Acid-base reactions are very important for digestion. One key player in this process is gastric acid, which is mainly made up of hydrochloric acid (HCl). In our stomach, the pH level ranges from about 1.5 to 3.5, making it quite acidic.
Here’s how this acidic environment helps us:
Breaking Down Proteins: The acid helps break apart proteins. This makes it easier for enzymes, which are special helpers in our body, to do their job on these proteins.
Activating Enzymes: One of these important enzymes is called pepsin. It works best in an acidic setting, around a pH of 2. Pepsin kicks off the digestion of proteins.
Fighting Off Germs: The acid in our stomach also helps protect us. It kills off harmful bacteria and germs that could make us sick.
Did you know that around 20% of adults have issues related to acid in their stomachs? This shows just how important it is to keep the right balance of acid and base for our digestive health.
Acid-base reactions are very important for digestion. One key player in this process is gastric acid, which is mainly made up of hydrochloric acid (HCl). In our stomach, the pH level ranges from about 1.5 to 3.5, making it quite acidic.
Here’s how this acidic environment helps us:
Breaking Down Proteins: The acid helps break apart proteins. This makes it easier for enzymes, which are special helpers in our body, to do their job on these proteins.
Activating Enzymes: One of these important enzymes is called pepsin. It works best in an acidic setting, around a pH of 2. Pepsin kicks off the digestion of proteins.
Fighting Off Germs: The acid in our stomach also helps protect us. It kills off harmful bacteria and germs that could make us sick.
Did you know that around 20% of adults have issues related to acid in their stomachs? This shows just how important it is to keep the right balance of acid and base for our digestive health.