Why Do Sweets Trigger Stomach Acid Production?

Why do sweets stimulate gastric acid?

I recall that carbohydrates are digested and absorbed by saliva and the intestines, with no relation to the stomach.
So why do sweet foods easily stimulate gastric acid? Sweet foods should also be considered carbohydrates, right? Thank you.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/21

Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine

In clinical practice, patients who consume a lot of sweets are more prone to experiencing reflux phenomena.
There are various possible reasons for this, such as high carbohydrate/sugar intake leading to feedback to the central nervous system, which inhibits gastric motility and results in reflux.
However, this can also vary from person to person.

Reply Date: 2021/08/21

More Info

Sweets, particularly those high in sugar, can indeed trigger stomach acid production, and this phenomenon can be attributed to several physiological mechanisms. While it is true that carbohydrates, including sugars, are primarily digested in the mouth and intestines, the initial interaction of these substances with the body begins in the stomach, where various processes are set in motion.

When you consume sweets, the body responds in a few key ways. First, the presence of sugar in the stomach can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid. This is partly due to the body's natural response to food intake, which involves the release of hormones such as gastrin. Gastrin is produced by G cells in the stomach lining and is responsible for stimulating the secretion of gastric acid, which aids in digestion. The more sugar you consume, the more gastrin is released, leading to increased acid production.

Moreover, sweets can also affect gastric motility. High sugar intake can lead to a delay in gastric emptying, meaning that food stays in the stomach longer. This prolonged presence of food can lead to increased acid production as the stomach continues to prepare for digestion. Additionally, the high sugar content can lead to fermentation by bacteria in the stomach, which can produce gas and further stimulate acid secretion.

Another factor to consider is the relationship between sugar consumption and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Many individuals who consume high amounts of sweets report experiencing symptoms of acid reflux. This can be due to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle that prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. Sugary foods can exacerbate this relaxation, leading to increased instances of acid reflux.

It is also important to note that individual responses to sugar can vary. Some people may be more sensitive to the effects of sugar on stomach acid production than others. Factors such as overall diet, lifestyle, and pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions can influence how one's body reacts to sweets.

In summary, while carbohydrates, including sugars, are primarily digested in the mouth and intestines, their consumption can significantly impact stomach acid production. The stimulation of gastric acid secretion through hormonal responses, the effects on gastric motility, and the potential for exacerbating acid reflux all contribute to the phenomenon of sweets triggering stomach acid production. Therefore, if you are prone to acid-related issues, it may be wise to monitor your intake of sugary foods and consider a balanced diet that minimizes the risk of excessive acid production.

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