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There are a lot of organs in the body which work together to keep things running smoothly. For some of these, most of us have a pretty good idea of what they’re for - the brain, skin, lungs, and stomach, for instance. Others however, are more of a mystery. They do their thing, and we don’t really think about them unless there’s something wrong. Or unless you happen to be a naturopathic doctor. Today we’ll take a closer look at one of these, the pancreas, as well as some natural endocrine health solutions to keep it in tip-top shape. First, What Is A Gland? Glands are organs which produce and distribute substances to your body. There are two types of glands: endocrine and exocrine. Exocrine glands (such as sweat glands and lymph nodes) don’t produce hormones, while endocrine glands do. What Is An Endocrine Gland? Endocrine glands produce hormones and deposit them directly into the bloodstream. The endocrine system and endocrine glands produce hormones which control growth, moods, reproduction, and metabolism, as well as the rate at which these hormones are released. Aside from the pancreas, other endocrine glands include the adrenal glands, thymus, thyroid and parathyroid, pineal gland, hypothalamus, and ovaries or testes. All of these glands are controlled, directly or indirectly, by the pituitary gland. What Does Your Pancreas Do? In general, a gland is either part of your endocrine or your exocrine system. In your pancreas’ case, however, it’s actually both. A major role of the pancreas is the production of the hormones insulin and glucagon. Glucagon helps your body break down glycogen (a form a carbohydrate stored in your liver) into glucose, which your liver can then process. Insulin, meanwhile, regulates the level of glucose in your blood (by lowering it). It’s best known for its association with diabetes. From your digestive perspective, it’s an exocrine gland, excreting enzymes that help your body break down the macronutrients in food. Where Is Your Pancreas? The pancreas is located towards the rear of the body, behind the stomach. It’s about six inches long, starting at the right side of the abdomen, where it connects to the small intestine, and then extends towards the left side of the body. Common Illnesses of the Pancreas There are a number of illnesses which can affect the pancreas. Let’s take a look at a few of them: ● Pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when it becomes damaged by the digestive chemicals it produces. ● Cystic fibrosis: This is a genetic disorder which affects multiple systems of the body. ● Diabetes (type 1 and 2): In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the cells which produce insulin; in type 2 diabetes the body becomes resistant to insulin and, eventually, the pancreas may not be able to make enough insulin to regulate blood sugar. ● Pancreatic cancer: There are a variety of different cell types which make up the pancreas, and the type of tumor depends on which cells are affected. Your Pancreas And Diabetes The most well-known pancreatic condition is diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system destroys the cells which create insulin. Because the body is destroying its own cells, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. A naturopathic doctor can help with strategies for immune system health if this is an issue for you. The role of insulin is to move glucose to your body’s tissue so it can be used as fuel by cells. When this does not occur, glucose in your bloodstream can lead to high blood sugar which can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and damage to nerves and organs. When you have type 2 diabetes, the insulin produced is not used properly by the body, and it can result in blurred vision, shifts in mood, feeling tired or worn out, feeling thirsty, and wounds which don’t heal. Your Pancreas and Digestive Disorders As we mentioned previously, one of the functions of the pancreas is to produce digestive enzyme which help the body to digest food. When there is illness or damage in the pancreas, digestive disorders can occur. These sorts of illnesses are not always picked up on by lab tests ordered by doctors, which often leaves these disorders undiagnosed. In digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, GERD, and disorders of the intestinal tract there is often impaired pancreatic function. If you are suffering from digestive health issues, a naturopathic doctor can work with you to find the right solution to fit your needs. Nutrient Deficiencies That Can Affect Your Pancreas Individuals with chronic pancreatitis are at risk for malnutrition due to increased metabolic activity, and malabsorption of nutrients. Tests must be done regularly for deficiencies, and vitamin supplementation implemented based on the results of these tests. The pancreas requires a number of important nutrients in order to function properly, including cobalt, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, among other minerals. Common Signs You Have A Sick Pancreas So how can you tell when there is something wrong with your pancreas? Aside from being diagnosed with a condition such as diabetes, here are some signs to watch for, indicating something might be out-of-sorts with this very important gland: ● Cramps ● Bloating ● Heartburn ● Diarrhea or constipation ● Gas ● Belching Book An Appointment With Nardini Naturopathic Are you concerned about the health of your pancreas, or any other important glands? Perhaps you are suffering from symptoms of indigestion and can’t quite pinpoint the exact case. Nardini Naturopathic can help. We’ll discuss your symptoms and work to get at the root cause of your ailments. Whether it turns out to be an issue with your pancreas, or something else, I can put together a treatment plan designed to get at the root cause of those symptoms. Book an appointment with me, Dr. Pat Nardini, and let’s get to the bottom of your health woes.