pH balance
Human bodies are designed to build a natural balance of the pH level in the body. pH scale varies from 0 to 14, 0 being most acidic and 14 being most basic. pH level below 7 is acidic and higher than 7 is alkaline or basic.
Different parts of the body have different normal pH levels. For example, the normal pH level of blood is 7.4 and our lungs and kidneys maintain the normal pH level of the blood.
Our stomach acid pH level is 1.5 to 3.5 which means it’s very acidic. In this post, I will share why it’s important to maintain a very high/acidic pH level of stomach acid.
When we eat food, it travels to the stomach via. the food pipe or Oesophagus. Once food reaches the stomach through a one-way valve, a lot of enzymes/acids are produced to digest the food. A high acidic stomach helps in better digestion of food.
The reason its important to maintain a very high acidic stomach is that:
If the stomach acid is low, it causes the valve to be weak and results in acid reflux (acidity) where the stomach acid flows back up to the food pipe.
High acidic stomach also controls the Pancreas and Gall Bladder that releases the pancreas enzyme and bile. The enzymes finally help to break the protein into amino acids. The bile helps to break down the fat and absorbs the fat-soluble vitamins. Similarly, enzymes help in breaking down the carbs into glucose/simple sugar and also helps in absorbing minerals.
It is very important to maintain the right balance of stomach acid and its pH.
To safeguard the stomach from acid, our body produces a natural mucous barrier which protects the lining of the stomach from being worn away (eroded). If that mucous barrier is broken, it causes stomach ulcers.
Sometimes the stomach acid flows back to the food pipe/Oesophagus that causes pain and irritation or acid reflux issues.
In all these cases, you need to cure that symptom first by eating food that produces less acid (green vegetables, ginger, non-citrus food, etc).
Once that is cured, you can go back and ensure that healthy stomach acid pH is maintained. Too little and too much stomach acid causes the exact same symptoms and a fine balance is required.