Gastric juice

The stomach is an important part of the digestive system. This body accumulates and mixes the food lump. It is in the stomach that chemical breakdown of food occurs, as well as the conversion of vitamins and trace elements into easily digestible forms. One of the main functions of this body is the allocation of gastric juice.

Normal food processing is simply impossible without this physiological process. The gastric secretion is hydrochloric acid. Normally, up to two liters of this liquid are released daily. What role does gastric juice play in our body? What does this secret consist of? Why does the acidity level go down and rise? About all this and other we will talk in this article.

Definition of the term

The stomach plays a huge role in digestion processes. Under the influence of peristalsis there is a mixing of the food lump. It also produces a huge number of enzymes. Due to the acidic environment of the stomach, bacterial infection is neutralized. When a poor-quality food comes into play, a vomitive reflex triggers, which prevents further frustration.

Digestive juice is ninety-nine percent water. It also shows enzymes and mineral constituents. The change in color to yellow indicates the presence of a secretion in the stomach secret. A red or brown shade may indicate an admixture of blood. With active fermentation processes, the juice has an unpleasant putrefactive odor.

In the intervals between meals, the stomach produces neutral mucus. After eating, an acid reaction appears in it. The composition of the secretion may vary depending on the amount of food consumed and its type. Due to the presence of mucus neutralizes the aggressive action of the released acid. That is why the human gastric juice does not damage the internal walls of the stomach.

Moreover, viscid mucus envelops the food lump, which improves digestive function. The chemical composition of gastric juice includes the following components:

• hydrochloric acid;
• mucoid;
• pepsin;
• lipase;
• mineral salts.

Specialists also note that the composition of gastric juice includes bicarbonates. What role do these components play? It is interesting that the acid begins to be produced only after the corresponding reflex has worked, which does not always appear when food is ingested.

What happens if the reflex has worked and there is no food in the stomach? Just in this case, bicarbonates help. Ions have a protective function and do not allow the acid to damage the organ. Under their action, carbon dioxide and water are formed, as a result of which the acidic medium is replaced by an alkaline medium. If it were not bicarbonates, as a result of casting the contents of the stomach, burns of the larynx and throat might appear.

Hydrochloric acid in the stomach plays a huge role in the digestion processes

Acidity of the stomach

The main indicator of the normal functioning of the stomach is the acidity level, that is, the acid concentration in the gastric juice. This indicator is measured in different parts of the stomach, esophagus and duodenum. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach destroys complex molecules, which facilitates absorption in the small intestine.

Synthesis of acid in the stomach is less than the established values ​​indicates a reduced acidity. With an increased level of acidity, the acid concentration exceeds the norm. In any case, the shift of this indicator triggers pathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract and causes the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.

Lowered or increased secretion of hydrochloric acid threatens the appearance of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer and even cancer. Currently, there are many ways to measure the level of acidity, but the most accurate and informative is the intragastric method. During the day, the concentration of hydrochloric acid is measured simultaneously in several parts of the stomach. This is done with instruments that are equipped with special sensors.

The method of fractional sounding is also applied. With the help of a rubber tube, the contents of the stomach are sucked off. Compared with the previous method, the results of this study are not so accurate. This is due to the fact that the collection of biological material is taken from different zones and mixed.

Moreover, the research process itself disrupts the normal functioning of the stomach, and this also distorts the results. Specialists distinguish two main types of acidity level change: increased and decreased type. Let's talk about these changes in more detail.

Analysis will show which acid in the stomach

Acidity

Excessive production of hydrochloric acid manifests itself in the form of such unpleasant symptoms:

• heartburn. Usually it appears after eating or taking a horizontal position. Heartburn is the result of throwing stomach contents into the esophagus. Irritation of the mucous membrane and is the cause of burning;
• sour or bitter belch. It appears when gas or food enters the esophagus;
• painful flare;
• feeling of heaviness and fullness of the stomach. Even a normal snack causes unpleasant sensations;
• decreased appetite;
• bloating;
• rumbling in the abdomen;
• nausea, vomiting;
• constipation or diarrhea.

With high production of gastric juice, heartburn and an attack of pain. With increased acidity, in no case can it be neutralized by soda. In the future, this will lead to an even greater increase in the secretion of gastric juice and the formation of deep ulcers on the mucosa.

Various factors can lead to excessive acidity: inaccuracies in nutrition, bad habits, stressful situations, drug intake. The development of hyperacid gastritis is also influenced by the influence of Helicobacter pylori infection. This is the only bacterium that is not damaged by hydrochloric acid.

Reduced acidity

Despite the fact that hypoacid gastritis is much less common, it is considered the most dangerous. The fall of gastric activity threatens the penetration of pathogens. The decrease in enzymatic properties manifests itself in the form of such symptoms:

• burp is rotten;
• appetite impairment;
• bad smell from the mouth, to eliminate which does not help even cleaning your teeth;
• intestinal disorders;
• stool retention;
• a nausea that occurs after eating;
• bloating.

