The pancreas is an essential organ in our body. Knowing the symptoms of a malfunction of the same, can often help us to anticipate a more serious problem. A pancreatitis alters many of our digestive functions, and sometimes, is associated with poor eating habits. We invite you to know more below.
The pancreas is located behind the stomach and is responsible for producing enzymes, such as insulin and glucagon. They are essential for digestion, reach the small intestine and there, favor the synthesis of food. An alteration of this organ causes quite serious effects, these same enzymes sometimes turn against the same organ and may end up attacking it. But let’s see it carefully.
1. Pain
The pain appears in the upper part of the abdomen and behind the stomach. Remember that the discomfort appears right on the left side, under the ribs, and it is a burning sensation.
This pain may be clearer right after eating, or even drinking. It is more pronounced even if we have eaten foods with a high fat content.
This discomfort that can begin a day after a meal, can be praised over the days and increase in intensity.
The pain is more intense when we lie on our backs. The pancreas feels more oppressed and the discomfort is more acute.
The pain radiates up behind the back or below the left shoulder blade.
2. Fever
The enzymes that are attacking the pancreas, produce an inflammation, and, consequently, it is usual to have some temperature. When you feel pain or discomfort, do not forget to take the temperature. If you have a few degrees of fever, go to the doctor. It will be he who discards and makes you leave doubts, since sometimes, these symptoms may be associated with other conditions.
3. Nausea
They can be with vomiting or without vomiting. Our digestive system is altered, food is not digested well, the pancreas is inflamed .. it is common to feel discomfort.
4. Headache
It is common to feel tired, irritable, with difficulty concentrating and suffering from sudden headaches. All this is because our immune system is being attacked and the effects of this weakness are felt immediately.
5. Weight loss
We synthesize food badly, we do not get the right nutrients because our pancreas is either blocked by gallstones, or it is being destroyed by its own enzymes. It is normal that people who have a disease associated with this organ, begin to lose kilos despite eating as before.
6. Tachycardia
Accelerated heart rate, we tire easily and tend to breathe faster. This is because our body may be weakening, our immune system no longer has the right energies and forces the heart to breathe more quickly. We drown and our pulse is abnormal. You must take it into account.
Statistics tell us that 80% of pancreatitis is due mainly to gallstones and poor health habits. Gallstones, for example, block the ducts and prevent the pancreas from fulfilling its function.
Regarding food, the high intake of fats and alcohol, end up damaging this organ in an unstoppable way, hence we should take it into account. Other causes that may affect it are for example the real insufficiency, Lupus, cystic fibrosis and the consumption of some medications.
How can I take care of my pancreas?
Limits the consumption of sugar and refined flours
If you smoke, stop this addiction. It is essential to prevent for example pancreatic cancer.
Avoid alcohol. According to nutritionists consume a glass of wine a day can be healthy, but if we leave that dose continuously, and commit excesses, the effect on our pancreas is immediate.
Avoid it for the sake of your health.
Eat foods high in fiber, especially whole grains.
Avoid the consumption of red meat.
Consume especially cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, watercress and Brussels sprouts. They are ideal to take care of our pancreas and avoid cancer.
Avoid getting fat
Try to prevent diabetes.
The contribution of proteins is essential to treat and prevent pancreatic diseases, try to always come from legumes and fish. If you consume meat, let it be turkey. It is healthier and with less fat.
