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body systems
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Any natural healing technique that helps the process of digestion will
be useful. Start with sound sleep and exercise accompanied by cleansing
programs where necessary, especially of the colon and liver.
For more on the digestive system, see “The Pancreas,” “The Liver and
Gallbladder,” “The Colon (Bowel) or Large Intestine,” and “The Spleen,”
below in this chapter.
The Pancreas
The pancreas is mainly concerned with secreting digestive enzymes in
order to break down protein, carbohydrates, and fats present in the
duodenum. It neutralizes the acids issuing from the stomach. It is key to
the overall balanced functioning of digestion in the body and therefore an
extremely important organ for all the digestion-based diseases and
disorders.
The health of the pancreas relies on an effectively functioning
stomach, spleen, liver, and gallbladder, as well as the entire endocrine
system. The pancreas produces two hormones required to control and
balance the body’s glucose and fatty acid levels. One of its jobs is to
release insulin, which reduces glucose production in the liver. When the
body’s blood sugar levels rise, they affect the production of glucagons,
which increases glucose production. The pancreas regulates blood sugar, so
its health dictates the balance of sugar levels. Many people, especially
women, have low blood sugar levels. In these cases, pancreatic health must
be at the forefront of a support program.
nutrition
Refer to the section on digestive-system nutrition and to chapter 4, using
the full spectrum of flavors from neutral to bitter. Eat seaweeds and
garlic, both of which help to normalize blood sugar. Garlic does so by
stimulating the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin. Poor pancreatic
function often goes hand in hand with low or high blood sugar levels.
Sweet herb (Stevia) helps to balance blood sugar and safely stimulates the
pancreas while providing a sweet flavor (three hundred to five hundred
times sweeter than sugar). Other supportive foods are fenugreek seed and
leaf and sweet root vegetables like yams, while one of the best fruits is
kiwi. Generally, eat little but often (six meals a day) to help support blood
sugar levels. Be sure to eat some protein-rich foods in order to stabilize
blood sugar levels. Liver health via food cleanses will, in turn, greatly
assist pancreatic function. Excessive alcohol harms the pancreas and liver
and can give rise to pancreatitis.
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