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Heal Your Pancreas With These 15 Foods That Produce Digestive Enzymes
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Our pancreas is a small organ that plays a big part when it comes to our health. Pancreatitis is much more common than many people think. The most important function of the pancreas is to produce digestive juices and digestive hormones so that our bodies can break down the proteins and fats in the foods we eat.
The pancreas also makes insulin, which controls the amount of sugar in our blood. Without insulin, we would die. The pancreas is hidden deep in the body between our other organs which makes seeing it for a visual inspection very difficult.
The most common symptoms of pancreatitis include a burning pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back and nausea and vomiting that becomes severe when you try to eat. During an acute attack, people have a severe spike in their heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Chronic pancreatitis leads to low energy levels, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, and cancer of the pancreas.
Sometimes, pancreatitis is due to large gallstones. Gallstones sometimes obstruct the pancreatic duct from emptying their enzymes into the small intestine. Sometimes, pancreatitis is mistaken for gallstones. Be sure to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
If you suffer from pancreatitis, then you will want to keep reading. You can heal your pancreas with these top 15 foods that help to produce digestive enzymes.
1. Tofu
Tofu is an excellent source of low-fat protein. To heal the pancreas, you need protein in your diet but consuming fat will only make problems with our pancreas worse.
2. Onions
Onions have flavonoids, which are terrific cancer-fighting compounds. They also contain sulfur compounds which are good for keeping the pancreas in good working order.
3. Sweet Potatoes
If you suffer from pancreatitis, think orange! Sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash are all loaded with nutrients that are beneficial to the pancreas and have been shown in studies to prevent cancer.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli and other types of cruciferous vegetables include cabbage, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower all contain anti-cancer agents, which are important for those suffering from pancreatitis.
5. Yogurt
Yogurt is a great way to keep your entire digestive system in good working order. The active cultures in yogurt are a great source of probiotics, which can help to keep your immune system working at its best. Choose yogurt with active cultures and no added sugar or sugary fruit. Add your own fresh nuts or fruit.
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6. Mushrooms
Mushrooms not only taste great, but they are a true gift from nature. One study found that Coco mushrooms, which come to us from Asia, blocked the MMP gene, which has been linked to the development of pancreatic cancer.
7. Red Grapes
Red grapes contain resveratrol, which is a powerful antioxidant. You can also find this in red wine, but for those with pancreatitis, you should avoid wine. Eat a handful of red grapes everyday day to get more of this unique and powerful antioxidant.
8. Licorice Root
This herb has long been used for numerous problems, including problems with the pancreas. Licorice root is a super anti-inflammatory which can reduce the pain and swelling that often comes from pancreatitis. Drink three or more cups of licorice root tea each day or consume a supplement after speaking to your doctor.
9. Garlic
With its super anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds, garlic is often recommended for a wide variety of digestive issues. Garlic has powerful anti-cancer compounds which are known to fight several types of cancer, including cancer of the pancreas. Eat two or three cloves of fresh, organic garlic daily. You can also take a garlic supplement but only after talking with your doctor about the proper dosage for your condition.
10. Blueberries
Several types of berries are super high in antioxidants, which can heal the pancreas. The best berries for this purpose are blueberries, red raspberries, and strawberries. Tart cherries have also been shown to have anti-cancer compounds that beat many other fruit hands down.
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11. Turmeric
Turmeric is king when it comes to anti-inflammatory power. It also has anti-cancer compounds which make it perfect for fighting cancer of the pancreas. Turmeric targets mutated cells while ignoring healthy ones. Add one tablespoon of turmeric to a glass of milk and drink once each day. If you wish to take a supplement, speak with your doctor first.
12. Lemons
Nothing stimulates the digestive system and the liver to produce more enzymes than a lemon. Consuming just one of these citrus fruits can heal the pancreas and improve digestion. Mix the juice from half of an organic lemon in a glass of water and drink it on an empty stomach every morning.
13. Eat Healthy Fats
Consume naturally healthy fat sources such as avocados, coconut, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and seeds. Your body needs natural fats, not animal fat or unnatural fats such as hydrogenated vegetable oils.
SEE ALSO: Leaves Of This Tree Shown To Kill Pancreatic Cancer Cells
14. Eat Clean Proteins
To heal your pancreas, you need plenty of clean protein. Great sources of clean protein are wild caught fish, grass-fed-organic beef, organic poultry, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds.
15. Fermented Foods
You also need to keep your digestive system working in tip top shape if you want to avoid pancreatitis and allow your pancreas to heal. Fermented foods are a great way to keep your good bacteria count high and feed your digestive system healthy probiotics. Some of the best fermented food choices are coconut kefir, apple cider vinegar, pickles, sauerkraut, kombucha, fermented herbal botanicals and fermented raw dairy products.
For those suffering from acute pancreatitis, a water fast with only antioxidant extracts, such as dandelion and milk thistle, should stop an attack quickly. Consume no solid food as those require enzymes from the pancreas to digest anything solid.
Be sure to avoid any types of caffeine and alcoholic drinks as these trigger pancreatitis. Avoid refined sugar, carbs, and unhealthy types of fats.
You can heal your pancreas, but it takes time, so be patient. Consume more of the foods listed above and avoid processed foods. Before you know it, your digestive system will be working once more like a charm.
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