The Stomach Code: Acid, Ulcers, and Digestion Explained I The Functional Code Podcast

Your stomach is one of the most powerful chemical factories in the body.In episode 3 of our Organ Series, Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy break down the stomach: how stomach acid works, why acid is essential, how food gets broken down, why H. pylori matters, how ulcers form, and what happens when the stomach lining becomes inflamed.The doctors explain why stomach acid is not something to fear. It helps break down protein, activate pepsin, support B12, iron, calcium, and mineral absorption, kill pathogens, and signal the pancreas and gallbladder that food is coming.They also cover what happens when the stomach gets disrupted by H. pylori, low stomach acid, chronic NSAID use, long-term acid suppression, excessive alcohol, chronic stress, gastritis, ulcers, and poor digestive timing.This episode also explores practical tools and support strategies, including meal spacing, the migrating motor complex, intermittent fasting, herbal tea before meals, digestive bitters, stress reduction before eating, breathwork, zinc carnosine, mastic gum, DGL, fermented foods, betaine HCl, and when symptoms need medical evaluation.In this episode, we cover:Stomach acid and why it mattersThe stomach as a chemical factoryProtein digestion and pepsin activationB12, iron, calcium, and mineral absorptionThe pyloric valve and chyme productionH. pylori and stomach ulcersPPIs and long-term acid suppressionNSAIDs, gastritis, and stomach lining damageLow stomach acid and hypochlorhydriaWhen reflux may be misdiagnosed as an acid issueGastric ulcers vs. duodenal ulcersMeal spacing and the migrating motor complexIntermittent fasting and stomach recoveryDigestive bitters and GLP-1 signalingStress management and parasympathetic activationZinc carnosine and mucosal healingMastic gum and H. pylori researchDGL and stomach lining supportFermented foods and digestive healthBetaine HCl and low-acid theoryRed flags that require medical evaluationKey takeaway:Your stomach acid is not the enemy. It is one of the most important tools your body uses to digest food, absorb nutrients, kill pathogens, and protect the rest of the digestive tract.The goal is not simply to suppress acid. The goal is to understand why the stomach factory is irritated, inflamed, underproducing, overloaded, or disrupted in the first place.Follow The Functional Code:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalcodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFunctionalCodeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aY5zkhwg5Rzk2q33cbIlfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-functional-code-podcast/id1754585557Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.