Anatomy of the Pancreas
The pancreas is an elongated, flat, hammer shaped
organ that is light tan or pinkish in color, analogous in its structures
to the salivary glands which is located across the back of the abdomen,
behind the stomach, stretches across upper abdomen right behind the
stomach and touching the spleen. Its right extremity, being broad, is
called the head, and is connected to the main portion of the organ, or
body, by a slight constriction, the neck; while its left extremity
gradually tapers to form the tail. Its length varies from 12 to 15 cm, and
its weight from 65 to 100 gm.
Structure of the Pancreas
The pancreas is made up of two types of tissue:
- Exocrine tissue
The exocrine tissue secretes digestive enzymes. The pancreatic juice,
carried by the pancreatic duct to the duodenum, is an important
digestive fluid. Pancreatic juice is composed of two products critical
to proper digestion: digestive enzymes and bicarbonate.
- Endocrine tissue
The endocrine tissue, (islets of Langerhans) secretes hormones which is
taken up by the blood stream and is concerned with sugar metabolism.
Glucagon raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin
stimulates cells to utilize glucose. Somatostatin may regulate the
secretion of glucagon and insulin.
Functions of the Pancreas
The pancreas has a dual role - it helps digest food
and also secretes hormones that, among other things, affect the level of
sugar in the blood.
It manufactures enzymes to aid in digestion and
produces the hormone insulin to regulate blood sugar levels in the
bloodstream. The digestive juices secreted by the pancreas combine with
juices from the intestines to complete the job of breaking down proteins,
carbohydrates, and fats. Substances in the pancreatic juice also help
neutralize stomach acids that pass from the stomach into the small
intestine.
The enzymes secreted by the exocrine tissue in the
pancreas help break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and acids in the
duodenum.
The hormones secreted by the endocrine tissue in the
pancreas are insulin and glucagon (which regulate the level of glucose in
the blood).
The pancreas secretes enzymes that have the capacity
to reduce virtually all digestible macromolecules into forms that are
capable of being absorbed. Three major groups of enzymes are critical to
efficient digestion:
- Proteases: Digestion of proteins is
initiated by pepsin in the stomach, but the bulk of protein digestion is
due to the pancreatic proteases. Several proteases are synthesized in
the pancreas and secreted into the lumen of the small intestine. The two
major pancreatic proteases are trypsin and chymotrypsin.
- Pancreatic Lipase: The major form of
dietary fat is triglyceride. A triglyceride molecule cannot be directly
absorbed across the intestinal mucosa. It must first be digested. The
enzyme that performs this hydrolysis is pancreatic lipase, which is
delivered into the lumen of the gut as a constituent of pancreatic
juice.
- Amylase: The major dietary carbohydrate
for many species is starch, a storage form of glucose in plants. Amylase
is the enzyme that hydrolyses starch to maltose.
Other Pancreatic Enzymes
In addition to the proteases, lipase and amylase, the pancreas produces a
host of other digestive enzymes, including ribonuclease, deoxyribonuclease,
gelatinase and elastase.
Conditions that affect the pancreas
Alcoholism, gallstones and viral infections can
cause a serious inflammation of the pancreas called pancreatitis. When
gallstones block the bile duct, which the pancreatic duct empties into,
the flow of pancreatic juices is stopped. This may also lead to
pancreatitis. Hypoglycemia or too little sugar in the blood can result
from an overproduction of insulin by the islets of Langerhans. Tumors on
the islets themselves, or large tumors on other organs near the pancreas,
can cause the release of excess insulin. Diabetes mellitus is a serious
common disorder that occurs:
- When the islets of Langerhans fail to produce
enough insulin,
- When the pancreas produces very little insulin,
or
- When the body does not respond appropriately to
insulin, a condition called "insulin resistance."
Why Is Insulin Important?
To make energy, cells need food in a very simple
form. When you eat or drink, much of your food is broken down into a
simple sugar called glucose. Glucose provides the energy your body needs
for daily activities. Your bloodstream transports glucose both from where
it is taken into the body after eating, to the cells where it will be
used, stored, or converted to fat. When the amount of glucose in your
blood reaches a certain level, your pancreas releases insulin. The insulin
carries the glucose into the appropriate cells. As more glucose enters
your cells, the level of glucose in your bloodstream drops. Without
insulin, the glucose can't be stored -- which allows the level of glucose
in the blood to rise. Too much glucose in the blood is called "high blood
sugar." By definition, diabetes is having a blood sugar level of 110
milligrams per deciliter or more after an overnight fast.
