Your Stomach Grows a Brand New Lining Every Few Days

Our bodies are amazing! One example of this is that your stomach is constantly replacing its lining. Every few days many the cells on the surface of your stomach are replaced. This is a natural process and it helps keep the stomach safe from the strong digestive juices that it makes.

The stomach is a key part of our bodies when it comes to digestion. When we eat food it goes down our oesophagus and into the stomach. Here the food mixes with digestive juices. These juices contain hydrochloric acid and enzymes which help break down the food into smaller pieces. These can cause damage to the stomach if there isn’t enough protection, however, the stomach has an amazing protection system. One of the most important parts of this system is that the stomach replaces its linings.

Why Does the Stomach Need a New Lining?

Hydrochloric acid is produced in the stomach. This acid makes the inside of the stomach quite acidic. This helps break down food, and kill many harmful microbes that we eat and drink. The stomach will also produce an enzyme called pepsin to help break down proteins.

To help protect the stomach, the inside of the stomach has cells that produce mucus. This will create a protective layer over the stomach lining. Bicarbonate is also found within the mucus which will help neutralise any acids at the surface of the stomach cells.

Despite having this protection, the stomach lining is constantly under stress. This is because of the physical movement within the stomach, the digestive juices and other stress factors. To keep the stomach lining strong the cells will be replaced.

How Does the Stomach Replace its Cells?

The stomach has special areas called gastric glands. Within these glands there are cells that produce mucus, acid, enzymes and other substances needed for digestion.

Some glands have stem cells. These are cells that can produce new cells. The stem cells will divide and produce different cells within the stomach. As new cells are created the old cells will move to the surface and will be lost.

Many of the cells will be replaced every 3-5 days. This doesn’t happen all at once though. Depending on what type of cell they are they have a different lifespan.

Whilst you’re having breakfast, working, sleeping and exercising your stomach will be constantly repairing and regenerating its protective surface. This is a great example of how the human body can do complex maintenance without even trying!

What Happens if the Stomach Lining Gets Damaged?

Despite having amazing protection systems, there are some situations that can cause damage to the stomach lining. This can cause the stomach’s natural protection to become weaker which can cause inflammation or ulcers.

One common reason that can cause damage to the stomach lining is infection by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The bacteria can cause chronic inflammation within the stomach. In some individuals this can help cause ulcers within the stomach if not treated.

Regular use of medication can cause damage to the stomach lining. Medication such as ibuprofen and naproxen fall into a category called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These can cause a decrease in the substances that help keep the protective mucus lining.

Smoking, too much alcohol and certain medical conditions can also affect the stomach. However, if you are experiencing stomach pain this does not always mean that your stomach lining is damaged. There are various reasons why you could be feeling pain, nausea, bloating and indigestion.

How Can You Help Your Stomach Stay Healthy?

Your stomach has natural repairing systems however, keeping healthy can help keep your stomach healthy.

Try to eat healthy meals containing plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and the correct amount of protein. Drinking enough water can also help keep your digestion running smoothly.

Avoid smoking and try to limit alcohol. If you regularly take painkillers then follow medical advice and don’t take more than the recommended dose.

Keeping stress low, sleeping regularly and keeping track of foods that cause discomfort can help improve your digestion. There is no guaranteed food or supplement to keep your stomach lining healthy. However, keeping a healthy lifestyle will be more beneficial.

If you are constantly experiencing stomach pain, vomiting regularly, unintentional weight loss or difficulty swallowing, then talk to a member of staff. If you are vomiting blood or passing black, sticky stools then seek urgent medical attention.

A Remarkable Example of the Body's Self-Maintenance

The fact that the stomach constantly replaces its inner lining is one of the most interesting examples of the body’s natural protection system. Despite having strong acids and enzymes to help digest our food, there are specialised protection systems to stop the stomach being damaged.

The stomach will produce mucus, bicarbonate and replace its cells regularly. This helps keep the stomach lining healthy and aids digestion. The surface cells are regularly replaced which helps keep the stomach healthy.

This shows how our bodies aren’t static. They are alive and constantly repairing and replacing tissues. Next time you enjoy a meal remember how much your stomach is doing to help you! It’s constantly repairing and replacing one of the most important protective surfaces.