Hypoacid gastritis threatens the development of anemia, hypotension, allergic reaction, autoimmune processes. Reducing the concentration of acidity can even contribute to the development of cancer.

Reduced production of hydrochloric acid can lead to the development of serious pathologies, such as anemia, allergy and cancer

Natural gastric juice

The composition of the drug includes digestive juice, as well as an alcohol solution of salicylic acid. The drug is used to normalize the level of acidity in the stomach and improve digestion. Natural gastric juice improves appetite and eliminates diarrheal disorders. Specialists prescribe a remedy for achilia, hypoacid and anacid gastritis.

Natural gastric has some limitations, it can not be used in the following cases:

• gastroesophageal reflux;
• hyperacid gastritis;
• gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer;
• erosive gastritis and duodenitis;
• is an allergy to active ingredients.

Proper storage of the drug plays an important role. If you leave the remedy in a warm place, it will lose its activity.

Products affecting acidity

To normalize the condition associated with changes in gastric juice secretion, it is first necessary to normalize the nutrition. Next, let's talk about foods that increase and, conversely, lower the level of acidity.

pH increase

Increased acidity provokes alcoholic beverages. Alcohol irritates the mucous membranes of the digestive organs, because of which nutrients can not be properly absorbed. The more often a person consumes alcohol, the more intense will be the digestive juice. It can manifest in the form of severe heartburn, nausea and bouts of pain in the area of ​​the stomach.

The basis of the diet for people who are on the right diet are fruits. Many do not even suspect that they are able to significantly increase the level of acidity in the stomach. Such a reaction can be caused by:

• grapes;
• melon;
• grenade;
• peach;
• kiwi fruit;
• citrus fruits.

Citrus fruits raise the pH level

Ironically, some vegetables are also capable of enhancing the secretion of gastric juice. Functionality of secret glands increases the consumption of such products:

• cabbage;
• pickled cucumbers;Zucchini
• ;
• tomatoes.

Increased acidity can still be a reaction to fatty and sugary foods. If we talk about fatty foods, then it often includes a spread, margarine, vegetable fat. The use of such food leads to disruption of digestion processes and increase in the functional activity of secret glands.

If we talk about sweets, it is worth noting that not all of them affect the amount of gastric juice production. This reaction does not give honey, halva and marshmallows. Increase the acidity can chocolate, cakes, cakes, alcoholic desserts, etc. Spices give the dishes an exquisite taste, but some of them can cause pathological changes in the secret glands.

To strengthen the secretion of digestive juice, such products are able: nutmeg, chili, cloves, red and black ground pepper. To neutralize the acid, the herbs are also used in the treatment. Normalize the level of gastric juice will help decoctions of chamomile flowers, licorice root, rhizomes of aira, bitter wormwood, and willow-tea.

pH lowering

To reduce acidity, it is recommended that patients eat a homogenized consistency, namely boiled porridge, cream soup, vegetable mashed potatoes from carrots, pumpkins, potatoes. Products containing simple compounds reduce acidity and, at the same time, do not require a large amount of energy for splitting. For example, if you choose between meat and fish, the last product is preferred, since it contains fewer fatty compounds.

Boiled porridge reduces gastric acidity

We will outline the list of products that should be used to lower the pH:

• cereals: rice, semolina, corn, pearl barley, barley, buckwheat, oats;
• peaches, apples, bananas;
• potatoes, beets, olives;
• raspberry, cowberry, dogwood, quince, currant, mandarin, blueberries, strawberries, strawberries.

Drugs that regulate the pH level

Medication will help normalize the pH and prevent the development of the disease. Reduce the acid level will help the following tools:

• antacids .These drugs neutralize the acid due to the absorption of harmful particles. Along with this, they envelop the mucous membrane of the stomach and stimulate the formation of protective mucus. Most often, antacids are used as an emergency medicine, but they do not have a long-term effect;
• alginates .These drugs are able to absorb excess hydrochloric acid and remove it from the body. In addition, alginates strengthen the work of the immune system and form a protective film on the walls of the stomach;
• blockers of act directly on the cells of the stomach. They are usually used in the event that antacid agents could not cope with the problem.

If, on the contrary, it is required to increase the production of gastric juice, then doctors can prescribe Plantaglucide. The drug is diluted with water and taken for half an hour before meals. Orto taurine ergo will also cope with the problem. It is used on an empty stomach two or three times a day. So, gastric juice plays a huge role in the harmonious work of the whole digestive tract. Changes in the work of secret glands can lead to the development of serious diseases.

To normalize the level of digestive juice, medicines are used. Change the diet will also help to solve the problem. If any unpleasant sensations occur on the part of the digestive tract, immediately consult a specialist. Early diagnosis is the guarantee of your health!