Stomach Acid: What It Does, How It Affects You, and What to Do About It

When your body digests food, it relies on stomach acid, a highly acidic fluid made by the stomach lining to break down food and kill harmful bacteria. Also known as gastric acid, it’s mostly hydrochloric acid, with a pH between 1 and 3—strong enough to dissolve metal, but perfectly safe inside your stomach. Without it, you couldn’t absorb key nutrients like iron, calcium, or vitamin B12. Yet too much of it, or acid that escapes where it shouldn’t, leads to heartburn, bloating, and long-term damage.

That’s where acid reflux, when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus comes in. It’s not just discomfort—it’s a sign your body’s natural barriers are failing. Over time, repeated exposure can inflame the esophagus, cause scarring, or even raise cancer risk. Many people reach for PPIs, proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or dexlansoprazole that shut down acid production at the source to feel better fast. But PPIs aren’t harmless. Long-term use can mess with mineral absorption, increase infection risk, and even cause rebound acid when you stop.

What most people don’t realize is that low stomach acid can cause the same symptoms as high acid. If your stomach doesn’t produce enough acid, food sits there too long, ferments, and pushes gas upward—mimicking heartburn. That’s why popping antacids or PPIs might make you feel better temporarily, but leave the root problem untouched. Digestive issues tied to digestive health, the overall balance of gut function, enzyme activity, and microbial environment often need more than just acid suppression. They need restoration.

The posts below don’t just list drugs. They show you how stomach acid connects to real choices—whether you’re comparing Dexlansoprazole to other PPIs, wondering if generic Prilosec is safe to buy online, or trying to understand why your reflux won’t go away despite medication. You’ll find clear breakdowns of what works, what doesn’t, and what you might be missing. No fluff. Just what you need to take control—without guessing.