Learning our Body: The Pancreas

DESCRIPTION: Did you know that your pancreas is actually a large gland? It is located next to your gallbladder and tucked into your small intestine. This gland’s main job is to excrete the enzymes, chemicals and hormones we need to function. It does more than just helping to regulating blood sugar through the release of insulin and glucagon. It also is responsible for releasing digestive enzymes like lipase to help with breaking down foods in the digestion process.

MAIN FUNCTIONS:
From Medical News Today (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10011#function)
“A healthy pancreas produces chemicals to digest the food we eat.

The exocrine tissues secrete a clear, watery, alkaline juice into the common bile duct and, ultimately, the duodenum. This substance contains several enzymes that break down food into small molecules. The intestines can then absorb these smaller molecules.

The enzymes include:

• trypsin and chymotrypsin to digest proteins
• amylase to break down carbohydrates
• lipase to break down fats into fatty acids and cholesterol

The endocrine tissue secretes insulin and other hormones into the bloodstream. Pancreatic beta cells release insulin when blood sugar levels rise.

Insulin moves glucose from the blood into muscles and other tissues for use as energy. Insulin also helps the liver absorb glucose, storing it as glycogen in case the body needs energy during stress or exercise. When blood sugar falls, pancreatic alpha cells release the hormone glucagon.

Glucagon triggers the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver. The glucose then enters the bloodstream, restoring blood sugar levels to normal.”

IMAGE:
For the Cleveland Clinic – (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21743-pancreas)

SYMPTOMS OF DISFUNCTION:
Gallstones
Abdominal pain, after eating
Diarrhea
Bloating
Feeling of fullness
Unexplained weight loss
Malnutrition

FOODS THAT SUPPORT:
Avocado
Nut butter
Salmon
Ginger
Broccoli

SUPPLEMENTS TO SUPPORT: (**Always check with a functional or medical doctor before beginning a supplement**)

Dandelion Root
Turmeric
Pancreatic Enzymes
Learn more about those here (https://pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/living-with-pancreatic-cancer/diet-and-nutrition/pancreatic-enzymes/)