A-Z nutrient absorption Articles

What Is Betaine Hcl?

Betaine hydrochloride (Betaine Hcl) is a man-made form of betaine previously used as a source of hydrochloric acid. It contains approximately 23% hydrochloric acid, commonly known as stomach acid and is naturally sourced from beets. Betaine hydrochloride is commonly taken to increase stomach acid in people with low stomach acid.

High Stomach Acid Vs Low Stomach Acid & What It Means For Your Health

Stomach acid initiates the digestive process by beginning the breakdown of food, especially protein. It is also an important protective mechanism against infection because it kills any microbes that are contained in our food or water.

Low stomach acid impairs one’s ability to digest food by limiting the release and functioning of other digestive enzymes. Although it may seem contradictory, low stomach acid can also lead to gastric reflux (heartburn). Closure of the valve at the top of the stomach is stimulated by the hydrochloric acid that is released in response to food intake. In an individual with low stomach acid the valve does not close and allowing the remaining acid to push up into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation.

Betaine hydrochloride is recommended for:

• Indigestion
• Low Stomach Acid
• Gastric Reflux

Betaine Hcl Supplement Varieties

Betaine HCl can be purchased in capsule and tablet formats. It is found on its own or as a component of a digestive or multi-enzyme formula. It should be taken with meals and more may be necessary with large meals or those containing protein.

To assess your need for HCl some practitioners recommend an HCl challenge test. The number of HCl capsules taken each day is increased by one until a slight burning sensation is felt in the stomach. The appropriate daily dosage is slightly lower than the amount that causes burning. This test should be done cautiously and under medical supervision if you have a gastrointestinal condition. Otherwise, follow dosing directions on the manufacturers label after speaking with your healthcare provider to see if you need this supplement.

Safety Information

Do not take betaine HCl if you have active stomach ulcers. Betaine HCl counteracts H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors and antacids. High doses of betaine HCl can cause stomach irritation.

Black pepper is a spice commonly used throughout the world today, and can be found in shakers on most dining tables in the industrialized world. The black pepper vine (Piper nigrum) produces small fruit that are commonly called peppercorns when they are dried. The main active constituent of black pepper is piperine, which when refined for supplement use, is called bioperine.

Black Pepper As A Spice

Pepper has been used for centuries as a culinary spice around the world and was commonly traded for this purpose. It adds a slight spicy heat to dishes as well as its own characteristic pepper flavour. Because of this, those with stomach and intestinal ulcers, and others avoiding gut irritation should not use black pepper in their food, nor should they supplement with it.

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

Black pepper has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as: diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. Recent research in mice has supported its use in these conditions. It was also used to benefit pain and inflammation when applied directly to the skin. This is also supported by research in animal models for arthritis, where piperine was found to have anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic effects as well. In Ayurvedic medicine, black pepper is used as a home remedy for sore throat, congestion and cough, as well as other lung conditions.

Black Pepper For Weight Loss

Black pepper extract has been shown to reduce circulating fat levels in the bloodstream. This can be particularly beneficial to those with dyslipidemia and other risks for Arteriosclerosis. Piperine has also been shown to prevent the formation of new fat cells in mice. In humans, there is some controversy as to whether it acts as a thermogenic compound, which means that it may or may not accelerates energy metabolism in the body. Interestingly, it has been found that piperine can promote the production of serotonin and endorphins in the brain, which are responsible for feelings of happiness and satiety. Thus, it may also help to reduce food cravings and hunger.

Increasing Absorption of Other Supplements

Interestingly, piperine has been shown to be able to boost the absorption of a number of other vitamins and nutrients. Research has shown this effect with Selenium, Vitamin B, Coenzyme Q10 and Beta-carotene. Piperine can also increase the bioavailability of Curcumin by 2000% in humans, thus making much smaller doses go a much longer way. Anyone who has taken curcumin, and is familiar with the large dose required, will note that reducing the number of required capsules is extremely convenient.

Smoking Cessation

Black pepper essential oil has been found to help benefit during smoking cessation. Aromatherapy with the oil reduced cravings and alleviated withdrawal symptoms like anxiety in test subjects attempting to quit smoking.

