OPTIMIZING ALKALINE DIGESTION

The pancreas is a sensitive organ, easily damaged by the acidity of modern life. It is known for producing hormones, like insulin, also critical for optimizing digestion and creating alkaline conditions in the gut. The pancreas can actually ‘taste’ sugar, but the response is not always so sweet.

What is the Pancreas?

The sponge-like pancreas is 6 inches long, and sits behind your stomach, in front of the kidneys. Alkalizing juices flow from the pancreas into the intestine, neutralizing stomach acids (to protect gut lining), and creating optimal conditions for digestion.

The pancreas also manages blood sugar levels. Certain foods (sweet or starchy) trigger insulin release, making cells absorb nutrients and store leftover energy (as fat). The pancreas also produces the ‘opposite’ hormone, glucagon, to release fat for energy, when no food is available.

Glucose is the underlying enemy, and it is the pancreas that prevents ‘sticky’ glucose in the blood from reaching dangerous levels. Uniquely, the pancreas has two roles; endocrine (producing hormones) and exocrine (producing enzymes). This makes it responsible for both digesting and controlling our response to food.

STRESS AND EXCESS

Refined sugar, and artificial sweeteners, stress and inflame the pancreas. Natural foods, like the fruit in stimulate a ‘wellmanaged’ insulin response. But, superconcentrated refined sugars create ‘panic’ because the pancreas must prevent blood sugar from getting too high. Big portions of food, eating late at night and processed food all create pancreatic stress and inflammation.

When the pancreas becomes inflamed it enters a vicious-cycle of acidity, mucous and impaired digestion. The pancreas shares ducts (tubes just 1mm wide) with the gallbladder, and if they become inflamed, and blocked, the fluids stagnate. Reduced bile flow (from the gallbladder) also impairs liver detox and leads to gallstones.

Feeling stressed reduces digestion, even more, impacting nutrient absorption. We need to feel calm to stimulate the nervous system to initiate digestion, to be healthy we need alkaline and nutrient-rich fluids to bathe our cells, but, when the pancreas is inflamed, this process breaks down.

SUPPORTING THE BODY

Diabetes is the ‘label’ used when the pancreas can’t effectively manage blood glucose levels. Each organ fights a unique battle against incorrect inner condition created by unnatural foods.

When fine ducts, capillaries, or tubules are inflamed they get blocked and delicate cell membranes produce mucus to fend off an acid attack. The process to support whole-body health is remarkably simple but requires dedication to wellness.

PREVENTION:

Stop the damage from occurring by following

Reduction: cut down portion sizes and be mindful of sweet and starchy foods.

Nutrition: combine green juices and smoothies with anti-inflammatory tamarind. Hydration: drink Structured water a day to ensure fluids flow freely. Cleansing: diuretic with structured water Minerals: top up minerals with organic salt