Power up your pancreas: the role of diet in thwarting insidious pancreatic cancer
The pancreas is a highly critical organ that produces enzymes facilitating the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the small intestine. It also generates hormones that help to regulate blood glucose levels.
7:28 AM EST, January 12, 2024
This function is vital for healthy body operations. However, a sick pancreas does not show symptoms for long, often revealing its issues when it's too late. The prognosis for pancreatic neoplasms is usually not promising, making diet a crucial form of defense against pancreatic ailments.
The way we eat significantly impacts the health of our organs. Adopting a proper diet drastically reduces our risk of many diseases, helping to ensure our overall health and body functionality.
Pancreatic cancer is more common among those with unhygienic lifestyles. To guard your pancreas' health, it's essential to cease habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Other factors can also increase the risk of acquiring cancer.
Added risk factors include diabetes and genetic predisposition. Obesity is also harmful to the pancreas, and individuals over the age of 65 are more likely to develop pancreatic conditions.
How can you protect your pancreas?
Your diet is your first line of defense. Foods like fried and breaded meats, rich sauces, sugars, bloating fruits and vegetables, and unhealthy fats can negatively affect your pancreas. On the other hand, certain foods, such as garlic and olive oil, are beneficial.
Garlic plays a crucial role in pancreas protection. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and enhances digestion and vitamin intake. Furthermore, garlic has been found to reduce cancer risks and inhibit the activity of carcinogenic substances.
Signs of pancreatic failure might be subtle, but it's crucial to recognize and respond to them.
The pancreas also benefits from cherry consumption. Not only are cherries delicious, but they're also rich in antioxidants and a substance called perillyl alcohol that hampers the development of cancer cells.
Cherries also naturally reduce bad cholesterol and cleanse the intestines.
Grapes are another fruit that supports a healthy pancreas. These red fruits offer potent antioxidants. Incorporating sweet potatoes into your meals can also be beneficial as they help improve lipid levels, regulate glucose metabolism, and treat insulin resistance.
