The pancreas is a small organ in the digestive system that produces enzymes for digestion, hormones for insulin production and other substances. The pancreas contains two types of cells: acinar cells, which produce digestive enzymes; and duct cells, which produce hormones such as insulin and glucagon.
The pancreas is located behind the stomach, in front of the spine and under the lower part of the rib cage. It secretes enzymes into the intestine to digest fats, proteins and carbohydrates in food. Insulin is released from beta cells to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels by signaling other organs to absorb glucose from the bloodstream after a meal.
Acid reflux disease (GERD), pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis are some common diseases affecting the pancreas. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas usually caused by gallstones or alcohol abuse with symptoms including pain in your upper abdomen that radiates to your back along with nausea and vomiting. If left untreated it can lead to acute pancreatic necrosis which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
What fruits are best for pancreatitis?
Fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals. They also contain fiber which helps to manage blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol levels.
Here are some great fruits to include in your diet:
Strawberries: Strawberries contain high levels of antioxidants which help to prevent damage caused by free radicals. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce pain caused by pancreatitis.
Blueberries: Blueberries are a rich source of vitamin C which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and protect against damage from free radicals. Blueberries also contain anthocyanins which may help to control inflammation associated with pancreatitis.
Bananas: Bananas contain soluble fiber which can help lower cholesterol levels while promoting bowel movements. This is important because constipation can worsen abdominal pain associated with acute pancreatitis.
Fruits are good for your pancreas. Here are some of the best fruits to eat if you have pancreatitis:
Apples
Blueberries
Raspberries
Strawberries
Cranberries
Grapefruit
Lemon juice (1 tbsp) with warm water every morning on an empty stomach can help reduce inflammation in your digestive tract and promote healing.
Bananas contain pectin, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. They are also a good source of potassium, which may help reduce the risk of kidney stones. Drink the juice from half a lemon mixed with warm water every morning on an empty stomach or add it to your fruit smoothies.
Fruits for healthy pancreas:
Apple
Banana
Blueberry
Grapefruit
Kiwi fruit
Lychee (Litchi chinensis)
Mango
Papaya (Carica papaya)
Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is an organ that lies just behind the stomach and produces digestive enzymes that help break down food.
Pancreatitis may be acute (sudden onset), or it may be chronic (ongoing). Acute pancreatitis can cause pain and other symptoms that range from mild to severe, depending on how much of the pancreas is affected.
The causes of pancreatitis are not completely understood, but some risk factors include:
Alcoholism, especially heavy drinking
Gallstones in the common bile duct, which carries bile from the liver to the small intestine
Obesity and diabetes, both conditions that increase insulin resistance and stress on your liver and pancreas
Overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen
In the body, the pancreas helps to regulate blood sugar. It also produces enzymes that help with digestion.
The pancreas is a small, pear-shaped organ that sits behind the stomach. The job of this organ is to produce hormones, enzymes and other substances that are important for digestion.
The pancreas is a very important organ in our bodies. It secretes vital digestive juices, including bicarbonate and digestive enzymes into the small intestine. The digestive enzymes break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates into usable nutrients that can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. The bicarbonate neutralizes stomach acid as it travels through your digestive tract.
A healthy pancreas will produce these important substances at just the right time and in just the right amount needed for proper digestion.
However, if something goes wrong with your pancreas, it won’t be able to produce enough of these important substances to keep your digestive system working properly.