Stomach Flu

The acid in your stomach is the real thing — powerful enough to burn a hole in this page.
Typically, the stomach produces 1 to 2 quarts of gastric juices a day. Too much can lead to indigestion, gas, heartburn and sour stomach — the kinds of symptoms that keep many of us up and uncomfortable all night long.

But it also destroys microbes that may be present in your food. For example, the label on that jar of peanut butter in your pantry often includes a caution that peanuts frequently contain some mold particles (aflatoxins), which can be controlled by maintaining healthy levels of stomach acid. The acid in your stomach also initiates the breakdown of important minerals such as calcium and iron and later activates digestants such as pepsin.

Quick tips
While those who suffer from acid indigestion often seek relief from antacids, it’s important to limit your use of such products because stomach acid is an important immune defense. Only take antacids when your doctor says it’s absolutely necessary. In addition, you may not want to take antacids and then eat exotic or ethnic food — because you won’t have your normal protection against food-borne bacteria like salmonella, which may be present in such foods. Those who are being treated for ulcers are an exception, so be sure to talk to your doctor and follow his or her instructions.

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