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Abstract
A healthy pancreas is an organ with a homogeneous structure, normal dimensions, and ducts with a uniform lumen, performing key functions in digestion (enzymes) and metabolism (hormones). You can maintain your health by eating right (fiber, protein, less fat/sugar/salt), avoiding alcohol and smoking, controlling your weight, managing stress, and getting regular check-ups to avoid pancreatitis and diabetes. Signs of a healthy pancreas include: size — length 14–22 cm, weight 70–80 g; the head, body, and tail are within normal limits, without abnormal thickening; structure — homogeneous, with smooth ductal walls; and function — regular production of digestive enzymes to ensure proper digestion and insulin to regulate blood glucose levels.
Let’s pay attention to healthy eating, the basic principles of which are outlined on the website prozdorove.com.ua. To maintain pancreatic health, it is important to follow these dietary principles: minimize fatty, fried, sweet, and smoked foods, and avoid alcohol and overeating. Foods rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, with low fat, and simple sugar content, are recommended. A high-fat diet contributes not only to the development of steatosis but also to the progression of pancreatic fibrosis, and thus to the onset of chronic pancreatitis.
Herbal therapy plays an important role in maintaining pancreatic health. Medicinal plants have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and choleretic effects, help normalise digestion and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases of the pancreas. Studies show that herbal medicine and natural products (flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids) have potential for the prevention and treatment of pancreatic diseases, including pancreatitis and cancer. The most studied are turmeric, ginseng, eucalyptus, moringa, as well as complex herbal formulations. Mechanisms of action: antioxidant protection, reduction of inflammation, modulation of glycaemic response, improvement of insulin sensitivity.
The most important focus of naturopathy is reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer. Regarding pancreatic cancer, it has been shown that the risk is increased in individuals who abuse alcohol and smoke, and decreased in those who consume large amounts of vegetables and fruits. Cruciferous vegetables play a special role in the prevention of pancreatic cancer. According to the www.health.gov/DietaryGuidelines, it is necessary to adhere to the principles of moderation, proportionality, individualisation, dietary diversity, and combining diet with physical activity. The risk of pancreatic cancer is increased with a higher body mass index, consumption of red and processed meats, foods and beverages containing fructose, products high in saturated fatty acids, as well as with alcohol abuse.
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