Skin Benefits of Black Pepper

When black pepper is applied to the skin it can help to reduce inflammation, and can act as a counter irritant to reduce arthritis and joint pain. When pepper is applied to the skin and then the skin is exposed to sunlight, it can increase the production of melanin pigment, and thus increase tanning of the treated area. Be sure to limit sun exposure to a short time to avoid burns.

Black Pepper Supplement Varieties

Using black pepper in your food is an excellent way to gradually introduce it into your diet. Research on human supplementation of black pepper extract and piperidine is still in its infancy, and recommended dosages have not yet been established. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations particular to your specific case, or follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage listed on the label. Be sure to avoid supplementation if you are on any medications as piperine can alter their absorption, or if you have any gastrointestinal irritation, including ulcers.

Enzymes are catalysts of chemical reactions, meaning they initiate and increase the rate of cellular processes such as metabolism. Without enzymes, reactions in the body would take place too slowly to sustain life. The best digestive enzyme supplements are responsible for breaking down the food that you eat into their building blocks, which are small enough to be absorbed in the intestinal tract. Once absorbed, these building blocks can either be used for energy or stored for later use. To fully act on your food, these enzymes are secreted in your digestive juices such as saliva, stomach acid, pancreatic juice and bile.

Types of Digestive Enzymes Found In Supplements

The human body produces three main types of digestive enzymes: amylase, protease and lipase. Each has a unique function, and all work together to allow you to digest your food and absorb its nutrients properly.

Amylase

This class of enzymes is responsible for digesting the starches and complex carbohydrates that you eat into their simple sugar subunits. Because of their size, your body is not capable of absorbing starches or sugars that are larger than one subunit. The most common amylase in your body is alpha-amylase, which is in both saliva and pancreatic secretions. This is the enzyme that allows you to digest foods like potatoes, pasta, corn, and bread. When you are deficient in amylase, eating these foods will cause gas and bloating, and may cause several other symptoms throughout the body.

Protease

Protease is another class of enzymes in the body, but these are responsible for breaking down protein. Digestive proteases in your body are pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin. Pepsin is released in your stomach, and the other two are found in your pancreatic secretions. Protein is the building block of most of the structure of your body, including your muscles, bones, skin and hair. It is also required for most of your bodily processes in the form of cell signalling molecules, hormones and immune molecules. Protein is found in foods like meat, dairy, nuts and legumes. The inability to properly digest protein results in foul-smelling gas and stool.

Lipase

The third major class of digestive enzymes in the human body is lipase. This molecule is responsible for the digestion of dietary fat into free fatty acids that are easily absorbed in your gut. It is secreted by the pancreas and released in the intestines. Dietary fats that require the presence of lipase can be both unhealthy saturated fats found in french fries and potato chips and the health-boosting fats from fish oil and olive oil. The inability to properly digest dietary fat can result in steatorrhea (fat in the stool), or pale floating stools.

Lactase

Another digestive enzyme that commonly requires supplementation is lactase. This enzyme is responsible for digesting the primary sugar found in milk, called lactose. Deficiency in this enzyme is a common condition known as lactose intolerance. Symptoms of lactose intolerance are nausea, gas, cramping and diarrhea when the sufferer eats dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and so on.

Naturally Occurring Enzymes

Enzymes occur naturally in all raw foods. When we refer to the "ripeness" of a food we are talking about its readiness to be eaten. Ripe foods become the most abundant in enzymes that are used for your proper digestion. Unfortunately, these naturally occurring enzymes are quickly destroyed by cooking or processing. This means that the average person has a diet that is deficient in natural enzymes. This external deficiency forces the body to do more work to compensate and digest the food, or else the foods are not properly digested. When your body cannot properly digest and absorb the nutrients from the food that you eat, it results in a condition called "malabsorption".

