Digestive System
Stomach
The stomach is a muscular, stretchy pouch that mixes food with acid and enzymes, turning each meal into a thick liquid called chyme before passing it to the small intestine.
~1–1.5 L
Comfortable capacity
pH 1.5–3.5
Stomach acid
2–4 hrs
Typical emptying time
Where is the stomach located?
In the upper left abdomen, between the esophagus and the small intestine.
What does the stomach do?
- Stores food temporarily
- Churns and mixes food mechanically
- Begins protein digestion with pepsin
- Kills many microbes with acid
- Releases chyme gradually into the intestine
Key parts of the stomach
Fundus
The upper, rounded area that holds food and gas.
Body
The main central region where most mixing happens.
Antrum
The lower part that grinds food and pushes it on.
Pyloric sphincter
A muscular valve that controls emptying.
How to keep your stomach healthy
- Eat smaller meals and chew thoroughly
- Limit very spicy, fatty or acidic foods if they bother you
- Avoid lying down right after eating
- Limit alcohol and don't smoke
- Use anti-inflammatory painkillers only as directed
Holistic approach
Holistic Ways to Support Your Stomach
Gentle everyday practices plus three traditional herbs, with honest notes on evidence and safety.
Mindful breathing
Stress-reduction practices
Avoiding lying down after eating
Sleep-position adjustments
Herbs & tinctures
At a glance
- Organ: Stomach
- Body system: Digestive System
- Comfortable capacity: ~1–1.5 L
- Stomach acid: pH 1.5–3.5
Did you know?
The stomach lining replaces itself every few days so its own acid doesn’t digest it.
7-Day Stomach Meal Plan
A week of simple meals built around gentle options and individual trigger identification, with 21 easy recipes and a grocery list.
Educational note: This page is for general anatomy education and does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment advice. Talk to a healthcare professional about any concerns.
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Stomach Health Products
Hand-picked products to support your stomach.
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