Gastric juice

The fluid in your stomach contains a very low pH level. In fact it is normally about a one or two. This level is ten times the hydrogen concentration of lemon juice. Very acidic. The acidity comes from the strong hydrochloric acid. This is produced by the cells in your stomach walls and makes up about 0.5% of gastric juice. The acid restricts the growth of bacteria and makes it possible to digest food. However, the stomach lining is not destroyed by the acidity because of the mucous membranes that line it. The lining lets bicarbonate ions react with the acid. The amount of acid depends on the amount of acid and the nature of the food it is in. Too much acid can cause heartburn and acid indigestion. But the way to fix this problem is to take a substance that will react with the hydrogen ions, therefore; reducing their concentration in the stomach. The antacids are calcium or magnesium carbonate, which are insoluble in water, but will dissolve in acidic solutions. The antacids make you burp with is the release of carbon dioxide gas from your stomach. Some people who suffer from these acid problems take Zantc and Pepcid AC to decrease the amount of acid that is secreted into the stomach, which prevents the buildup of excess acidity.
I think this is kind of ironic because who knew that someone so acid could be inside your stomach. I think food companies should limit the amount of acid that is put into their products, therefore reducing the risk of people getting heartburn and acid indigestion.

Baird, Colin. Chemistry in Your Life: Second Edition. “Gastric juice has a very low pH.” W.H. Freeman and Company. New York. 2006. Pages 432-433