Tips for caring for the pancreas

The pancreas plays a very important role in the digestion of food as it is responsible for producing enzymes that allow us to digest food and absorb its nutrients. Another of its functions is to control blood sugar levels through the production of insulin. Thus, it is very important to take care of the pancreas .

In Spain about 30,000 people are diagnosed annually with a disease related to this organ, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer . Diet and lifestyle play a very important role.

Regarding diet, it is best to follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables , avoiding processed foods and high in trans fats and refined sugars. In addition, it is important to avoid sedentary lifestyle to reduce the risk of suffering from these types of disorders.

What is the pancreas and what is it for?

The pancreas is an organ located just behind the stomach. It belongs to the endocrine and digestive systems, and has an elongated shape, approximately 12.5 centimeters long. It is made up of three main areas: the head, the body, and the tail.

Functions of the pancreas

The functions of the pancreas are divided into two large groups.

• Exocrine function: this is how the digestion process is known. The pancreas secretes a series of enzymes, which are responsible for chemically breaking down the fats and proteins present in the food eaten. That is why when a person suffers from a certain pancreatic disease, two of the first symptoms are weight loss and diarrhea.
• Endocrine function: on the other hand, this organ has a leading role in the production of hormones. The most important of all insulin, which is essential for regulating blood sugar levels. It also produces glucagon, a hormone that helps break down glycogen stored in the liver.

The best tips to take care of the pancreas

The pancreas is one of the most important organs in the body. Therefore, it is very important to know how to take care of the pancreas and protect it.

No tobacco

Although tobacco is sometimes only related to the risk of lung cancer, the truth is that this habit is also related to pancreatic cancer. Therefore, quitting smoking is one of the best ways to take care of your pancreas.

Avoid alcohol

One of the best ways to care for your pancreas is to avoid alcohol. Long-term and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages greatly increases the risk of chronic pancreatitis . A serious illness that lasts long term and can lead to various health problems.

Moderate consumption of refined sugar and carbohydrates

The 21st century diet favors the consumption of processed foods , which have high amounts of refined sugars and carbohydrates . Substances with which this organ is forced to produce a greater amount of insulin to regulate blood glucose levels.

Therefore, if you follow a diet that consists only of this type of food, the pancreas is forced to work constantly.

Adequate hydration

The dehydration slows down the production of insulin , which causes considerable organ. That is why it is recommended to drink between two and two and a half liters of water daily. The consumption of fruits and vegetables with a high water content, such as melon for example, is also recommended to take care of the pancreas.

Not being overweight

One of the main causes of being overweight is that the pancreas has to produce a greater amount of insulin to provide the energy the body needs and regulate blood glucose levels. Thus, being overweight is one of the main triggers of diabetes .

Increase your fiber intake

Favoring the consumption of foods rich in fiber is one of the best ways to take care of the pancreas in the long term. Fiber is responsible for absorbing fat from the body , helping this body not to have to work excessively during the digestive process. In addition, adequate fiber intake significantly minimizes the risk of diabetes.

Yes to physical exercise

A healthy lifestyle includes a compulsory practice of physical exercise on a regular basis. Do not forget that in this way fat is burned , thereby improving pancreatic function.

Medical recommendation

Whenever any type of metabolic alteration is suffered , the best way to prevent the pancreas from suffering is to heed medical recommendations, following a healthy, hypocaloric diet.

Beneficial foods for the pancreas

To take care of the pancreas properly, it is best to increase the consumption of seasonal fruits and vegetables since they are the ones that have the most nutrients. It is advisable to moderate the consumption of those fruits with a high glycemic index such as banana or watermelon.

Among the different nutrients, vitamin E is one of the most beneficial for pancreatic function. That is why the consumption of foods rich in vitamin E is recommended.

In the same way, it is advisable to consume foods rich in antioxidants since they favor the proper functioning of the cells.

