The pancreas is a thin, 15 cm long organ that lies behind the stomach and under the liver. It is a vital organ with two crucial roles - helping the body digest food and making hormones (Insulin) that control blood sugar levels. It helps the body to digest food in a way that produces digestive enzymes that are required by the body to break down fat and carbs. Not having sufficient digestive enzymes to break down carbs can make you gain weight and feel fatigued. The second important function it does is, produce insulin hormone which keeps a check of your body’s blood sugar level. Even a slight inflammation in the pancreas can affect the production of insulin and blood sugar control. Here are some easy ways to nourish your pancreas.
Acidity – Continuous complaints about acidity can be harmful to your pancreas. Chew your food properly in order to reduce the burden on your pancreas and enable it to produce sufficient enzymes. Lemon water in the morning can be a great remedy for acidity. You can also sprinkle lemon juice on your salads and foods to prevent acidity.
Garlic - Garlic is a wonder spice that can be great for your pancreas. Garlic has beneficial anti-inflammatory properties and has also been found to be beneficial for people with high blood pressure.
Reduce intake of tea and coffee - Avoid drinking too much tea and coffee if you are constantly acidic. Caffeine can cause acidity and inflammation in the pancreas. Switch to herbal teas and caffeine-free beverages for better pancreatic health.
Stay hydrated - The cells of your pancreas need to be hydrated at all times. Make sure you drink 8-10 glasses of water every day, no matter how’s the weather or the occasion. You can also eat hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, strawberries, spinach, lettuce, radish and tomato.
Add cruciferous vegetables to your diet - Veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, radish and arugula are cruciferous vegetables that can be beneficial for your pancreas.
Gall bladder health - If you have been diagnosed with gall stones, then it must be taken care of. Severe gallstones can lead to inflammation in the pancreas, known as pancreatitis. Lifestyle changes can help in combating pancreatitis.