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The hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice breaks down the food and the digestive enzymes split up the proteins. The acidic gastric juice also kills bacteria. The mucus covers the stomach wall with a protective coating. Acid in our stomach plays an essential role in the immune system by killing harmful bacteria and parasites that are ingested with food. Stomach acid activates the enzyme pepsin needed for protein digestion. Stomach acid signals to the pancreas produce digestive juices and enzymes to further break down food.