Abdominal Disorders
Pancreas Disorder
The pancreas is a very important digestive organ. It works both as an endocrine gland (like the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary glands), secreting hormones directly into the blood stream and also as an exocrine gland like the liver, secreting digestive enzymes thorough a duct in the small intestine to assist the digestive process.
As an endocrine gland it secretes insulin which regulates the blood sugar. When too much insulin is produced, it causes low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. When too little insulin is produced, diabetes results. Both these conditions are, to a great extent, influenced by diet. Some people inherit diabetes, while others acquire it.
Our diet in fact determines the health of this gland. High consumption of sugar, sugar-based products and refined starch put stress on the insulin producing cells which first over-stimulate them (leading to low blood sugar) and if continued over a long period of time, exhaust them (leading to high blood sugar). Diabetes is the final outcome. Over-eating in general, a common problem mentioned in earlier chapters also exerts strain on the digestive function of the pancreas.
There are several digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas to assist the small intestine in breaking down starches, fats and proteins. Eating less, avoiding sugar and eating natural “complex carbohydrates” ensure a healthy pancreatic function.
Diabetes Mellitus
Symptoms are: Exhaustion or feeling of weak ness, excessive thirst, increased frequency in urination, excessive hunger, slow healing of wounds and boils.
Disorders of Liver
Liver is a very tough organ and it has two-and - half times the capacity than what we normally need. It is damaged only when excessively overloaded or affected through alcoholic indulgence, etc. The liver’s best known function is secretion of bile which is.....