• Olive oil: this is one of the healthiest foods for the body as a whole. Its antioxidant properties stand out.
• Celery: helps fight cholesterol and regulates glucose levels in the blood. In addition, this food neutralizes fatty acids, sometimes responsible for diabetes.
• Hazelnuts: hazelnuts are one of the foods with the highest vitamin E content, so they are very beneficial for the proper functioning of the pancreas. It is enough to consume two handfuls of hazelnuts to cover the daily need for this nutrient.
• Onion: onion is an alkalizing food that helps lower glucose levels.
• Seeds: certain types of seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin for example are also recommended. They are high in vitamins B and E, as well as minerals.

Foods that damage the pancreas

• Sausages: sausages and processed meats are not favorable to take care of this organ due to their high fat content. Therefore, it is recommended to moderate its consumption.
• Cheeses: certain types of cheese, such as mozzarella or manchego, are not adequate to protect the function of the pancreas .
• Precooked foods: these types of foods are rich in satiated fats, refined sugars, preservatives and artificial colors. Substances that progressively damage the pancreas and other body functions.
• Sweets: industrial sweets are not recommended either due to their high content of sugars and refined flours.
• Soft drinks : and, finally, soft drinks, whose amount of sugar increases the risk of diabetes.

Infusions to cleanse the pancreas

The pancreas is one of the most important organs in the human body. Taking into account that the current diet in many cases is unhealthy, it is common for it to become inflamed and excessively intoxicated. To minimize the risk of suffering from any type of pancreatic disease, there are a series of infusions made with 100% natural ingredients that help cleanse the pancreas.

• Green tea: green tea is a natural antioxidant that helps purify the pancreas and maintain good health. It is recommended to take a cup of this infusion daily. The best time to do it is first thing in the morning thanks to its stimulating properties.
• Licorice: licorice root helps reduce inflammation of the pancreas thanks to the presence of glycyrrhizin. This is an infusion that should be consumed in moderation as it affects blood circulation.
• Rosemary: and finally, rosemary, another natural ingredient to cleanse the pancreas and promote the proper functioning of this organ. When consuming the infusion it can be accompanied by a little honey.

Most common diseases of the pancreas

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is how inflammation of the pancreas is known . It can occur acutely, appearing suddenly and lasting only a few days, or chronically, lasting in the long term.

There are no specific causes that give rise to this disease. However, there are a number of risk factors: alcoholism , use of certain medications, alcoholism, gallstones, and pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatitis gives rise to a series of symptoms that are repeated in all patients: pain that is localized in the upper part of the abdomen and worsens after meals, nausea, vomiting and tachycardia . Signs worsen as the disease progresses, including foul-smelling stools and weight loss.

When episodes of acute pancreatitis occur repeatedly over time, there is a certain risk of developing chronic pancreatitis . In this case, scars can form on the organ, thus impairing the functions of the pancreas. A complicated situation that can lead to diseases of the digestive system , as well as diabetes.

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors globally, which especially affects the elderly . A disease in which healthy cells in the pancreas stop working the right way and start growing out of control. These cancer cells can accumulate and form a mass called a tumor.

There are a number of risk factors that increase the chances of suffering from this malignant tumor: smoking, obesity and unhealthy eating . Also others such as age since the vast majority of patients with pancreatic cancer are between 60 and 80 years old.

In a high percentage of cases, the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are imprecise at first: abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion and weight loss for no apparent reason . That is why between 80 and 85 percent of patients are diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease.

As the disorder progresses and the tumor increases in size, other more serious signs appear: jaundice , a burning sensation in the stomach, foul-smelling stools, weakness, chills, and fever .

Diabetes

The diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs because the pancreas is not able to synthesize the required amount of insulin.

The most common symptoms of diabetes include: frequent urination, greater feeling of hunger than usual, excessive thirst, tiredness for no apparent reason, irritability and vomiting .

There are two types of diabetes.

• Type 1 diabetes: usually occurs in children and young people. It occurs suddenly and the main cause is the destruction of the cells responsible for the production of insulin in the pancreas.
• Type 2 diabetes: occurs in adults and occurs as a result of insufficient insulin production, as well as an incorrect use of the substance by pancreatic cells.

These are the main guidelines for taking care of the pancreas .