Gastric acid, which is the hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice, is secreted by the lining cells.
Gastric acid consists of a high concentration of hydrogen and chloride ions secreted by the cells of the stomach lining, which are excreted by the gastric glands through the action of the H+/K+ ATPase.
Gastric acid is essential in digestion and absorption, and the body can secrete gastric acid according to its needs. These excreted gastric acids keep the pH of the stomach at a strong acidic environment of less than 3 at all times.
Under normal physiological conditions, gastric acid secretion is maintained at a certain level to ensure the normal operation of various physiological functions. However, if too much acid is secreted, it will damage the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum and induce or aggravate ulcer disease, which will lead to a burning sensation in the stomach, regurgitation, and vomiting, etc. If too little acid is secreted, the gastric acid will not be able to reach the stomach. If too little gastric acid is secreted, it can cause bloating, diarrhea and other indigestion symptoms.