Pancreas

I decided to write on the pancreas after learning of issues that someone I care about is having. I hope this information not only is of benefit to her, but to others as well. The steps of this endeavor involved research on a healthy pancreas, what it takes to ensure a pancreas functions correctly, and an investigation of what foods may assist my friend in healing.

Position and Responsibilities

The pancreas is a glandular organ that is located behind the stomach. If your index finger and your middle finger would touch sides you can in vision the approximate size of this gland. It is approximately six inches long. The pancreas has a tubed shape and a spongy texture. There is a dark green duct that allows fluids and digestive enzymes that our cells produce to move to the duodenum, which is a part of the tube like section that the stomach empties into. The duodenum is actually the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas duct is also joined to the common bile duct. This duct transports the bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine where the bile, pancreas fluids and digestive juices, and other fats all work together.

The pancreas has a few duties. First, the fluid it produces balances acids. For example, consider when you drink lemon juice. The pancreas fluid will balance out the acid from the lemon. Second, the digestive enzymes produced in the pancreas work to break down complex molecules into smaller pieces. Consider the meat one may eat that needs to be broken down more so the body can digest it. And last, but not least, the pancreas works to create four different hormones. Three of these hormones play small roles, but the one worth mentioning is the creation of insulin. The pancreas discharges insulin into the blood stream. When the insulin arrives at cells it alerts the cell that nutrients are about to arrive. Think of this as a way of letting the cells know food is on the way so get ready to eat!

Healthy Pancreas Tips

There are preventative actions that not only assist with healing the pancreas, but will also add in the healing of the body as a whole. WebMD suggests kicking a cigarette habit, lowering your unhealthy fat intake, and eating more healthy foods. They also state that a regular exercise routine has lowered the risk of pancreatic cancer.

It stands to reason that the foods you eat affect your entire body; however, consider that pancreas works specifically in adding with digestion. Our bodies are designed to break down certain foods. When other foods that are not natural and not tampered with (e.g. junk food, fast food, processed food, and additives) enter the body, the body has to work over time to TRY to digest these foods. Think of your body as a machine. With the right fuel the machine operates with no issues for a very long time. However, when you introduce a foreign fuel to the mechanism it has to work harder in its ATTEMPT to break down the item. At some point the parts will begin to wear out and eventually brake down. In a sense, the same thing may happen to us. The bottom line is we need to eat what we are designed to eat. I am offering a list of foods that may assist in pancreas health.

Fruits and Veggies (organic is always best)

Pancreas health includes antioxidants found in vitamins A, C, and E. You can find these in:

·       Oranges

·       Grapefruit

·       Carrots

·       Apples

·       Spinach

·       Collard Greens

·       Peaches

Whole Grains (organic is best)

Whole grains are great for pancreas health, but is also very helpful when trying to recover from pancreas conditions. These foods offer B vitamins, selenium, and additional antioxidants to assist with strengthening. The best whole grains for pancreas health include:

·       Bulgur

·       Millet

·       Whole Rye

·       Oatmeal

·       Popped Corn

·       Buckwheat

·       Barley

·       Wild Rice

·       Brown Rice

Proteins (Did I mention organic is always best? Make sure the animals have eaten organic.)

Protein in a lean form is also said to promote pancreas health, so minimize high fat foods. Some lean sources of protein include:

·       Tofu

·       Chicken Breast

·       Beef Tenderloin

·       Lamb Chops

·       Salmon

·       Tuna

·       Mackerel

·       Lake Trout

·       And other types of fish

Liquids (Organic!)

It is suggested that one should drink at least eight glasses of liquids a day. In regard the pancreas health this not only stimulates the overall health, but also assists in regulating the digestion functions. Carbonated beverages may reduce digestion functions and effect pancreas disorders. Liquids to consider include:

·       Water (Filtered or spring)

·       Tea

·       Pure Fruit Juices

·       Pure Vegetable Juices

While on the topic of liquids I wanted to examine the affects of coffee on the pancreas. Caffeine appears to be more the issue here. Caffeine can result in Gallstones and Gallstones often cause acute pancreatitis.

Healing Foods

While the foods listed above are great for the not only the pancreas, but overall health as well, I would like to share what I discovered on foods for those who may already be in distress.

Cherries and Blueberries

Antioxidants are important when it comes to preventing damage to cells. These berries are excellent sources for antioxidants.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous Vegetables offer powerful cancer fighting chemicals. These vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts.

Allium Vegetables

Allium vegetables include garlic and onions. These foods contain powerful sulfur-containing compounds which are partially responsible for their strong odor; however, this is also where the health stimulating quantities are found. Garlic and onions are beneficial in many ways. They may fight harmful bacterial while promoting good bacteria and help fight off cancer.

Red Grapes

Red grapes are another powerful antioxidant, because they contain resveratrol (which is also found in blueberries). Note that you should avoid red wine when suffering from pancreatitis.

Red Reishi Mushrooms

The Chinese use these mushrooms in medicine. They are said to reestablish balance to the body. They reduce inflammation.

Leafy Greens

The pancreas needs a supply of vitamin B and iron and spinach is an excellent source for both. Kale and mustard and Swiss chard are also valuable greens for the pancreas.

Orange and Yellow Veggies

Sweet potatoes, carrots, corn, and squash are also good food choices. They may assist with cancer prevention and they offer nutrients needed by the pancreas.

Tofu

A good choice to fill the low-fat protein needs is tofu. Tofu is like a sponge and will soak-up flavors. For example, I make BBQ steaks with it.

Tomato Vegetable Soup

Veggies offer antioxidants and other helpful nutrients. Tomatoes add vitamin C to this mix. When a soup is created with these ingredients you get the added benefits of the additional liquid that is needed.

Yogurt with Active Cultures

Probiotics and good bacteria are supplied in a cup this yogurt. This will assist not only the digestive system, but the immune system as well. Be sure when shopping for yogurt you purchase a product with no added sugar.

I hope this information is helpful. Feel free to share this with someone you love and/or to share any suggestions you may have. Peace!

References:

LIVESTRONG.COM. (2011, April 26). Foods That Will Heal the Pancreas. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/36490-foods-heal-pancreas/

LIVESTRONG.COM. (2011, February 21). What Are Benefits of Onion and Garlic? Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/387792-what-are-benefits-of-onion-and-garlic/

LIVESTRONG.COM. (2011, June 15). Food for Pancreas Health. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/471691-food-for-pancreas-health/

LIVESTRONG.COM. (2011, September 12). Caffeine & the Pancreas. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/542450-caffeine-the-pancreas/

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). duodenum. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duodenum

Pancreas.org. (n.d.). What is the Pancreas? Retrieved from http://pancreas.org/pancreas/

The World's Healthiest Foods. (n.d.). Garlic. Retrieved from http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=60

WebMD. (2011, October 31). Slideshow: A Visual Guide to Understanding Pancreatic Cancer. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/ss/slideshow-pancreatic-cancer-overview

Disclaimer of liability

The information offered by Harmony Huntress is not a substitute for professional advice. The material is general in nature. I strive to create truthful reads and I offer references when research is conducted. Readers are encouraged to evaluate the accuracy, completeness, and relevance for their needs, and then obtain suitable professional guidance related to the circumstances. Links to websites are offered for your convenience and do not necessarily endorse nor reflect an association to an organization or a service or product.