Secretin: The Simple Guide to This Important Hormone

If you’ve ever wondered what secretin is, you’re not alone. It’s a hormone that most people have never heard of, but it plays a key role in digestion. Secretin is released by the small intestine when acidic food leaves the stomach. Its main job? Tell the pancreas to dump bicarbonate into the gut so everything stays at the right pH.

Why does that matter? Enzymes that break down carbs, fats and proteins need a slightly alkaline environment to work well. Without secretin’s signal, the pancreas wouldn’t release enough bicarbonate, and digestion could get sluggish or uncomfortable. In short, secretin keeps the digestive system running smoothly.

How Secretin Works in Your Body

The process starts when the stomach sends a hot, acidic mixture into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Cells there sense the low pH and release secretin straight into the bloodstream. The hormone then travels to the pancreas, where it triggers duct cells to pour out bicarbonate-rich fluid. This fluid mixes with the acid, neutralizing it and creating a friendly environment for digestive enzymes.

Besides its main job, secretin also slows down stomach emptying a bit. That gives your intestines more time to handle what’s coming in and prevents excess acidity from overwhelming the system. The hormone even has a minor role in regulating water balance and some brain functions, but those effects are still being studied.

When Secretin Levels Can Cause Problems

If secretin doesn’t work right, you might notice heartburn, bloating or poor nutrient absorption. Some medical tests measure secretin levels to diagnose pancreatic disorders or certain types of stomach cancer. In rare cases, doctors give synthetic secretin as a diagnostic tool – they inject it and watch how the pancreas responds.

Most people never need to think about secretin directly. Eating a balanced diet with moderate acid load (like not overdoing citrus or spicy foods) helps keep the hormone’s job easy. Staying hydrated also supports the pancreas in making the right amount of fluid.

So next time you hear the word “secretin,” remember it’s the quiet messenger that tells your pancreas to neutralize stomach acid and keep digestion on track. Understanding this little hormone can help you appreciate how finely tuned your body really is.