/
/
/
What Is the Function of the Pancreas, and How Can I Keep It Healthy?
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
General Medicine
Question #15173
165 days ago
171

What Is the Function of the Pancreas, and How Can I Keep It Healthy? - #15173

Caleb

I recently started learning about the pancreas, and I’m realizing how important it is for digestion and blood sugar regulation. But I still don’t fully understand how it works. What exactly does the pancreas do, and how does it affect overall health? From what I’ve read, the pancreas has two main functions—it produces insulin to regulate blood sugar and releases digestive enzymes to break down food. But what happens if the pancreas isn’t working properly? Does that mean a person is more likely to develop diabetes or digestive issues? I’ve also heard of pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. What causes it? Are certain foods or habits more likely to harm the pancreas over time? I want to make sure my pancreas stays healthy. Does Ayurveda offer any natural ways to support pancreatic health? Are there specific herbs or dietary changes that help the pancreas function properly? I read that bitter foods like karela (bitter melon) and neem are good for the pancreas—do they really help? If anyone has experienced pancreas-related issues or has tips on maintaining a healthy pancreas, I’d love to hear your advice. What lifestyle changes actually make a difference?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
164 days ago
4.83
The pancreas plays a crucial role in both digestion and regulating blood sugar. It has two primary functions: releasing digestive enzymes to break down food and producing insulin to help regulate blood glucose levels. When the pancreas isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to issues like diabetes (if insulin production is impaired) or digestive problems (if enzyme production is insufficient). Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can be caused by factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, gallstones, or high levels of fat in the blood. Over time, poor dietary choices like excessive sugar, fatty foods, and alcohol can harm the pancreas. In Ayurveda, supporting pancreatic health often involves maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating certain herbs. Bitter melon (karela) is known for its potential to help regulate blood sugar, and neem is used for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may support overall pancreatic health. Other dietary recommendations include eating foods that are easy on the digestive system, like whole grains, vegetables, and avoiding overly processed foods. If you’re looking to protect your pancreas, focusing on a balanced diet, avoiding excessive sugar and alcohol, and incorporating anti-inflammatory herbs could help. If anyone has tips on keeping the pancreas healthy, feel free to share!
13739 answered questions
68% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Namaste, Thank you for your thoughtful questions about pancreatic health. The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion and blood sugar regulation through its exocrine and endocrine functions. The exocrine function involves the release of digestive enzymes that help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, while the endocrine function is primarily centered around producing insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels. If the pancreas is not functioning properly, it can lead to conditions such as diabetes (due to insufficient insulin production) or digestive issues (from a lack of enzyme secretion). Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is often caused by gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, or certain medications. Chronic pancreatitis can develop from repeated inflammation, leading to lasting damage to the pancreas. Unhealthy dietary habits, smoking, and a diet high in processed or fatty foods can also contribute to pancreatic stress over time. Ayurveda offers supportive measures for maintaining pancreatic health through dietary and lifestyle changes. Bitter foods such as karela (bitter melon) and neem are traditionally believed to balance blood sugar and improve digestion. Herbs like gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre) and amla (Indian gooseberry) may also help regulate blood sugar and strengthen digestion. Following a light, easy-to-digest diet and avoiding excess sugars and refined carbohydrates can help reduce pancreatic strain. Incorporating regular yoga and pranayama practices, such as Kapalabhati and Nadi Shodhana, may improve circulation and digestion while reducing stress, which can benefit pancreatic function. However, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any herbal supplements or making significant dietary changes. Wishing you continued health and balance!
11913 answered questions
78% best answers

0 replies
Alright, so the pancreas is super important and you're right on track with what you learned. It does two major things - helps digest food with enzymes and keeps blood sugar in check with hormones like insulin. When the pancreas misfires, yeah, it can lead to diabetes or mess up how you digest food. But let's get into it a bit more with an Ayurvedic twist. Pancreatitis, the inflammation you mentioned, is a bit of a headache. It can be triggered by gallstones, excessive alcohol drinking, or high triglycerides. And in Ayurveda, we say that an imbalance in 'Pitta dosha' (the energy associated with the fire element) can contribute too. But, you know, everyone's constitution or 'prakriti' is unique, so it's something that should be looked at holistically. About keeping yours pancreas happy and running smoothly, Ayurveda has some good stuff to offer. Bitter foods can be helpful. Yes, like karela and neem, they're traditionally known to aid in balancing blood sugar and detoxifying the body. They might stimulate agni, which is your digestive fire, essential for breaking down and absorbing nutrients efficiently. When it comes to lifestyle, try to eat at regular intervals, don't skip meals! Keep it balanced. Don't overdo fatty, oily, or processed foods. Warm, cooked meals get a thumbs up since they're easier to digest. Exercise? Definitely. Even light daily exercise like walking can support healthy digestion and metabolism. As for some specific herbs, you might consider adding fenugreek seeds or cinnamon in your diet. These have shown potential benefits in regulating blood sugar levels. Sip on some ginger tea; it's fantastic for keeping digestion smooth. Listen to your body, it's smarter than it gets credit for! If you notice something feels off, get it checked. For now, keeping that Pitta in balance and nurturing your agni through mindful eating and living goes long way. Let's keep our plates colorful and our meals joyful.
26430 answered questions
18% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions