Gastric juice is made up of digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid and other substances that are important for absorbing nutrients – about 3 to 4 liters of gastric juice are produced per day. The hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice breaks down the food and the digestive enzymes split up the proteins.

After food leaves your small intestine, contractions push any food that remains in your digestive tract into your large intestine. Water, minerals, and any nutrients are then absorbed from your food. The leftover waste is formed into a bowel movement.

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. The main role of the duodenum is to complete the first phase of digestion. In this section of the intestine, food from the stomach is mixed with enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the gallbladder. The enzymes and bile help break down food.

5 ways to improve stomach acid

1. Limit processed foods. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also increase your stomach acid levels.
2. Eat fermented vegetables. Fermented vegetables — such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles — can naturally improve your stomach acid levels.
3. Drink apple cider vinegar.
4. Eat ginger.

Symptoms may include:

• bloating.
• burping.
• upset stomach.
• nausea when taking vitamins and supplements.
• heartburn.
• diarrhea.
• gas.
• desire to eat when not hungry.

Herbal tea Mint triggers acid reflux for many. Chamomile, licorice, slippery elm, and marshmallow may make better herbal remedies to soothe GERD symptoms. Licorice helps increase the mucus coating of the esophageal lining, which helps calm the effects of stomach acid.

Ginger naturally soothes the stomach and can help reduce the production of stomach acid. Caffeine-free ginger tea, with a little honey added as a sweetener, is the best way to consume ginger tea for a person with reflux.

Research on wine Research published in Gastroenterology found that drinking wine could reduce your risk for reflux esophagitis, or irritation of the esophageal lining. However, another review found that red and white wine both increase the amount of acid produced in your stomach.

A separate study in 2011 showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin prevented esophageal inflammation. Turmeric and its extract curcumin are both said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, turmeric may relieve GERD.

Non-caffeinated beverages are okay such as water, Sprite, Ginger Ale, 7-Up, Gatorade, Fresca, and herbal (chamomile) teas. Avoid citrus juices especially orange juice, cranberry juice, and lemonade.