This Stomach Fluid Can Digest a Steel Table
April 11, 2018This Stomach Fluid Can Digest a Steel Table
Woah! How cool is that? This stomach fluid helps to digest our food, remove nutrients from the food to go to our cells as energy. Saliva helps to chemically break down food for digestion, and this fluid breaks it down in the stomach. Do you know the answer? Scroll down to see if you’re correct!
The Answer
The answer is gastric acid! Our stomach has a special tissue lining that prevents the acid from being absorbed into other parts of our body. This lining needs to be replaced every three days, otherwise it will begin to be digested. The pH level of stomach acid can range from 1.5 – 3, which is considered incredibly acidic. If gastric acid is neutralized or at a low level, it can lead to problems including infection of the digestive tract.
Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is when the acid from the stomach comes back up through the esophagus. This feels as a burning sensation in the chest, commonly called heartburn. There are other symptoms including regurgiatation, sour liquids, difficult swallowing, asthma, chronic cough, and laryngitis. If you think you may have GERD that is disruptive to your lifestyle, you may want to consult with your primary care physician.
Risk Factors
There are a few risk factors that may affect whether someone has GERD. These include being overweight, pregnant, smoking, eating large meals, and drinking alcohol or coffee. Medications are commonly prescribed.
Final Thoughts
Did you know the stomach acid can digest a steel table? Do you know someone who has GERD, or acid reflux? How do you manage it? It is sublime yet amazing how cool the human body is. Do you know other fun facts? Comment them below for a chance to be featured in our series, Wednesday Wisdom!