Nestled in cozy behind and slightly below your stomach towards the upper left abdomen, is one of the most essential organs in your body: the pancreas. It plays a crucial role in converting the food you eat into fuel for bodily functions.
The function of your pancreas…
Surrounded by other organs such as the small intestine, liver, and spleen, the pancreas is a spongy, leaf-shaped organ that extends across the abdomen. Once food has been partially digested in the stomach, it is pushed into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). This is where the pancreas comes into action, adding digestive juices and enzymes to complete the digestion process.
Despite often being overlooked by us, the pancreas is vital to two main systems in your body: the endocrine and exocrine systems. The endocrine system secretes hormones, including insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar. The exocrine system secretes enzymes to aid digestion by breaking down sugars, fats, and starches.
Every day, your pancreas produces digestive juice filled with enzymes, called lipase, protease, and amylase. Lipase works with bile, which is produced by your liver, to break down fat in your diet. Protease breaks down proteins in your diet and helps protect you from germs in your intestines. Amylase helps break down starches into sugar, which your body can use for energy.
What happens if your pancreas misfires?
If your pancreas misfires, it can cause pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. This is usually caused by gallstones blocking the main pancreatic duct or excessive alcohol consumption. The symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting.
To keep your pancreas healthy, it is essential to decrease the amount of fat in your diet, incorporate exercise into your routine, avoid alcohol abuse, and eat a healthy balanced diet. If you experience symptoms of pancreatitis, it is crucial to consult a doctor immediately.
Symptoms of pancreatitis…
The symptoms of a diseased pancreas depend on the underlying cause, but may include:
- Pain in the upper abdomen.
- Loss of appetite.
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
- Back pain.
- Bloating.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Digestive upsets.
Keeping a healthy pancreas…
- Decrease the amount of fats in your diet.
- Incorporate exercise/movement and stay fit.
- Don’t overdo it with alcohol.
- Avoid crash diets.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet.
Although you can live without a pancreas, it comes with major modifications to your lifestyle. Thanks to modern medicine, there are surgeries for partial and total removals of your pancreas when it becomes a life-threatening problem. However, the lack of insulin in your body also increases your chances of developing diabetes.
Your pancreas is vital to many extents, so take care of it. Incorporate healthy habits into your lifestyle to ensure its proper functioning.
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