The stomach does indeed contain an acidic solution known as hydrochloric acid, which is used to help digest and break food down. A common mistake is that it is the acid itself which helps to break down the food, which is incorrect as it is the enzymes contained within the digestive tract which facilitate most of the breakdown of food into the respective nutrients and components required by the body.

The purpose of stomach acid

The stomach acid, scientifically called gastric acid, helps to facilitate the digestion process by causing the actual structure of food to be degraded and broken down by causing the "bonds" or cement of the food (which are made up of protein) to disintegrate. In so doing so, the peptide enzymes also secreted and contained within the stomach cavity can then get to work further breaking down these protein bonds. The acidity of the stomach is used to help kill off harmful bacteria and also prevent them from developing in the first place.

Proteins are broken down into amino acids, and the remainder of the food is then prepared for absorption and processing via the intestines (both small and large). The intestines will process the now digested food absorbing the required nutrients and minerals utilized by the body and expelling the waste material that is known as excrement.

Hydrochloric acid is an extremely potent and dangerous acid, which normally poses a significant threat of harm to the various soft tissues and membranes of the body. In a chemical lab, it's always labeled with a yellow warning sign, and in order to safely store this dangerous solution, the stomach has a very strong and reinforced wall of muscle intended to shield the rest of the body.

Acid reflux

Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, takes place when the acid of the stomach manages to move beyond the stomach and into the esophagus, which leads from the mouth to the stomach. However, the common belief is that heartburn is caused by excess acid production, which is in fact false, and whilst this excess production of the gastric juice is a contributing factor, it is not the sole factor for heartburn.

The esophagus as mentioned is very much like a pipe or tube running from the mouth to the stomach and at each end of this tube is a small muscular flap that acts as a valve or trapdoor. In order to prevent the gastric acid entering into the esophagus, the valve located directly above the stomach is kept closed and only opens when food is about to enter into the stomach. Heartburn results when this valve, officially called the lower esophageal sphincter, does not operate properly and allows the acid to travel into the esophagus.

Your stomach is the quartermaster of your body, ensuring adequate nutrients are sent to the right places, and stomach acid plays a vital part in your digestive system, ultimately keeping you alive.

Ways to Fire Up Your Metabolism

Everyone knows that metabolism slows down after a certain age. There are certain factors which impact this change including: age, muscle loss, poor diet, lack of exercise, and hormones. However, there are certain steps we can take in order to fire up our metabolism.

One way to increase our metabolic rate is to increase our muscle mass. Regular strength training can increase our resting metabolic rate by 8%. Most people are concerned with cardiovascular fitness only; however, as far as metabolism is concerned, a combination of both is necessary. It is also very important to never exercise on an empty stomach. When you exercise on an empty stomach you lower your blood sugar and increase your appetite. It is recommended to have a light calorie snack, such as a banana or yogurt 20 minutes prior to your workout. As far as post workout metabolism, you should schedule your meals approximately 15 to 30 minutes following your workout. In several studies, people who ate their meals 15-30 minutes post exercise ate less than people who ate their meals an hour or more following physical activity. Following exercise your metabolism works faster and food is digested much more rapidly. When food is digested rapidly, your body feels full quicker than when your metabolism is sluggish. That is why physical activity is important in maintaining a healthy weight and a healthy digestive tract.

Another way to rev up your metabolism is to eat smaller meals five times a day. Your digestive track is like a muscle, the more you use it the stronger it becomes. Eating smaller meals will encourage your digestive tract to work quickly and effectively. When you consume large meals your metabolism is sluggish and it stores a lot more calories in the process. These are just a few ways to improve your metabolism effectively.

What Are the Known Glutathione Side Effects?

Glutathione is also important to physically active people. Many world-class athletes are discovering that well-maintained glutathione levels give them the edge over their competitors, bringing greater strength and endurance, decreased recovery time from injury, less muscle pain and fatigue, and muscle-promoting activity.

The side effects of taking glutathione depend on the form you are taking it in, and the side effects maybe direct or indirect.

Practitioners of complementary medicine have long advocated the use of milk thistle for liver problems. It turns out that this herb works by modestly elevating glutathione levels.

Drugs that are precursors (building blocks) for glutathione. Some include S-Adenosyl-Methione, which is expensive and can cause gastrointestinal problems, while ornithine decarboxylase, procyteine, and oxothiazolidine carboxylate both are enzymes and limited in their production of GSH in the body.

American physicians seeking ways to raise a patient's glutathione levels can open the standard Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) and find an options i.e., the pharmaceutical drug NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine), but has significant side effects, which include its efficacy or usefulness peaks very quickly, and has to be administered several times per day, which causes toxicity. This is a direct glutathione side effect.

Generally it is considered to be free of side-effects. Neither untoward side-effects, nor interactions with oral administration reported even in prolonged use. It is SAFE. Classified as Food Supplement not an herbal. Made from genetically synthesize molecules. The only reported side- effect is SKIN WHITENING when taken in increased doses by modifying conversion of eumelanin (dark/brown/yellow pigmentation) to phaeomelanin (reddish white pigmentation). This is the main reason why whiter skin is produced. Most dermatologists use it. It is proven to be very safe and effective.

Then there are Co- Factors or substances working synergistically for glutathione production.

Defination of cofactor: A substance, such as a metallic ion or coenzyme, that must be associated with an enzyme for the enzyme to function eg., Selenium, Vitamin C, B6, B12, folic acid, vitamin E, and other micronutrients, are included in the substances called co-factors.

Selenium: The mineral selenium also produces subtle elevations in glutathione by becoming integrated into the enzyme glutathione peroxidase.
Side effects of over doses occur around 400 mcg/day and include hair loss, numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes, and white spots on fingernails and toenails. Selenium overdose leads to an indirect glutathione side effect.
Glutamine: Whether taken orally or intravenously, glutamine supplements raise glutathione concentrations.

Side effects: Completely healthy individuals shouldn't require supplemental glutamine and it can lead to side effects such as gastrointestinal upset. Older people as well as kidney and liver patients should be cautious. Any serious use of this supplement must be monitored by a health professional.

Vitamin E: Like selenium Vitamin E is an antioxidant, a detoxifier, and helps to keep glutathione in its reduced (non-oxidized) state. Dosages up to 400IU are recommended.

Side effects: Excessive intake can be toxic creating gastrointestinal and neurological side-effects.
Silymarin (Milk Thistle): The milk thistle plant, (Silybum marianum, silymarin) has a long history in the treatment of liver problems. It clearly prevents the oxidation of fats and maintains glutathione levels, but possible toxic reactions include gas, cramps and diarrhoea. Liver disease should never be treated without the supervision of a health professional.

"We would like to add... as to date there is no scientific evidence as to the harm or value. It would be best that you discuss it with all on the health care team. There is a theoretical risk in taking the product if you have an organ transplant."