Chemistry Inside of Us

Vocabulary/new concepts:

Stomach acid: colourless, strongly acidic liquid with antibacterial action. It is produced by glands in the gastric mucosa. Performs important functions in the digestive process.
Neurotransmitters: chemical substances that carry signals between neurons (nerve cells) in the brain and nervous system.

Chemistry in the human body

The human body is an amazing biochemical machine in which countless chemical reactions are constantly taking place. They underlie all biological processes – respiration, digestion, nervous system, hormonal and immune systems. Our body also contains many chemical elements – oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, sodium and chlorine…

With the very first bite of food, the chemistry begins to work – saliva mixes with the food, softens it and begins to process it through the enzymes released. The first “stop” for food after it passes through the oesophagus is the stomach. It can hold up to two litres of liquids and foods that need to be compressed and digested. This is done thanks to certain acidic fluids that are responsible for digestion.

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Glands in the lining of the stomach produce a substance called stomach acid. It is responsible for the acidity of the stomach and performs important functions in the process of digestion – it helps to break down proteins and for their absorption by the body. In addition, it destroys harmful bacteria that may be present in food and activates digestive enzymes on which the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and other nutrients in the small intestine depends. Stomach acid is a mixture of hydrochloric acid, enzymes and other substances. Hydrochloric acid is the main component of stomach acid and it is this acid that gives the acidic pH of the stomach. Normally, the pH of the stomach varies between 1.5 and 3.5. This means that the environment is very acidic. The average person produces about 2-3 liters of gastric juice per day.

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However, stomach acidity can also be harmful. If the pH of the stomach is too low (too acidic), it can damage the lining of the stomach and cause health problems such as gastritis, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux. When the pH of the stomach is too high (less acidic), the lining can be vulnerable to bacteria and infections and a person can have digestive problems. At pH values between 6 and 8, normal digestion can be disturbed and lead to infections as the acid is not strong enough to destroy harmful bacteria.

Several things can affect stomach acidity, including:

• Food: Certain foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, coffee, and carbonated beverages, can increase stomach acidity. Others, such as vegetables and milk, can reduce it.
• Medicines: Some medicines, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can also increase stomach acidity. On the other hand, proton pump inhibitors and antacids lessen the stomach’s production of acid.
• Stress: regulating it through exercise or relaxation can make us feel better.
• Smoking and alcohol: These stimulate stomach acid production.
• Infections: Some of these can infect the lining of the stomach and increase stomach acidity.
• Water: Drinking enough water (no less than 1-1.5 litres daily) and good hydration can also help remove excess acid and promote healthy digestion.

Medicines and chemistry in us

Additionally to food, another way we discover chemistry in ourselves is by taking medicines and medications. Our bodies naturally produce certain chemicals to build up the body and keep it functioning properly. However, sometimes we need to supplement them with some of the chemicals that they cannot produce on their own in sufficient quantities for various reasons. Or we may need to take some painkillers when we experience a headache or other type of pain. We may also take medication when we have a sore throat or cough. These are all forms of introducing certain substances into our body, which will then react in a certain way with our body (most likely with the stomach, as this is where the absorption of everything we ingest takes place).

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Medications affect people chemically by interacting with the body’s natural chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send signals between nerve cells in the brain and the nervous system. They play a role in many different functions, such as mood, pain, sleep, and memory.

The effects of remedies can be both positive and negative. For example, when used for medical purposes, antidepressants can help improve mood, but they can also cause side effects such as drowsiness and weight gain. Painkillers can help relieve pain but can also be addictive. Several severe issues, including overdose, which can be fatal, mental and physical health issues, as well as social and financial issues, can result from the misuse of medications.

The conclusion is that chemistry, besides being positive, can also play a negative role (for example, eating something spoiled or something toxic to your body).

Where else is chemistry present in our body?

Chemistry is present in all parts of the human body. Here are some specific examples:

• Blood is a complex fluid made up of many different chemicals. These chemicals include water, proteins, electrolytes, hormones and nutrients. Blood carries these chemicals throughout the body, where they perform a variety of important functions.
• Digestive system (some of these have already been discussed). This process involves several chemical reactions, including the secretion of acids, enzymes, and bile.
• Muscles: Muscles are made up of proteins that contract and relax in response to electrical signals from the nervous system. These electrical signals are produced by the release of chemicals called neurotransmitters.
• Brain: Made up of billions of nerve cells that communicate with each other using chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters play a role in various functions, such as movement, sensation, emotion, and cognition – learning, memory, and decision-making.
• Skin is composed of different layers such as the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and is made up of flat dead cells filled with keratin and protein, which gives them firmness and water resistance. The dermis is the middle layer of the skin and consists of living cells. The hypodermis is the innermost layer of the skin and consists of fat cells. The skin contains various chemical substances such as water, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. These compounds help control body temperature and the sense of touch, as well as shield the body from illnesses and dangerous substances in the environment.

So, as we can see, chemistry exists throughout our bodies and in different ways.