Gastric Juices: What They Are and Their Role in Digestion
Last updated: 12/5/2025
/ Published: 12/5/2025
Gastric juices play a fundamental role during digestion, because without them the digestive system would not be able to break down food or absorb essential nutrients. In this article, we explain what gastric juices are, what their function is, what they are made of and how you can help control or balance them. Keep reading!
What are gastric juices?
Gastric juices are a mixture of substances produced by the glands of the stomach whose role is to break down food and help with digestion.
They act mainly on proteins, transforming them into smaller molecules that will later be absorbed by the intestine.
The composition of gastric juice includes several components that work in a coordinated way:
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl): it is responsible for creating a highly acidic environment (pH between 1.5 and 3), necessary to denature proteins and activate digestive enzymes.
- Pepsin: an enzyme that starts the digestion of proteins in the stomach.
- Mucin: a substance that forms a protective layer over the stomach wall, preventing the acid from damaging it.
- Intrinsic factor: a protein essential for absorbing vitamin B12 in the small intestine.
- Mineral salts and water: they help dilute and transport partially digested food.
What is the function of gastric juices?
The answer to what their function is is very simple: to help digest food. Gastric juices are responsible for breaking down the solid foods we eat into a semi-liquid mixture called chyme.
They are also responsible for activating the enzymes that digest proteins, preparing nutrients so that they can be absorbed in the small intestine and destroying microorganisms and bacteria that may be present in food.
To give you an idea, without the gastric juices of the stomach, the body would not be able to make proper use of nutrients from the diet, which would lead to digestive problems.
When is there an excess or deficiency of gastric juices?
Both too much and too little gastric juice can cause discomfort. Here is what can happen:
Excess gastric juices
Featured products
Too much acid can lead to burning, heartburn, gastritis or gastro-oesophageal reflux. In addition to watching the diet (avoiding spicy foods, fats and carbohydrates), there are treatments and products that can help relieve symptoms related to the gastric juices of the stomach.
Deficiency of gastric juices
On the other hand, low production of gastric juice can cause slow digestion, bloating, gas or poor absorption of proteins and minerals. This is more common in older people or in those following very restrictive diets.
How can you control gastric juices?
- Eat slowly and chew well.
- Avoid too much alcohol, coffee and ultra-processed foods.
- Do not lie down straight after eating. Wait at least two hours.
- Practise relaxation techniques and avoid stress.
- Keep regular meal times.
- Consult a specialist if you frequently experience burning or heavy digestion.
Treatments for heartburn and reflux
On the Farmaciasdirect website, in the digestive system category, you will find medicines for heartburn in sachet, tablet and chewable tablet formats, such as Gaviscon and Gaviscon Forte, to protect the stomach and soothe acidity.
Their formula forms a barrier over the stomach contents, preventing acid from rising into the oesophagus. It is ideal for people who suffer from reflux or a burning feeling after eating.
Pranarom Digest Protect is another recommended option for indigestion, as its combination of essential oils (such as mint and cardamom) helps restore balance, reducing the feeling of heaviness and promoting natural digestive comfort.
Bonusan Gastrozym is also recommended, a supplement formulated with digestive enzymes of plant and fungal origin.
It contributes to more efficient digestion, as it helps break down macronutrients better (proteins, carbohydrates, fats and lactose). It also supports better nutrient absorption and reduces discomfort such as heaviness, bloating or slow digestion after meals.
Maintaining healthy habits and using suitable products such as Pranarom Digest Protect or Bonusan Gastrozym can make a big difference to your digestive wellbeing.
