[Harman]

The pH level of a human stomach is somewhat close to 1.0. And, the pH level of human blood is around 7.0. What I mean to say is that our stomach acidity is around 10x10x10x10x10x10x10 more than human blood. In clearer terms, it is more of HCL/hydrochloric acid.

[Abhijit]

It has plenty of roles. Some include digesting, safeguarding the immune system, and promoting a healthy stomach.

[Nikita]

Now that you’ve asked this, let’s talk to a doctor. Stomach acid basically activates the pepsinogen enzyme. This enzyme is significant for digesting proteins. However, achlorhydria proteins are not digested properly. Hence, it enters the large intestine. Now, the bacteria that stays there throws a huge party on the entry of this uninvited bonus. This causes bloating, diarrhoea, gas, etc.

Now, the presence of iron is important for absorption. It dissolves way better at a lower pH. Here, achlorhydria obstructs iron absorption. Stomach acid kills all bacteria that the human body consumes with the food. Achlorhydria enables these bacteria to go lower down the gut. Here, they join the party and contribute to bloating diarrhoea, and gas.

When the human body consumes food, it prompts the creation of gastrin. This further prompts the stomach to build acid. The acid here reduces the pH level of the stomach and further switches off the production of gastrin.

With the presence of achlorhydria, the stomach pH stays high. Hence, the production of gastrin does not switch off which leads to hypergastrinemia. In the worst cases, this can lead to forming tumours in the stomach.