Stomach Facts for Kids
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The stomach is an important organ responsible for digesting food and absorbing nutrients. It is located in the upper part of the abdomen and connects to the esophagus and small intestine. Here are some fun and interesting facts about the stomach that your children might find fascinating.
1. How Big Is the Stomach?
The size of the stomach usually depends on age, gender, and weight. An average adult stomach can hold around 1-2 liters of food and fluids. However, the stomach of a newborn is as small as a cherry, and it can only hold about 40 milliliters of milk.
2. How Does the Stomach Digest Food?
The stomach releases gastric juices that break down the food into smaller pieces, producing a semi-liquid mixture called chyme. These gastric juices are composed of hydrochloric acid and enzymes such as pepsin, which helps in digesting proteins. The stomach also contracts and mixes the food with these juices, breaking it down further.
3. Why Is the Stomach Acidic?
The stomach is highly acidic with a pH level of 1.5-3.5. This acidic environment helps kill harmful bacteria and microorganisms present in the food. The acidic environment also helps in breaking down the food and activating the digestive enzymes.
4. What Happens to the Food in the Stomach?
Once the food is broken down into chyme, it moves to the small intestine, where further digestion and absorption of nutrients take place. The stomach lining absorbs water, salts, and alcohol from the food and sends it to the bloodstream. The rest of the undigested food moves to the large intestine and eventually, becomes waste.
5. What Are the Functions of the Stomach?
The stomach has three significant functions: digestion, absorption, and protection.
– Digestion – breaks down the food into smaller pieces.
– Absorption – absorbs water, salts, and alcohol from the food and sends it to the bloodstream.
– Protection – protects the body from infections by killing harmful bacteria and microorganisms.
6. How Can You Keep Your Stomach Healthy?
Eating a healthy and balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and chewing food correctly are some ways to keep your stomach healthy. Avoid eating too much spicy, oily, and fatty foods, as they can cause indigestion and heartburn. It would help if you also waited for at least two hours after eating to perform any physical activity to allow your stomach to digest food correctly.