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The Pancreas
Amy Louise Ralston, MBAcC, MZBA, MKosmedUK

The pancreas is an organ of the digestive system and is located behind the stomach, at the same level as the first and second lumbar vertebrae. It is greyish-pink in colour, and made up of small lobes of secretory tissue which are held together by fine loose connective tissue. It secretes digestive enzymes as well as two hormones, insulin and glucagon. Special cells referred to as the islets of Langerhans secrete insulin and glucagon directly into the blood. Glucagon is concerned with the breakdown of glycogen from the liver. Insulin is important in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein. Deficiency of insulin due to disease of the islets of Langerhans results in diabetes mellitus, a condition seen increasingly in modern times, in which the blood glucose level is high, and glucose is passed in urine.

There are several things we can do to protect our pancreas and avoid pancreatic diseases and disorders. Sensible alcohol intake is of primary importance. Other drugs which can cause problems with the pancreas are oestrogens (including oestrogen-containing contraceptive pills), corticosteroid drugs, sulphonamides and thiazide diuretic drugs. Please consult your doctor, pharmacist, or one of the excellent pharmaceutical handbooks now available to the general public at large bookstores. The viruses of mumps, coxsackie and echoviruses, and hepatitis can all cause acute pancreatitis. Natural remedies which have shown effectiveness with viruses are colloidal silver, olive leaf extract and grapefruit seed extract. Excess consumption of sugar, sugary foods and simple carbohydrates like white pasta, white bread, bagels, cakes, etc. can all overload the pancreas over time and lead to imbalances which will cause health problems. Gallbladder health is important to the pancreas as well, as gallstones can irritate the pancreas and cause problems. Digestive enzymes could be very useful for people with sluggish pancreatic enzyme excretion.

Alternative medicine can help as well. Any therapy which seeks to restore balance to the delicate systems of the body will have a positive effect. Some therapies, like acupuncture, have very specific protocols for helping restore digestive health. As with all of the above, please consult with your health professional.

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