Your stomach is not just an acid factory – it’s also an endocrine powerhouse! In fact, gastric cells release key hormones that make digestion smooth, appetite balanced, and even lift your mood. This friendly hormone team includes gastrin, ghrelin, and somatostatin, among others. Each one has a special role: stimulating digestive juices, signaling hunger, or keeping everything in check. Together they boost gut health and overall vitality. Below, we spotlight each hormone’s origin, function, and uplifting health benefits.

Gastrin – The Digestion Booster

• Origin: G-cells in the stomach’s lining (mainly the antrum) produce gastrin .
• Function: Gastrin is the stomach’s gas pedal for digestion. It triggers gastric acid secretion, which breaks down food and activates pepsin for protein digestion . It also keeps stomach muscles moving (motility) so food is churned and mixed , and promotes renewal of the stomach lining (mucosal growth) for a healthy gut . Gastrin even teams up with other gut signals (like cholecystokinin) to prompt the pancreas and gallbladder to release bile and enzymes , ensuring each meal is efficiently processed.
• Benefits: By increasing stomach acid and motility, gastrin ensures proteins and nutrients are fully broken down and absorbed . The acid also helps kill harmful microbes, contributing to a healthy gut environment. Gastrin’s stimulation of mucosal growth keeps the digestive lining strong, which supports nutrient uptake and protects against injury . In short, gastrin keeps you energized by maximizing digestion and nutrient absorption, making every bite count.

Ghrelin – The Happy Hunger Hormone

• Origin: P/D1 (X/A) cells in the stomach’s fundus release ghrelin (most of the body’s ghrelin comes from the empty stomach) .
• Function: Ghrelin is often called the “hunger hormone” because it signals the brain when you need energy . When your stomach is empty, ghrelin levels rise to increase appetite – a helpful reminder to refuel. It also stimulates growth hormone release, which supports muscle and bone health , and promotes gut motility to help move food along the digestive tract . In addition, ghrelin helps regulate insulin and blood sugar, and even supports cardiovascular health .
• Benefits: By sparking appetite at the right time, ghrelin makes sure you take in enough calories to fuel daily activities and recovery. Its stimulation of growth hormone means better muscle maintenance and metabolism. Ghrelin’s boost to digestive motility helps prevent sluggish digestion. Impressively, ghrelin also plays a role in mood: elevated ghrelin under stress can have an antidepressant-like effect, helping the body cope with stress and anxiety . In an upbeat sense, ghrelin keeps you energetic and resilient – encouraging eating when you need it and even lifting your spirits.

Somatostatin – The Digestive Calmer

• Origin: D-cells in the stomach (and elsewhere like the pancreas and intestine) release somatostatin. In the stomach it acts locally as a paracrine/endocrine signal.
• Function: Somatostatin is like the “brake” for digestion. It dials back gastric activity when things get too intense . Specifically, it reduces stomach acid secretion and limits the release of other GI hormones (including gastrin) . It also curbs pancreatic hormones (insulin, glucagon) and digestive enzymes when appropriate . This inhibition might sound negative, but it’s crucial for balance. Somatostatin prevents the digestive system from overworking and protects the gut.
• Benefits: By taming excess acid and hormones, somatostatin prevents digestive distress and protects the stomach lining from damage. It’s essentially a safety valve: when the stomach is happy and digestion is well underway, somatostatin steps in to prevent acid overshoot and hormone overload . This keeps digestion smooth and comfortable, reducing the risk of ulcers or reflux. In overall health terms, somatostatin’s balancing act maintains stable blood sugar and energy use (via insulin control) and ensures a calm digestive environment, which supports better nutrient utilization.

Other Stomach Hormones – Working Together

Besides these stars, the stomach influences digestion via additional messengers. For example, gastric acid release (driven by gastrin) also leads to intrinsic factor release (not a hormone, but vital for vitamin B12 absorption). Gastrin’s teamwork with CCK (an intestinal hormone) prompts bile and digestive enzymes . Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells in the stomach release histamine to further boost acid when needed. All these signals together create a harmonized system: stimulating digestion when needed and winding it down when full. The net result is efficient digestion, balanced appetite, and a healthy gut environment.

In summary: The stomach’s hormones form a friendly “inner support team.” Gastrin energizes digestion; ghrelin ensures you feel hunger and stay strong; somatostatin keeps everything in healthy check. Together, they promote smooth digestion, steady energy levels, and even a positive mood. By understanding and appreciating these hormones, we see how the stomach contributes to our overall wellness.

Sources: Trusted medical sources describe these hormones’ actions and benefits . The information above summarizes current understanding of their digestive and health-promoting roles.