The pancreas is both an endocrine and exocrine organ that can be found near your stomach and small intestine. As an endocrine gland, the pancreas is responsible for the production and secretion of two hormones, insulin and glucagon, which work together to regulate the level of glucose or sugar in the bloodstream.
When the level of blood sugar rises, insulin production takes place to lower it. On the other hand, when the blood sugar is low, glucagon is secreted to raise it.
Insulin has the added duty of converting glucose into energy, which the body can use to function well. Without insulin, high blood sugar levels make it impossible for the body to draw energy from it. As a consequence, energy levels may drop, the blood vessels may become damaged, and the health of the other organs, such as the eyes, heart, liver and kidney, may be compromised, and diabetes may occur.
As an exocrine gland, the pancreas supports the digestive system by producing digestive enzymes. When you consume a meal, the central nervous system sends signals to the pancreas that food is about to be digested. The pancreas responds by producing inactive enzymes.
When partially digested food or chyme enters the duodenum, it stimulates the secretion of and activates pancreatic juices inside the small intestine. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down fatty acids, proteins and carbohydrates before they enter the bloodstream.
Sometimes, due to heavy alcohol consumption, the pancreatic enzymes are not secreted and attack the pancreas. This may lead to an inflamed pancreas or the development of pancreatitis and the body's failure to absorb nutrients from food. Acute or chronic pancreatitis can occur depending on the duration and frequency of the inflammation.
How to Maintain Pancreas Health
Keeping your entire pancreas healthy is just as important as keeping your other organs healthy. Pancreatic tissue plays a vital role in the digestion of food. A damaged pancreas can cause a slew of health issues such as cystic fibrosis, respiratory problems, heart disease and pancreatic cancers.
Adjustments to one's diet and lifestyle may greatly help in the prevention of pancreatic dysfunction. These include:
- Avoidance of sugary and fatty foods. Consuming large amounts of simple sugar and saturated fats may overwhelm the pancreas, making it difficult to cope with the production of insulin to lower blood sugar levels. It is best for the body to obtain energy from complex carbohydrates as these can be easily broken down by digestive juices and enter the bloodstream gradually.
- Get more lean proteins. Regular consumption of lean proteins, along with whole grains and green, leafy vegetables, is a great way to boost pancreatic function and prevent insulin resistance.
- Decrease alcohol consumption. Alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis is common in heavy alcohol drinkers. Give your pancreas a break by drinking less alcohol or abstaining from it entirely.
- Eat smaller portions. Instead of eating three heavy meals a day, not to mention large servings of food, try five or six small, low-fat meals spread out throughout the day to allow your digestive enzymes time to process them. Eating regularly also helps maintain balanced energy levels for you to stay alert during the day.
- Quit smoking. Next to alcohol, smoking also increases the risk of pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis. Toxins from smoking can wreak havoc on your digestive system, including your pancreas.
- Take multivitamin supplements. Look for health supplements that can help stabilise blood sugar levels, such as chromium picolinate and Bilberry. Taking pancreatic enzyme supplements aids in promoting pancreas health, so get a regular dose of calcium, magnesium, Vitamin-B complex and Vitamin C.
- Stress management. Chronicstress from daily activities can potentially damage pancreatic tissue and disrupt pancreatic function, which can have serious consequences for your overall health, particularly if you respond to it by smoking, drinking alcohol, bingeing on food, or using prohibited substances. While stress is part of our daily lives, you can deal with it by having a positive outlook, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in a hobby to take your mind off things temporarily.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight increases the risk of acute pancreatitis. In addition to a low-fat diet, engage in moderate exercise on a daily basis to lose weight. To avoid overdoing it and developing starvation or eating disorders, consult a health practitioner who specialises in weight loss. They can recommend a healthy diet and exercise regimen that is suitable for you.
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Can Pancreatitis Symptoms be Reversed?
If your pancreas is sick, say you have pancreatitis, concentrate on the level of your pancreas function and the severity of pancreatitis symptoms. Note them down, then collaborate with your healthcare team to identify the best therapies for pain and the underlying causes of the symptoms.
According to research, many cases of severe pancreatitis result from ignoring mild pancreatitis. It is too late by the time chronic pancreatitis is discovered. Trying to restore the pancreas function to 100% can be difficult if it was only working at 10% capacity when pancreatitis was discovered.
Early intervention is crucial for the progression of chronic pancreatitis to pancreatic cancer. The most common telltale signs of severe pancreatitis include:
- Abdominal pain or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that radiates into your back
- Unintended weight loss
- Oily stools
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever or chills
Your healthcare team may order blood tests and imaging tests to determine if your pancreas is at high risk of complications.
Discuss with your healthcare provider some self-care methods as well, such as herbal medicine, in addition to medical treatments. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating bland foods will help your pancreas as well. Taking essential vitamin supplements, especially the reishi mushroom supplement, which has been used for over 2,000 years, is also an effective pancreatic cancer intervention.
Other self-help remedies for maintaining pancreatic health and avoiding the risk of chronic pancreatitis or the development of cancer cells in the pancreas include meditation, hypnosis, and other relaxation techniques.
Originally published on Jun 30, 2009
