Pancreas is a small organ situated in the abdomen and it plays a key role in converting the food we eat into energy for the body’s cell. The pancreas have two chief functions -an exocrine function that aids in digestion and an endocrine function that manages blood sugar. It is a key digestive gland that secretes enzymes and hormones that are essential for sustaining biological functions and processes, including metabolism. If the pancreas is not functioning properly the system would be deprived of nutrients and fuel to carry out normal activities.
The importance of this organ becomes more obvious when a person has issues with the pancreas such as diabetes and pancreatitis, which can slowly damage various vital organs if left untreated.
Exocrine Function:
An exocrine function aids in the digestion of food, where the pancreas produces pancreatic enzymes needed for breaking down larger molecules like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller absorbable substances.
Endocrine Function:
An endocrine function helps in regulating blood glucose. The pancreas produces hormones insulin and glucagon that controls the homeostasis of blood glucose.
Poor eating habits have a lot to do with pancreatic problems. Consuming sugar-laden foods can cause an overload. When the body breaks down sugars it does it so rapidly and creates blood sugar imbalances. This kind of fluctuations of high to low blood sugar levels leads to the deterioration of the pancreas and in the long run pancreatic exhaustion, this can be averted by eating a wholesome diet.
One of the chief roles of the pancreas is to regulate blood sugar, when the pancreas becomes exhausted by working relentlessly to break down sugars, it will stop making insulin hormones completely, making it impossible for the body to break down sugar.
Also Read: Digestive Disorders: 7 Ways To Improve Gut Health
Any damage to the pancreas could make it dysfunctional either partially or completely. Some of the health issues that can develop when the pancreas is dysfunctional include:
Acute pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatic cancer
Some of the common symptoms associated with pancreatic issues are abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained weight loss, all of which can eventually increase the risk of malnutrition.
Well, focusing on eating a plant-based diet supports healthy pancreas functioning. Incorporating a rich array of colourful fruits, vegetables and whole grains at every meal offers the body fibre, lean protein and vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that prevent inflammation, enhances gut and pancreas health.
Check out this infographic to get an overview of the best healing foods that safeguards the pancreas from any damage.
