5 Surprising Chemicals Produced In The Human Body

Do you think that you know yourself? Before you give a nod, consider the fact that we are all unaware of the depth of how our human body works; even scientists haven’t fully explored everything, and there are numerous contradictions.

I’m not just referring to human anatomy; I’m also referring to the role of chemicals in the human body. Initially, it may sound like the chemistry and biology class that we hated in school 😂, but believe me, it is not that boring.

By the end of this post, chemistry and the human body anatomy will sound interesting to you, because I will explain five surprising chemicals that your body produces and their impact on your lifestyle.

1. Hydrochloric Acid

There are many other surprising chemicals besides the basic six essential elements (Oxygen, Carbon, Calcium, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen) that make up 96 percent of the human body. Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) is one of them.

HCl comes under the list of strong acids, and It is part of stomach acid that has a pH close to the battery acid. It sounds interesting that your stomach has an acid that is as strong as battery acid.

Hydrochloric acid in the body is even capable of dissolving metals and this property makes it a significant part of the stomach acid that breaks down the complex molecules of food and helps in nutrient absorption. Also, HCl provides a protection layer to the nutrients against harmful bacteria.

2. Happy Hormones

As there is a stress chemical in the body known as Cortisol, there are some happy hormones too. These happy hormones are in charge of mood enhancement.

If you ever got to study about chemical reactions behind feelings and emotions, I’m sure you know about dopamine levels. Dopamine tells your brain that you’re having fun with something.

Oxytocin and serotonin hormones also come under the category of happy hormones. The happy hormone oxytocin and the neurotransmitter Serotonin are collectively referred to as “love hormones.” Attraction to another person releases dopamine, which raises serotonin levels. Boosted serotonin produces oxytocin, which causes you to feel a positive emotion known as “love.”

3. Hypochlorous Acid

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is weaker than hydrochloric acid and is naturally produced in white blood cells. WBCs are important for the immune system building a strong relation between hypochlorous acid and your overall health.

Due to its capability of eliminating germs and viruses, HOCl acid is a major component of some effective sanitizers and disinfectants. Apart from that, it helps with skin hydration, wound healing, fighting clogged pores, acne, inflammation, eczema, and a variety of other skin issues. The best thing about HOCl is that it does not destroy beneficial bacteria.

4. Creatine

All gym-goers and athletes are aware of the significance of this chemical, but very few of them may know that creatine is naturally produced in their bodies.

Creatine is produced in the form of phosphocreatine and is responsible for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP molecules), an energy-carrying molecule.

Athletes who engage in high-intensity exercises make use of creatine as a major workout supplement. However, it is naturally produced in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. There are some contradictions about the adverse effects of creatine on kidneys, just because of its byproduct known as creatinine.

5. Citric Acid

It reminds us of citrus fruits with bright colors, such as lemons, oranges, and limes.

All citrus fruits contain citric acid, and the surprising thing is that it is produced naturally in the human body.

Citric acid supports the process of converting nutrients such as carbs, fats, proteins into energy and carbon dioxide. It aids in the metabolism of energy, hydration of the skin, and the elimination of bacteria.

Takeaway

The chemistry of the human body claims that there are around 60 chemicals found in the human body and most of them are still unknown to science. Chemicals play an important role in everything from mood enhancement to muscle growth and energy boosts.

Fitness freaks 💪 may prefer creatine, romantics 💟 may prefer “love hormones,” and lemonade lovers 🍹 may prefer the taste of citric acid. What kind of person are you, and which one is your favorite chemical? Mention it in the comments section!

Pankaj Rai