Understanding Malabsorption & How It Affects Your Health

This condition differs from malnutrition, where the person may not be eating enough food or nutrients to sustain their body. Malabsorption has many different causes, but ultimately results in the sufferer no longer getting the nourishment that they need from the food that they eat, even though their diet is sufficient in nutrients. Unfortunately, because things are not being digested or absorbed properly, supplementation of nutrients often cannot help with this condition. 

The signs of malabsorption depend on the particular subset of enzymes affected. In general, this condition creates several different digestive symptoms such as reflux, gas, bloating, foul flatulence, undigested food in the stool, as well as pale and floating stool. Because this condition can also result in a variety of nutrient deficiencies, it can account for symptoms such as dry skin and hair, cracked and peeling nails, slow healing, muscle wasting, and even weight loss. If you suspect that you may have malabsorption, it is important to contact your healthcare practitioner to do further testing to determine what type of nutrients you are lacking and how to help you digest them better in the future.

Key Nutrients Often Found In The Best Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Co-supplementation & Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Many enzyme supplements will contain other ingredients to promote their particular purpose. Some examples of common additives are listed below:

Betaine HCl

One common substance found in these formulas is betaine hydrochloride (betaine HCl), which can act as a source of acid for the stomach to help further digestion. Many enzymes need to be activated before they can function in the gut, and it is often acid digestion that causes this activation. Because of this, acid supplementation can help to increase how well the enzyme supplement works.

Pancreatin & Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Another addition may be glandular extracts such as pancreatin, which are made by concentrating the pancreatic juices of an animal. This extract will include the most naturally occurring enzymes in the ratio of the animal from which they were extracted. 

Ox Bile

This digestive aid is created from the bile of oxen and can help to promote proper fat digestion in someone with insufficient bile production of their own, whether due to cholecystectomy, or unknown causes.

Exploring Enzyme Activity and USP

Showing an amount of enzyme by weight is not pertinent information on a supplement label as it is the enzyme's activity that is important and independent of weight. Thankfully, all three major digestive enzymes are contained in pancreatin. This is a standardized product that has been rated by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). The USP is a rating system that enables the comparison of different products sold in the market.

Because it is purified, pancreatin has standardized quantities of enzyme units in it and is often used as a point of comparison for digestive enzyme supplements. Each milligram (mg) of pancreatin contains at least 25 USP units of amylase activity, 2 USP units of lipase activity, and 25 USP units of protease activity. Any supplements labelled with 3X, or 4X are referring to this standard dose (ie. 3X contains 75 USP units of amylase activity per mg and so on).

Shopping For The Best Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Eating a diet that contains more raw fruits and vegetables can help to supply you with more enzyme-rich food. If this is not an option, there are many commercial digestive enzyme preparations, each with a unique mix of enzymes. 

Choose a supplement that contains enzymes for the type of nutrient(s) you have trouble digesting. There are vegetarian and animal-source supplements. Digestive enzymes can be in tablets, capsules, liquid or powder form. Each type of enzyme has different units of strength, and unfortunately, there is no standardization about which units are used on the product label, making it difficult for the consumer to judge the potency of potential enzyme supplements. Enzyme supplements may contain betaine HCl, to increase stomach acid and facilitate the workings of the enzymes, or ox bile, to digest fats.

Hawthorn berry, scientifically called Crataegus, or more commonly referred to, as Mayflower or hawberry, is a genus of several hundred species of shrubs and trees in the family Rosaceae family, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America. Due to hawthorns health benefits, it's been used for centuries to protect health and well-being. 

Key Health Benefits of Hawthorn Berry

Hawthorn is a cardiotonic herb, meaning it supports the functioning of the heart and vascular system. It is a unique herb because it can be used for both high and low blood pressure. 

Hawthorn also influences the angiotensin-converting enzyme, an enzyme that regulates blood pressure by balancing the amount of fluid in the vessels. Its blood pressure-regulating effect is mediated by several components of the herb, including the hawthorn berry which contains bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids repair damaged vessels and dilate vessels in the heart and extremities. This regulates blood pressure and also improves heart pain (angina) and leg pain (peripheral vascular disease) that are due to lack of blood flow.

Hawthorn berry also improves heart functioning without altering the amount of blood going through the heart. This makes hawthorn a good choice for the treatment of mild heart failure.

