The pancreas is one of the most important organs in the human body. It is responsible for producing insulin, a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood. Caring for your pancreas is very important because while this organ remains healthy and functions properly, an individual has a very low risk of diabetes, hypoglycaemia or hyperinsulinemia.
To ensure that you are taking good care of your pancreas, read this OneHowTo article where we talk about the different foods and lifestyle changes you need to look after your pancreas and minimize the risk of diabetes.
Although tobacco is commonly associated with lung cancer, it is also a major cause of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do to take care of your precious pancreas. Some 30% of pancreatic cancers are caused by smoking.
Moderate your sugar consumption and limit your intake of refined carbohydrates, then you're on your way to taking better care of your pancreas. When your diet is rich in sugars and flours, the pancreas is forced to produce more insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, so if all your meals are rich in carbohydrates and sugars you are constantly making your pancreas work hard. Moderate consumption of sugars will help prevent diabetes.
As well as watching your sugar consumption, you should also limit yourself to a moderate intake of alcoholic beverages to take care of your pancreas. Excessive alcohol intake is the main cause of chronic pancreatitis which often triggers cirrhosis. It is best to consume, at most, a couple of alcoholic drinks per day.
Increasing your fibre consumption is also important for taking care of the pancreas. When we add enough fibre to our diet we begin to lose fat because fibre absorbs fat from the body. This helps the pancreas to have a little rest whilst your stomach is digesting your food. Fibre intake helps prevent high cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Ideal for preventing diabetes.
Eating lots of vegetables is also critical. Green vegetables like rocket, lettuce and watercress are ideal for preventing pancreatic cancer, plus they are rich in antioxidants.
Ensure you have a healthy body weight. When people are overweight, the pancreas must produce more insulin to regulate blood sugar levels in the blood and to energise the body. Being overweight is one of the main causes of diabetes and insulin-related diseases.
To take care of your pancreas, you should never skip breakfast. When you've skipped breakfast, the pancreas is forced to use more insulin to burn the sugar in your lunch. Eat breakfast every day and if you do not have much time, eat at least a piece of fruit.
One of the best secrets to looking after your pancreas is to exercise. Exercise helps to burn fat, and this helps the pancreas get back on track. Work out at least 45 minutes every day.
If you suffer any metabolic disorder such as hyperinsulinemia, hypoglycaemia or metabolic syndrome, the best you can do to protect your pancreas is to strictly follow your doctor's advice, eat a healthy low-calorie diet and exercise daily.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to How To Keep Your Pancreas Healthy and Avoid Pancreas Problems, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.