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The pancreas is a fist size organ located in the abdomen behind the stomach. It is an important organ involved in the processes of the digestion, responsible for the creation of enzymes needed for the breakdown of food and the regulation of blood sugar levels. In fact, appetite, stomach acid stimulation and stomach emptying are all controlled by hormonal messengers made by the pancreas. Any damage to the pancreas can cause dysfunction and result in health issues.
The enzymes supplied by the pancrease are needed by the body to breakdown the food we eat. The pancreatic enzymes, also called pancreatic juices, travel down ducts, (pancreatic ducts), and empty into the duodenum (upper part of the small intestine). There the enzymes meet food which has passed from the stomach after initial digestion from mastication (chewing) and stomach digestion. The enzyme involved at this point include lipase, proteas and amylase.
Lipase breaks down fat from the diet. It does this with the help of bile produced by the liver. This is important for the digestion of not only fat, but also the fat-soluble vitamins – A, D, E and K. Symptoms of insufficient lipase or bile include diarrhoea and stools which are fatty (may even float in the toilet bowel) and indicates a lack of absorption of nutrients.
The digestion of protein starts in the stomach with hydrochloric acid, (unfolds protein), and the digestive enzyme, pepsin. Pepsin is secreted in the stomach and is responsible for dismantling the protein chain into smaller amino acid chains, for easier digestion. Once these have reached the duodenum, the process continues with proteases enzymes supplied by the pancreas. This is where the majority of protein digestion takes place. The two major pancreatic enzymes that digest proteins are chymotrypsin and trypsin. Poor protein digestion can result in protein allergies in some people. Proteas also protects the body from pathogens in the digestive system - such as bacteria and yeast.
Amylase is the enzyme needed for the digestion of starch which breaks down to sugar supplying energy for the body. Diarrhoea can be a symptom of insufficient amylase.
Pancreatic hormones are chemical messengers released into the blood to be delivered to other areas of the digestive system. Insulin, glucagon, gastrin and amylin are all pancreatic hormones (chemical messengers) important for controlling digestion in the body.
Insulin is used to transport sugar into the cells of the body to be used for energy – without insulin, blood sugar levels rise and results in diabetes. Beta cells of the pancreas make insulin and constitute 75% of the cells of the pancreas.
Glucagon is the hormone which sends a message to the liver to release stored sugar when blood sugar levels drop too low. Glucagon is made in the pancreas from alpha cells which make up 20% of the cells in the pancreas.
Amylin is responsible for stomach emptying and the control of appetite.
Gastrin stimulates the stomach to make gastric acid. This mainly occurs from gastrin made by G cells in the stomach. The pancreas also produces some gastrin.
The most common problems associated with the pancreas and digestion include diabetes, pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Diabetes occurs when the beta cells of pancreas fail to produce enough insulin, or when insulin is not able to be used by the cells of the body. This means when you eat a meal containing carbohydrate and sugar, the sugar remains in the blood (elevating blood sugar) instead of entering the cells to provide energy. The result is fatigue, hunger, brain fog and weight-loss. Elevated sugar, over a long-term, can affect the kidneys and heart. Diabetes is also associated with other complications of digestion – such as gastroparesis.
The suffix itis denotes inflammation of an organ, and in the case of pancreatitis - is inflammation of the pancreas. The cause of pancreatitis is most usually due to gall stones blocking the bile duct. This cause the pancreatic digestive enzymes to attack the pancreas resulting in abdominal discomfort and pain. Insufficient pancreatic enzymes affects digestion and can lead to diarrhoea, weight loss and malnutrition in severe cases (90% of the pancreas being affected).
Pancreatic cancer most commonly evolves from cells which make enzymes for digestion. Symptoms of insufficient digestive enzymes, weight loss, appetite loss, indigestion and fatty bowel motions.
Help your pancreas by supporting the processes of digestion. This can be accomplished by making some simple changes at meal time.
Mindful eating. This involves chewing foods well before swallowing. This helps with the breakdown process by making foods stuffs smaller in size and coating well with amylase and lingual lipase, enzymes from saliva in the mouth (carbohydrate and fat digestion).
Reduce size of meals and avoid over-eating. This allows for availability of enzymes for digestion.
Avoid greasy meals – eat low-fat diet
Avoid alcohol
Eat a nutritious diet of fresh fruits and vegetables. These contain a natural source of nutrition, antioxidants and enzymes. For example:
Herbal medicine such as Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis) Gentiana lutea gentian, Taraxacum officinale (dandelion root) and Hydrastis canadensis (golden seal) help facilitate and enhance the digestive process in the stomach.
Berberis vulgaris (barberry), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion root), Cynara scolymus (globe artichoke), Silybum marianum (milk thistle), Curcuma longa (turmeric) and Hydrastis canadensis (golden seal) are herbs which can support the liver and production of bile.
Gentiana lutea (gentian), Berberis vulgaris (barberry) and Cynara scolymus (globe artichoke) help with the release of bile from the gallbladder.
Insulin is the key which opens the door of the cell to glucose (the sugar from the food we eat). This supplies energy needed for the body to function. Insulin sensitivity can be improved by:
Exercise – regular exercise increases insulin sensitivity.
Weight reduction – even a small reduction can improve insulin sensitivity.
Reduce stress - stress is a risk factor for insulin resistance.
Increasing intake of soluble fibre – vegetables, oatmeal, flaxseed and legumes - help with blood sugar control and appetite reduction.
The diet plays a major role in the health of the pancreas. Eating a nutritional diet, avoiding fatty foods and large meals, reducing alcohol consumption and eating mindfully will help support a healthy pancreas. Including fibre and avoiding high intake of processed sugar will help with blood sugar balance.
Exercise, weight loss and stress reduction can help with insulin resistance and the prevention of diabetes.
Supplement with herbs and nutrients if the digestive process needs supporting on advice from your naturopath or doctor.