Why Your Stomach Doesn’t Digest Itself

Your stomach is filled with powerful acid and digestive enzymes capable of breaking down food, so why doesn’t it digest itself? The answer is a remarkable defense system built into your stomach lining. A protective mucus layer works together with bicarbonate to create a near-neutral environment directly against the stomach wall, while tight connections between epithelial cells help prevent acid from penetrating deeper into the tissue.

But the protection doesn’t stop there. Your stomach constantly repairs damaged cells, maintains blood flow to the lining, and uses signaling molecules such as prostaglandins to support mucus and bicarbonate production. When these defenses are disrupted, the stomach can become vulnerable to ulcers and other damage—which helps explain why things like NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach injury.

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