Hawthorn berry is also loaded with antioxidants including proanthocyanidins, which decrease spasms in the blood vessels and reduce the build-up of plaque in the arteries and also support skin health to fight signs of aging and keep skin glowing. 

This herb also fights inflammation due to a compound called Vitexin, a compound found in hawthorn leaves. Inflammation is a detriment to health; therefore, anti-inflammatory compounds are great ways to protect your well-being. 

Lastly, hawthorn contains fibre, which helps relieve constipation and aids in proper digestion. 

Hawthorn Berry Supplement Varieties

Hawthorn supplements are found as loose herb, encapsulated herb, tincture and liquid extract. Hawthorn products should be standardized as an assurance that they contain hawthorn and that there are some active ingredients present at the time of processing. Hawthorn can also be found in combination products for cardiovascular health.

Potential Side Effects & Considerations of Hawthorn

Everyone who takes Hawthorn should watch for signs of low blood pressure such as faintness, dizziness and headache. Due to hawthorn’s cardiovascular effects, individuals who use heart medication or blood pressure-regulating medication should use hawthorn with caution. Pregnant women due to the risk of hypotension should not use hawthorn.

Hydrochloric acid (HCL) is one of the main substances found naturally in our gastric secretions. It is secreted by the parietal cells in the mucosal membranes at the fundus (top) of the stomach. Along with saliva, it is one of the first substances involved in the digestion or breakdown of food into smaller and more easily absorbed nutrients. Let's explore the hydrochloric acid supplement and its different formats of use. 

Understanding The Natural Digestion Process

Normally when you ingest or swallow food, the sphincter or band of muscle that connects the esophagus to the stomach relaxes and allows food or liquid to enter the stomach to be broken down by HCL and other gastric, duodenal and pancreatic enzymes. Food, and liquid, as well as the release of HCL in the stomach, stimulate the sphincter to close. If the sphincter or muscles surrounding the sphincter become weak or relaxed, gastric secretions, including HCL, can flow up into the esophagus causing "heartburn" or acid reflux. What many people do not understand is that both too much AND too little acid can cause malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. When there is not enough acid to stimulate the closing of the sphincter, it remains open, causing acid reflux.

Hydrochloric Acid Supplement Benefits

Hypochlorhydria Support

HCL can both help to diagnose a state of hypochlorhydria (too little acid), as well as treat it. If you suspect you are deficient in stomach acid, ask your doctor about the HCL challenge. An HCL supplement is taken before a meal, if a burning or a warming feeling in the stomach occurs it is a good indication that you have adequate stomach acid (or too much if you are having reflux symptoms). If you notice no change with the HCL supplement it is a good indication that you are deficient in stomach acid and supplementation may be necessary until adequate levels are achieved. Continue to increase the HCL dosage by one capsule until the burning sensation occurs, then lower the dosage by one capsule and continue to take that amount with every meal until the warming sensation occurs again. Continue to systematically reduce the amount of HCL you are taking until you no longer have to take it.

HCL & Ulcers

The importance of HCL goes beyond just increasing stomach acid for better digestion. H. Pylori is a bacteria that is normally present in parts of your digestive tract. Under optimal conditions, stomach acid and your normal gut flora are among the mechanisms that serve to keep the levels of this bacteria under control. When kept to low amounts, you prevent it from disrupting the mucosal layer of your digestive tract, leading to ulcer formation. 

Certain individuals and certain conditions, including hypo or achlorhydria (no HCL), create the perfect environment for the damaging bacteria to flourish and there is a significantly higher risk of ulcers. Peptic ulcer, which is much more likely to be caused by H.pylori than a gastric ulcer, can lead to complications such as gastric bleeding, narrowing of the duodenal lumen causing gastric outlet obstruction and perforation leading to serious conditions such as peritonitis or pancreatitis. H. Pylori infection also significantly increases your risk of stomach cancer.

