What is good for the pancreas – a list of the 7 best foods

The pancreas regulates the hormonal background in the blood (glucagon and insulin) and digestive processes (secretes enzymatic juice).

Unfortunately, approximately 30% of the population suffers from various pathologies from this organ (from acute or chronic pancreatitis to malignant tumors). In part, the deviations are related to bad habits and improper nutrition.

To improve the functional state of the pancreas and prevent serious complications, you should adjust your diet and lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

There is a large list of healthy foods that have a positive effect on the pancreas and contribute to the prevention of many diseases. Below is a list of the 7 best products.

1. Broccoli

Broccoli contains a large amount of apigenin. This substance protects secretory cells, as well as the epithelium of the pancreatic ducts from the effects of any harmful substances (bile, own enzymes).

One of the studies conducted in Oman showed that broccoli extract helps to reduce damage to organ cells with a hyperglycemic background, and also reduces the concentration of sugar in the blood. The plant is recommended for the treatment and prevention of type II diabetes mellitus.

Broccoli contains a number of anti-inflammatory substances (flavonoids, luteolin, quercetin, myricetin), which not only reduce any inflammatory processes in pancreas , stomach and liver by suppressing the synthesis of interleukin 1,6 and 18, but also increase the antioxidant properties of organs. These effects are scientifically proven .

2. Yoghurts

Yogurts contain a lot of probiotics , which Improve digestive processes (normalize motor skills) and increase the efficiency of both general and local immune factors acting at the level of the digestive tube wall.

All this contributes to the balanced production of pancreatic enzymes and gives it time for additional rest.

Scientific papers demonstrated that the enzymes of the gastric juice and pancreas digest food particles (especially proteins) much faster with frequent eating yogurt . This feature is of great importance in the presence of any disorders (acute and chronic pancreatitis, gallstone disease, anomalies of the ducts of the pancreato-biliary tract).

3. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is effective in various inflammatory diseases of somatic or infectious etiology of all parts of the gastrointestinal tract. The vegetable helps to neutralize hydrochloric acid, and also contains a lot of useful substances (potassium, carotene, magnesium, iron, copper, pectins).

Similar components provide reliable protection of the gastric mucosa and duodenum, as well as normalize the work of the large papilla, through which pancreatic juice is released into the intestinal lumen. This ensures the prevention of the development of aseptic enzymatic inflammatory diseases.

Pumpkin is especially useful for patients with type I diabetes mellitus, as it promotes the proliferation of Langerhans cells (located on the islet apparatus of the pancreas) and, as a result, reduces blood glucose levels. The effect was proven at Jilin University of China in 2017 .

Many other works have been devoted to the effect of pumpkin on pancreatic tissue. For example, Chinese scientists have proved that the vegetable directly protects the organ cells from toxic substances and slows down the processes of apoptosis – natural programmed cell death.

4. Sweet potato

Sweet potato has been used in medicine since the time of the Aztecs to treat diseases of the digestive tract. "Sweet potato" promotes the regranulation of islet cells in patients who have suffered acute pancreatitis or have a chronic history.

According to one of Japan's research institutes, against the background of sweet potato consumption, there is an increase in the sensitivity of fat and muscle cells to insulin, which reduces the functional load on the pancreas.

Sweet potatoes also contribute normalization of intestinal microflora and prevents constipation, as it is not digested completely.

5. Blueberries

Fresh berries, as well as tea based on blueberry leaves, stimulate all stages of glucagon synthesis and secretion, without leading to pancreatic overload and destructive changes.

Additional advantages include improving the rheological properties of bile and preventing the formation of stones in the pancreato-biliary ducts, which is a common cause of acute pancreatitis.

Scientists of the scientific departments of Virginia came to the conclusion that the flavonoids contained in blueberries increase the number and mass of pancreatic b cells, as well as increase the sensitivity of tissues to insulin. Berries block the activation of enzymes in the secreted juice inside the ducts.

6. Red grapes

Bunches of red grapes are a powerful source of resveratrol, an antioxidant that eliminates the harmful effects of free radicals that cause pathological transformation and malignant degeneration of pancreatic cells.

