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."