Explore Hydrochloric Acid Supplement Varieties

Betaine Hcl is the most common hydrochloric acid-containing supplement. Normally it comes in tablets or capsules measured in grains or milligrams. It's important to note that only people who have reduced levels of stomach acid (“hypochlorhydria”) should take betaine HCl; this condition can be diagnosed by a doctor.

Risk Factors & Considerations Before Taking A Hydrochloric Acid Supplement

If you have an active ulcer, discontinue the use of HCL, as it may exacerbate the condition.

Malabsorption occus when the body can't properly absorb nutrients from food. This condition can affect digestion, energy production, and overall health. Several factors, including digestive disorders, infections, and nutrient deficiencies, can contribute to malabsorption. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can help restore nutrient absorption and support long-term wellness.

What is Malabsorption?

Malabsorption is defined as an inability to absorb nutrients from foods. Nutrients typically reach the bloodstream via the mucosal membrane of the small intestine.

Symptoms such as gas and bloating, fatty stools (steatorrhea), as well as diarrhea and cramping, are caused by both a decrease in nutrients in the bloodstream, as well as the increased passage of all that is unabsorbed through the digestive tract.

Some report unusually foul smelling stool that is lighter in colour and 'sticky', meaning it will stick to the side of the bowl, difficult to flush. Stool may or may not also contain undigested food. Individuals who suffer from malabsorption, know it can be extremely uncomfortable and, due to explosive and or urgent diarrhea, how greatly it can impact all aspects of an individual's life.

Key Causes of Malabsorption

Various conditions can cause malabsorption disorders. Malabsorption reflects an underlying gastrointestinal problem rather than a diagnosis itself. Disorders preventing adequate mixing of food with digestive enzymes are one example. Diseases of the pancreas, such as cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis, can cause a significant decrease in enzymes such as lipase, protease and amylase, essential for the breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates/sugars. High stomach acid levels can affect digestion and nutrient absorption. Reduced bile production can also impair nutrient absorption. Imbalanced gut flora may further disrupt food breakdown. As with lactase deficiency, an individual produces insufficient lactase enzyme to break down lactose (a sugar) found in many dairy products.

Malabsorption can also be caused by injuries to the lining of the small intestine. The small intestine has small projections called villi lining its walls. Each villus has its own set of small projections called microvilli. These serve in exponentially increase the surface area with which the small intestine can absorb nutrients. Celiac sprue is one example of a disorder that impairs this process. In celiacs, tests reveal that the villi are flattened, no longer functioning to increase absorption. Some drugs, like neomycin (an antibiotic), and even alcohol, can also destroy the villi of the small intestine, greatly impacting our ability to absorb nutrients from our diet.

Some conditions slow the muscle contractions (peristalsis) of the intestine. Contents then pool in one place, allowing excess bacterial growth (and fermentation, which also produces gas). This throws off the delicate balance, and what was once healthy bacteria, supporting digestive processes, becomes 'bad' due to overgrowth and can impact the nutrients we are able to extract. Conditions such as IBS can cause bouts of increased contraction (spastic colon) alternating with decreases in peristalsis. This is why individuals with IBS have the characteristic diarrhea – constipation – diarrhea cycle. When contractions are increased and food is pushed through too quickly, there is again malabsorption.

Symptoms of Malabsorption & Testing Protocols

Several tests can help identify malabsorption and its causes. Doctors may use imaging and endoscopic procedures to examine the digestive tract. These tests include barium X-rays, upper endoscopy, and colonoscopy. Doctors can also collect biopsies during these procedures. A fecal fat test often serves as an initial screening tool. More than 7g of fat daily may indicate malabsorption. Additional tests help determine the underlying cause. Stool tests for elastase and chymotrypsin can distinguish pancreatic and gastrointestinal causes. Doctors diagnose irritable bowel syndrome after excluding other conditions. People with IBS often experience gas, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, or constipation. Symptoms may alternate between diarrhea and constipation.