Scientific research has shown that red grape seed extract has a powerful antioxidant effect, which is expressed in inhibiting lipid peroxidation and increasing pancreatic glutathione levels. And as you know, glutathione "destroys" secondary metabolites with inflammatory and sensitizing activity.

The extract also contributes to a significant decrease in the concentration of nitrates and nitrites in the pancreas.

And in an experiment on rats, 72 hours after administration of red grape extract, a higher concentration of serum insulin in the blood was noted, which had a beneficial effect on the overall glycemic background.

7. Licorice root

Licorice root has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, helps to reduce swelling and fullness of blood vessels, and reduce the severity of pain. Tropicity to the cells of the pancreas was noted.

The works of scientists from Japan demonstrated enhancement of the exocrine function of the pancreas without harm at the structural and molecular levels. The effects are associated with the presence of glycyrrhizin and saponin, which are found in large quantities in licorice root.

Other important products

To improve the functioning of the pancreas, the following groups of substances must be included in the diet:

• Vitamin A (broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, parsley, apricots, gooseberries);
• Vitamin B (carrots, greens, chicken meat);
• Vitamin E (cereals, sunflower and linseed oils);
• Nickel (any kind of meat products, pear);
• Cobalt (red currant, raspberry and strawberry, mountain ash, beetroot);
• Zinc (parsley, wheat-based bran, plums, gooseberries);
• Vanadium (honeydew);
• Chrome (blueberry leaves, mulberry).

What &171;does&187; the pancreas dislike from food

The most common pathology of the organ is acute or chronic pancreatitis.

In 20% of cases, pancreatitis is associated with nutritional errors. And 75% of the causes are a combination of an improper diet with background somatic or infectious and inflammatory diseases, genetic defects and congenital anomalies.

To prevent pancreatitis, it is necessary to limit the following harmful food groups:

1. Animal fats. They cause increased pancreatic function, contribute to spastic disorders at the duct level and premature activation of enzymes. All this leads to a feeling of heaviness after eating and has a bad effect on the organ. The average person should consume no more than 65 g of fat per day (ideally 20 g). You should also give preference to products with a low percentage of saturated fat (turkey, fish, chicken breast).
2. Alcoholic beverages. Alcohol causes direct damage to pancreatic tissues, the development of inflammatory processes. The combination of the described disorders with dehydration (develops a few hours after consumption) is extremely dangerous, since it can cause acute pancreatitis.
3. Extractive substances. This group includes coffee, spices, salt, and strong tea. These substances irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum, which causes reflex activation of the pancreas (which is not really required).
4. Rich meat and mushroom broths. Such heavy meals also significantly increase the activity of the secretory apparatus of the organ and, as a result, the formation of aseptic inflammatory or necrotic changes.
5. Sweet. A common cause of acute or chronic pancreatitis is obstruction by a stone that has emerged from the gallbladder, choledochus. Scientists connect this is due to the increased consumption of simple carbohydrates (primarily sugar). Therefore, they need to be limited as much as possible.
6. Smoking. Nicotine entering the body during smoking is no less harmful to the organ.

General diet rules

It is also important to follow the general principles of nutrition for the prevention of pathologies from the pancreas.

1. It is recommended to exclude foods that cause increased gas formation, stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and are rich in coarse fiber.
2. One of the main principles is to avoid chemical (rejection of irritating substances) and thermal (exclusion of cold and hot food) irritation.
3. It is necessary to adhere to a fractional meal schedule. (from 5 to 10 times a day).
4. The daily diet must contain fats (from 20 to 60 g), proteins (at least 80 g) and carbohydrates (at least 200 g).
5. It is recommended to additionally include fat-soluble vitamins and biologically active additives (A, D, K, E).

Table of permitted and prohibited products

Below is a table of foods and tips to ensure healthy functioning of the pancreas.

Conclusion

Thus, the correction of the diet improves the functioning of the pancreas, prevents the development of septic and aseptic abnormalities in the organ, and also contributes to the prevention of oncology.