing the body to lack sodium chloride...
Thiếu axit dạ dày xảy ra khi nồng độ pH lớn hơn 4.5
4. How to improve stomach acid deficiency?
Once we determine the cause of the lack of gastric juice, there are a few ways to improve the symptoms:
Eat fermented vegetables including sauerkraut , kimchi, ... or other fermented products will help regulate acid levels in the stomach. Fermented vegetables contain Probiotics, which effectively inhibit H.pylori bacteria, which produce some essential vitamins that the body cannot synthesize; Increase zinc supplementation to activate stomach acid production. At the same time, it is possible to use foods rich in zinc such as chicken, pumpkin, beef, crab, salmon, lobster... Fermented products such as yogurt, cheese... also help to nourish. zinc supplements for the body; Do not eat food before going to bed, do not lie down immediately after eating or do not snack between meals to improve digestion. Avoid using cold water when eating because it can reduce the ability of the stomach to produce acid and slow down the digestion of food. In cases of acid reflux, it is necessary to follow a low carb diet to control this symptom. Cutting carbs can reduce the pressure on the lower esophageal rings. Chewing food properly helps to digest food well. When food is chewed for the right amount of time, it makes digestion easier and prevents symptoms like nausea, heartburn or bloating. Learn how to manage your emotions, avoid stressors that make enzymes to digest food poorly, leading to bloating. In short, stomach acid helps to metabolize food in the stomach and intestines. The lack of stomach acid will cause the digestive system to be disturbed, causing symptoms of bloating, reflux or bad breath... So you need to determine the cause of the lack of gastric juice. symptoms can be improved.
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