The Food Allergy Connection

Something else to consider is that food allergies/sensitivities can cause essentially the same symptom picture or exacerbate another existing malabsorptive condition. If there are foods that you know make symptoms worse, you may want to do an elimination challenge. Eliminate suspected foods for three to four weeks. Then reintroduce them one at a time. This process can identify food allergies or sensitivities. Symptoms often improve or disappear after removing trigger foods. In the case of sensitivity, after a period of avoidance, you may be able to slowly bring some of these foods back into your diet, in moderation, without reaction.

The pancreas is a relatively large gland near the small intestine and stomach that spans a large part of the upper abdomen to the spleen. For digestion, the pancreas releases digestive enzymes into the small intestine, continuing the breakdown of food after it leaves the stomach. It also releases bicarbonate, neutralizing any stomach acid in the intestines. In the bloodstream, the pancreas releases several hormones, including insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating the amount of sugar taken into your cells and the amount left in the bloodstream. The pancreas is one of the first glandular extracts studied by the scientific community. This research led to the development of the first treatments for diabetes. Purified pancreatic extract is often referred to as "pancreatin".

Key Health Benefits of The Pancreas

Pancreas and Diabetes

The pancreas has two major roles. Malfunctions of this organ can appear in two different ways - diabetes or maldigestion and malabsorption. 

But not to worry, each pancreatic function is performed by a distinct subgroup of cells, so having one problem does not mean you will have both.

Type I Diabetes is caused by the destruction of the subclass of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. This is different from Type II Diabetes, which has to do with the sensitivity of insulin receptors in the body's cells.

Pancreatic Insufficiency and Digestion

Enzymes naturally occur in all raw foods. We refer to the "ripeness" of a food as its readiness to be eaten. Ripe foods are most abundant in enzymes that are used for digestion; however, these enzymes are destroyed by cooking and processing. This means that most foods consumed by the average person today are deficient in enzymes. This forces the body to make up the difference, which it is sometimes unable to do. This state is often known as "enzyme deficiency" or "pancreatic insufficiency". 

Pancreatic insufficiency results in limited quantities of digestive enzymes that break down starch (amylase), protein (protease), and fats (lipase) into subunits that are small enough to be absorbed through your intestinal walls.

When there are insufficient enzymes present in the amount of food that you consume, you do not get the nutrition you need from the food that you eat. This can result in weight loss or weight gain (a compensation by the body) and physical symptoms of nutritional deficiency such as fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, and brittle nails. At the same time, the food that you do not completely digest in your small intestine continues to your colon where it is broken down by intestinal microbes which can result in gas, bloating, cramping, constipation or diarrhea and steatorrhea (fat in the stool).Undigested food particles in people with "leaky gut" can result in immune reactions and a litany of resultant health concerns such as autoimmune diseases. People with any combination of the above symptoms can often benefit from supplementation of pancreatic enzymes. The most natural way to get these enzymes in the proportions they are producedin nature, without changing food preparation habits, is to take pancreatic extract.

Pancreatic Extract Supplements

Although pancreatic extract was the first treatment available for those with diabetes in the early 1900s, it was quickly replaced by more effective and concentrated pharmaceuticals like insulin in the 1930s as well as other medications as time progressed. An effective way to supplement missing digestive enzymes in people with insufficient pancreatic function is to ingest an extract created from an animal pancreas. The most common sources are bovine (cow), porcine (pig), and ovine (sheep). It is theorized that supplementing with pancreatic glandular extract can provide the body with the nutrients, cofactors, precursors and enzymes necessary to promote proper pancreatic function.

Tips For Taking Pancreatic Extract

Pancreatic extract can be found in products from several sources, such as tablets or capsules. Like other glandulars, it is important to ensure that the extract comes from a reliable and safe source. Animals raised in New Zealand are often the best and safest source. Unfortunately, like other glandular extracts, there is very little standardization, and the dose depends on the underlying need and the concentration of each formula. Following the manufacturer's recommended dosing on the label and monitoring symptoms are often the best way to determine your correct dose.

Important Information About Pancreatic Extract

There is little safety information on pancreatic extract available. Because of this, it is best to err on the side of caution and at least follow the same restrictions as those that apply to pancreatin supplementation (as follows). "Do not take pancreatin if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not use if you have active bleeding or blood disorders or if you use blood thinners, and discontinue pancreatin 2 weeks prior to dental work or surgery. Pancreatin can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth and skin irritation, and allergic reactions."

