The human body has many vital organs that we tend to take for granted. Oftentimes, it is only when we begin to feel symptoms of an ailment that we realise the significance of the organ that is affected. Males and females, and both the young and the old, are affected more by diabetes than any other health problem associated with the pancreas. The phenomenal rise in diabetes cases should give one enough reason to take a closer look at the organ that plays a major role in the regulation of blood sugar levels, the pancreas.
In the centre of your stomach is a very busy organ that performs exocrine functions and an endocrine function as well. The pancreas is located deep within the body, making it difficult to examine and identify any tumours that may develop there. This explains why preserving a healthy pancreas is essential for maintaining a high quality of life. This article walks you through the role of the pancreas, the benefits of pancreatic enzymes, and some health conditions that result from pancreatic malfunction.
Pancreas as digestive support
The pancreas is responsible for converting the food we eat into energy to support the body's various functions. This long organ is located behind the stomach, surrounded by the small intestine, liver and spleen. The pancreas is an important organ that aids in the breakdown of food and control of blood sugar levels.
To digest food, the exocrine pancreas produces digestive juices known as pancreatic enzymes. These enzymes travel through the digestive tract, beginning in the first section of the small intestine, via pancreatic ducts. When food is dissolved in the stomach, it turns into a semifluid mass known as chyme. Generally, when chyme enters the small intestine, digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas are secreted to break down fatty acids, protein and carbohydrates found in chyme.
While the pancreas actually produces digestive enzymes all the time, they remain inactive until a meal enters the duodenum and stimulates the secretion of the enzymes. Without the digestive enzymes of the pancreas, the body is unable to convert the food that it consumes into usable substances to nourish all of its vital parts.
The pancreas produces about 236 ml of digestive enzymes per day, which are as follows:
- Proteolytic enzymes break down protein in food.
- Amylase is a family of digestive enzymes that convert starch to sugar, which is then converted to energy to meet the body's needs.
- Lipase is responsible for fat breakdown.
Pancreatic endocrine cells are in charge of releasing pancreatic hormones into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels.
How can you tell if your pancreas isn't functioning properly?
The three most common diseases that can have a serious impact on the pancreas are acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis and hereditary pancreatitis. They may appear to be the same, but there are some differences.
Pancreatitis is a condition that seems to affect more men than women. It is one of the manifestations of damage to the pancreas. Ideally, pancreatic juices are activated once they enter the duodenum and the small intestine. A problem can occur when the digestive enzymes are activated prematurely and attack the pancreas, causing pancreatitis.
The following are common symptoms of acute pancreatitis:
- Abdominal pain
- Tenderness in the abdomen
- Fever or chills
- A fast pulse
- Nausea and vomiting
As for chronic pancreatitis, the telltale signs include:
- Upper belly pain
- Weight loss
- Pain in the abdomen that worsens after eating
- Diarrhoea or smelly, oily stools
Hereditary pancreatitis is characterised by recurrent episodes of pancreatitis that can develop into chronic pancreatitis. Symptoms typically appear in one's 20s, but they may appear earlier or later. One type of pancreatitis caused by genetic factors is pancreas divisum. Most patients with pancreas divisum show no symptoms throughout life and are only diagnosed after undergoing imaging tests.
Source: The Amino Co
What causes pancreatic problems and what are the risk factors?
An acute case of pancreatitis is characterised by the sudden inflammation of the pancreas, usually caused by the following:
- Chronic alcohol consumption
- Gallstone formations
- Trauma
- Bacterial infections
- Pancreatic cancers
- Obesity or excess weight
- Cystic fibrosis
If the inflammation of the pancreas is ongoing, the condition may lead to chronic pancreatitis. A person with chronic pancreatitis may not be able to absorb food nutrients due to poor enzyme production and may begin to lose weight. In other cases, the pancreas may become damaged and the person affected may eventually develop diabetes.
People with type 2 diabetes, a family history of pancreatitis, and those who are heavy alcohol drinkers or who smoke cigarettes are at a higher risk of developing pancreatitis.
If patients are not immediately treated, their condition may progress to more serious health problems, such as:
- Jaundice
- Kidney disease
- Pancreatic cancers
- Respiratory problems
- Internal bleeding
Failure to care for your pancreas may result in a long-lasting medical condition, which you do not want to happen. If you have symptoms of a pancreas infection, see your doctor immediately or discuss some common complementary therapies that you can use in conjunction with conventional medical treatments.
Originally published on Jun 20, 2009