Växa Pancreas Formula
The pancreas is an important organ that performs
several necessary functions. Therefore, it important to do everything
possible to provide it with adequate nutritional support. Växa's
Pancreas Formula makes this task much easier.
This formula represents nutrition for the pancreas
and has been traditionally used for a weakened pancreas. Växa's Pancreas
Formula contains several nutrients to provide additional support for the
various functions performed by the pancreas. This formula is a natural
source of chromium, calcium, magnesium, nickel, molybdenum, cobalt and
zinc.
- Växa's Pancreas Formula is a combination of herbs
that supports the glandular and digestive systems, strengthening
pancreas and liver functions. This combination is also beneficial for
treating diabetes because it helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Växa's Pancreas Formula is made of specific
nutrients that nutritionally support the pancreas with their synergistic
effects.
- The herbs contained in Växa's Pancreas Formula
are highly concentrated extracts that support pancreas function and
supplement pancreatic enzyme production.
- Växa's Pancreas Formula contains calcium,
magnesium, nickel, molybdenum, cobalt, zinc and chromium. Zinc is needed
for the pancreas to produce insulin, it is a component of insulin.
Chromium is necessary for insulin to play its role.
Växa's Pancreas Formula was formulated by
scientists for one major reason: For natural support of the pancreas,
liver, and digestive tract through the powers of homeopathic remedies and
herb extracts.
Cayenne ((Capsicum annum) is often
used as an enhancer of other herbs in any formulation. It contains
aromatic resins that promote circulation and strengthen the nervous and
digestive systems. It's particularly useful in providing nutrients to the
pancreas and liver, which support digestion and maintain blood sugar
balance. It contains carotenoid pigments, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and
volatile oil. Its action is strongly stimulating to the circulation and
upper digestive tract, It stimulates stomach-acid production, thereby
increasing its capacity to sterilize its contents and protect against
enteric infection. It is contra-indicated in severe hypertension.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
contains trace minerals, inulin (similar to insulin), potassium and
betacarotene. It is a wonderful herb for the digestive system, especially
the liver, gall bladder and pancreas. It acts as a digestive and hepatic
(liver) tonic, cholagogue, diuretic, and detoxifier. Dandelion also has a
lipotropic effect that can help reduce cholesterol. The herb is a source
of potassium sodium, phosphorus and iron. The leaves are a richer source
of vitamin A than carrots and contain some amounts of vitamins B and D.
Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is
well known for benefitting the urinary system, but it also benefits the
pancreas. Uva ursi is known as an astringent. It contains glycosides,
tannins, flavanoids, and resin. It has an astringent effect on the lower
digestive tract. Uva ursi contains vitamin A, iron (chelated-iron) and
manganese.
Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) The
stems are used for treatment of sluggish liver related to poor
assimilation of fats.
Blueberry (Vaccinum Myrtillus) For the
German Commission of herb regulation, the leaves and their preparations
are traditionally recommended for use in diabetes mellitus, and the
prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal tract conditions, blood
purification, and to stimulate metabolic processes. Studies have shown the
leaves have anti-diabetic activity and have been used in various herbal
combinations as a treatment for diabetes. The leaves contain a component (glucoquinine)
which experimentally has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and
increases insulin production. Caution should be taken by diabetics and in
cases of hypoglycemia (a deficiency of sugar in the blood in which the
glucose in the blood is abnormally low).
The homeopathy part of the formula with Iris
Versicolor, Pepsinum, Podophyllum, Sanguinaria, Ipeca, Antimonium Crudum,
Pancreas are used as a pancreas regeneration and rebuilding combination
stimulating enzyme functions. Functions include effectiveness as a blood
sugar regulator, regulating both hypoglycemia and diabetes.
Zinc, calcium, nickel, molybdenum, magnesium and
cobalt are minerals and trace elements necessary for the good functioning
of important metabolic reactions in the pancreas.
Växa's Pancreas Formula is also a source of
chromium, an essential trace mineral that is needed for insulin production
to help the body maintain normal blood sugar levels. Diets high in refined
and processed foods can cause chromium deficiency. Chromium plays also a
role in the synthesis of proteins, fats and cholesterol.Research studies
show our diet is deficient in chromium, which is helpful in maintaining
and regulating stable blood sugar levels.