The pancreas is a relatively large gland located near the small intestine and stomach that spans a large part of the upper abdomen over to the spleen. For digestion, the pancreas is responsible for releasing digestive enzymes into the small intestine to continue to break up food after it leaves the stomach, and it releases bicarbonate for neutralizing any stomach acid in the intestines. In the bloodstream, the pancreas releases several hormones, including insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating the amount of sugar taken into your cells and the amount left in the bloodstream.

The pancreas is one of the first glandular extracts ever studied by the scientific community, and it was this research thatled to the development of the first treatments for diabetes. Purified pancreatic extract is often referred to as "pancreatin".

Understanding The Relationship Between The Pancreas and Diabetes

Because there are two major roles of the pancreas, malfunction of this organ can appear in two different ways: either as diabetes or as maldigestion and malabsorption.

Each function is performed by a distinct subgroup of cells, so having one problem does not mean you will have both.

Type I Diabetes is caused by the destruction of the subclass of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. This is different from Type II Diabetes, which has to do with the sensitivity of insulin receptors in the body's cells.

Pancreatic Insufficiency and Digestion

Enzymes naturally occur in all raw foods. We refer to the "ripeness" of a food as its readiness to be eaten. Ripe foods are most abundant in enzymes that are used for digestion; however, these enzymes are destroyed by cooking and processing. This means that most of the foods consumed by the average person today are deficient in enzymes. This forces the body to make up the difference, which it is sometimes unable to do. This state is often referred to as "enzyme deficiency" or "pancreatic insufficiency". 

Pancreatic insufficiency results in limited quantities of digestive enzymes that break down starch (amylase), protein (protease), and fats (lipase) into subunits that are small enough to be absorbed through your intestinal walls.

When there are insufficient enzymes present in the amount of food that you consume, you do not get the nutrition you need from the food that you eat. This can result in weight loss or weight gain (a compensation by the body) and physical symptoms of nutritional deficiency such as fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, and brittle nails. At the same time, the food that you do not completely digest in your small intestine continues to your colon where it is broken down by intestinal microbes which can result in gas, bloating, cramping, constipation or diarrhea and steatorrhea (fat in the stool). Undigested food particles in people with "leaky gut" can result in immune reactions and a litany of resultant health concerns such as autoimmune diseases. People with any combination of the above symptoms can often benefit from supplementation of pancreatic enzymes. The most natural way to get these enzymes in the proportions they are producedin nature, without changing food preparation habits, is to take pancreatic extract.

Pancreatic Extract Supplement Options

Although pancreatic extract was the first treatment available for those with diabetes in the early 1900s, it was quickly replaced by more effective and concentrated pharmaceuticals like insulin in the 1930s as well as other medications as time progressed. An effective way to supplement missing digestive enzymes in people with insufficient pancreatic function is to ingest an extract created from an animal pancreas. The most common sources are bovine (cow), porcine (pig), and ovine (sheep). It is theorized that supplementing with pancreatic glandular extract can provide the body with the nutrients, cofactors, precursors and enzymes necessary to promote proper pancreatic function.

Taking Pancreatic Extract

Pancreatic extract can be found in products from several different sources, such as tablets or capsules. Like other glandulars, it is important to ensure that the extract comes from a reliable and safe source. Animals raised in New Zealand are often the best and safest source. Unfortunately, like other glandular extracts, there is very little standardization, and the dose depends on the underlying need and the concentration of each formula. Following the manufacturer's recommended dosing on the label and monitoring symptoms are often the best way to determine your correct dose.

Important Information

There is little safety information on pancreatic extract available. Because of this, it is best to err on the side of caution and at least follow the same restrictions as those that apply to pancreatin supplementation (as follows). "Do not take pancreatin if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not use if you have active bleeding or blood disorders or if you use blood thinners, and discontinue pancreatin 2 weeks prior to dental work or surgery. Pancreatin can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth and skin irritation, and allergic reactions."