Best Foods for Healthy Pancreas to Prevent, Reverse and Cure Diabetes Type 2
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Description
The pancreas is a glandular organ part of the digestive system. It is about 7 in (17.8 cm) long and 1.5 in (3.8 cm) wide, located behind the lower part of the stomach, in front of the spine. It connects to the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine) through the pancreatic duct. Its head is on the right side of your abdomen, its tail (narrow end) extends to your left side of the body. Its glandular tissue have the beta cells which secret insulin. When the beta cells do not work well, diabetes occurs.
It provides 2 vital functions:
– Exocrine-it makes/stores/releases enzymes vital for the digestion & absorption of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates from your food in the small intestine and bicarbonate that helps neutralize stomach acids.
– Endocrine-it produces hormones insulin and glucagon directly into the bloodstream. Both control the level of glucose in the blood: insulin converts blood glucose (sugar) into energy & lowers its level while increasing the amount of glycogen (stored carbohydrate) in the liver. Glucagon increases the blood sugar level when it falls too low.
What is Good for Your Pancreas?
– Foods rich in antioxidants, in vitamins C, D, E, calcium, selenium, carotenoids: fruits, especially blueberries, cherries, and vegetables (tomatoes, squash, bell pepper).
– Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids: cold-water fish and nuts.
– Foods high in B-vitamins and iron: whole grains, dark leafy greens (spinach and kale), and sea vegetables also rich in vanadium, a mineral that plays a complex role in managing carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar.
– Carbohydrates rich in fiber: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dried beans.
– Lean meats.
– Olive oil for salads and cooking.
– Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.
– Drink tea daily.
– Keep a healthy body weight.
– Exercise at least for 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.
IMPORTANT You can prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes by keeping your pancreas healthy.
Diabetes Mellitus (DM), in short diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin or the body do not respond / use properly the insulin produced. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into the energy needed for daily life. If left untreated, sugar builds up in your blood which causes cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney failure, foot ulcers, blindness, nerve and organ damage. Diabetes affects people of all ages.
Types of diabetes mellitus:
– Type 1- the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. The cause is unknown. Is NOT preventable, not reversible.
– Type 2- body cells develop insulin resistance, they do not respond to insulin well. The main cause is obesity and insufficient exercise. It is preventable, treatable and reversible.
– Gestational diabetes, which affects 3-10% of pregnant women, occurs during the third trimester. Cause: presence of human placental lactogen that interferes with the proper function of insulin receptors. It is treatable and reversible.
Your Pancreas is a vital organ that plays a major role in the digestion of food and the regulation of blood sugar.
You can keep it healthy and avoid or reverse type 2 diabetes by following these same steps that help you prevent heart disease:
– Eat the healthy diet I describe in my video clips: plenty of whole grains, fish, fruits, and vegetables, and limited amounts of lean meat, fat, sugar, and alcohol.
– Exercise for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
– Daily physical activity.
– Keep a healthy weight.
– Know the warning signs described here, and ask your doctor for pre-diabetes test.
– Relax.
