What would happen if you add HCl to your stomach using a tube?

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I know the question is a little silly, but it’s been keeping me up for a while for some odd reason.

Why is it that we already have HCl in our stomachs, but drinking HCl would cause a problem? Or would it? I know it would burn your throat, mouth, etc, but if you were to run a tube down your throat to your stomach in a similar way to a feeding tube, wouldn’t you be able to add more HCl to your stomach without damaging anything? Or is the HCl in our stomachs different from the one we get in chemist stores?

For example, instead of eating foods to build back your stomach acid levels, can’t you just put more in via a tube?

In: Chemistry

3 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Like previous comments mentioned, it comes down to concentration.

I would like to point out that it’s generally safe to consume other acids like acetic acid (similar pH to stomach acid) or acidic foods. The result of this will just be a possible decrease in your current stomach acid pH (usually negligible).

The same thing would occur if you took an anti-acid tablet or drank extremely diluted bleach (think purified water) except the opposite.

Our bodies are biological machines that constantly seek equilibrium/homeostasis, so even when you add something to your stomach, your body will compensate for loses or an increase to the pH. Acid reflux is an example of the body failing to or overcompensating.

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