Your Stomach Acid Is Strong Enough to Dissolve Metal

The human stomach produces some of the most corrosive acid found in nature. With a pH between 1.5 and 2.0, stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) is nearly as acidic as battery acid and strong enough to dissolve zinc metal, corrode steel, and break down organic matter. This powerful acid is essential for digesting proteins and killing harmful bacteria in food. Remarkably, despite this incredibly corrosive environment, your stomach doesn't digest itself thanks to several protective mechanisms. The stomach lining secretes a thick alkaline mucus that neutralizes acid and creates a protective barrier. Additionally, the entire stomach lining completely regenerates every 3-5 days, replacing any cells damaged by acid exposure. The stomach also produces bicarbonate ions to neutralize excess acid. When these protective mechanisms fail, the result is peptic ulcers - literally holes burned through the stomach wall by its own acid.