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20 signs your pancreas is functioning badly

Are you experiencing unexplained fatigue, digestive issues, or changes in your blood sugar? It may be a sign that your pancreas is not functioning properly. Learn the 20 signs that your pancreas may be functioning poorly. Find out how to better protect your health and prevent further complications. 

The Pancreas and its Function

 

The pancreas is a small organ located behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It is approximately 15 centimetres long. It is a vital organ that plays a role in helping to digest food and produce hormones.

The pancreas has two main functions - exocrine and endocrine.

•  The exocrine function: pancreas produces enzymes and releases them to the bile duct that helps the digestive system break down proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in food.

•  The endocrine function is to produce and secrete hormones, such as insulin, which help regulate blood sugar levels in the body

Additionally, the pancreas produces hormones that help regulate appetite and digestion. Without a functioning pancreas, it is difficult to digest food properly, resulting in malnutrition and other health complications. 

Risk Factors and Causes of pancreatic dysfunction

 Risk factors include advanced age, obesity, smoking, diabetes, alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle. Poor dietary habits, such as inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals, can also contribute to a poor pancreatic function.

Pancreatic disease messes with pancreatic function and has multiple causes. Common disorders of the pancreas include pancreatitis (acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis), pancreatic cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic insufficiency.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas and is the most common cause of damage to the pancreas. Pancreatitis can either be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden onset of inflammation. In contrast, chronic pancreatitis results from long-term inflammation of the pancreas. Severe pancreatitis impairs the gland's function and can be observed with several signs and symptoms. It is important to detect those signs and seek medical care immediately.

Pancreatic cancer is a serious and life-threatening condition that often has no symptoms until it has progressed.

 Other causes include genetic factors, such as cystic fibrosis, and autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes. Certain medications can also cause damage to the pancreas and impair the organ's ability to function properly. In addition, alcohol abuse can lead to pancreatic injury, as can gallstones or tumours that block the pancreatic duct and prevent the release of digestive enzymes.

 The 20 signs that your pancreas is functioning poorly

 Knowing the signs of pancreatitis can help you detect it early and seek medical treatment. Here are 20 signs and common symptoms that your pancreas is functioning poorly:

1. Unexplained weight loss;Abdominal pain, often radiating to the back;Nausea and vomiting;Jaundice, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes;

2. Clay-coloured stools;Loss of appetite;Fatigue;Pain in the upper abdomen or lower back;Bloating;Dark urine;Fever;Itchy skin;

3. Difficulty digesting fatty foods;Blurred vision;Low blood sugar levels;High blood pressure;Elevated liver enzymes;Abnormal liver function tests;

4. Oedema;Abnormal levels of pancreatic enzymes in the blood.

 If you experience any of these symptoms, you must consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Tests for Pancreas Dysfunction

Pancreatic function tests are a series of tests used to assess the health of the pancreas. These tests measure the level of enzymes such as amylase and lipase secreted by the pancreas. Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds may also be used to assess the health of the pancreas and detect any abnormalities. Endoscopic ultrasound may be used to check for any blockages in the ducts of the pancreas that could be causing problems.

Reference: Welzo.com

Top 12 health benefits of cinnamon

Top 12 health benefits of cinnamon© Provided by BBC Good Food

Is cinnamon healthy? It's been claimed that it can support the regulation of blood sugar and ease digestive discomfort, so we asked registered nutritionist Jo Lewin to explore the science behind this popular spice.

What is cinnamon?

A favourite household spice, cinnamon was once traded as currency. The spice has a pleasant flavour and warm smell, making it popular for cooking, especially in sweet bakes and curries.

Derived from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree, the bark is peeled and laid in the sun to dry, where it curls into rolls known as cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon is also available in powdered form.

Discover our full range of health benefit guides and check out some of our delicious cinnamon recipes, from cinnamon buns to cinnamon tea.

Top 12 health benefits of cinnamon© Provided by BBC Good Food

Nutritional profile of cinnamon

One teaspoon (3g) of cinnamon (ground) provides:

Top 12 health benefits of cinnamon

1. It has antioxidant properties

Like other spices, cinnamon contains plant compounds called polyphenols that have protective, antioxidant properties. It is these compounds that provide many of cinnamon’s health benefits as well as support its role as a preservative in food preparation.

2. It's anti-inflammatory

These same antioxidant compounds contribute towards cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory effects. As we age this may be helpful because the process of chronic inflammation is heavily involved in the progression of many age-related diseases.

3. It's anti-bacterial and anti-fungal

Cinnamon is thought to have many medicinal and soothing properties, and is used frequently in Chinese herbal medicine. The distinctive smell and flavour of cinnamon derives from the essential oils contained in the bark, called cinnamaldehyde.

Cinnamaldehyde appears to be useful in protecting against bacterial and fungal infection.

4. It may have anti-viral properties

Some research suggests cinnamon may also be protective against certain viruses, including influenza and mosquito-derived Dengue fever.

5. It may help lower blood sugar and reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes

Cinnamon has a reputation for helping manage blood sugar. It appears to do this by a number of different mechanisms, including managing the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream.

Human trials are promising and suggest cinnamon may have a moderate effect on lowering fasting blood sugar levels in diabetics with poor blood sugar control.

6. It may improve insulin sensitivity

Insulin is the hormone involved in transporting blood sugar from our blood to the cells where we need it, this means it plays an important role in regulating our metabolism and energy levels.

As we age we may become resistant to the effects of insulin and this has the potential to disrupt blood sugar balance and over time lead to type 2 diabetes. While more research is needed it does appear that extracts from cinnamon mimic the action of insulin and potentially reduce the risk of insulin resistance.

7. It may be beneficial for the aging brain

Conditions like Alzheimer’s are more common as we age, and are typically caused by a progressive deterioration of brain cells. In Alzheimer’s, accumulation of protein fragments in the brain act by slowing how a person thinks and remembers.

Cinnamon contains two compounds that appear to inhibit the build-up of these proteins. Much of this evidence is derived from animal and test tube studies, so there is still much for us to learn with regards to how this effect may be of benefit to us.

8. It may help manage blood pressure

There is some evidence to suggest that consistent consumption of cinnamon is associated with a short-term reduction in blood pressure. Although the evidence looks hopeful, it is early days and more long-term random controlled trials are needed.

9. It may protect against heart disease

Blood pressure may not be the only cardiovascular risk factor aided by regular cinnamon consumption it also appears to have a positive impact on reducing blood triglycerides as well as cholesterol levels.

10. It may support gut health

Some spices, including cinnamon, have prebiotic properties. Consuming them regularly may help restore the balance of bacteria in your gut, support digestive health and alleviate digestive issues.

Top 12 health benefits of cinnamon© Provided by BBC Good Food

11. It may protect against cancer

Although evidence to date is limited to test tube and animal studies extracts from cinnamon may provide some protection against cancer. In this regard, the spice appears to be useful at reducing the growth of cancer cells, limiting the formation of blood vessels in tumours and killing off cancer cells.

12. It may promote dental hygiene

A traditional use for cinnamon has been as a tooth powder to treat toothache and other dental problems including bacterial overgrowth and bad breath.

Is cinnamon safe for everyone?

For the majority of people, cinnamon is generally recognised as safe when consumed as a culinary spice and in small amounts – no more than 1 tsp per day is considered safe for most adults, with less for children. In rare circumstances, some people may experience allergic contact dermatitis.

It’s worth remembering that most of the cinnamon purchased from supermarkets is a variety called Cassia cinnamon – this has a stronger taste and is cheaper to buy. However, it is high in compounds called coumarins, which in large doses may cause toxicity.

Ceylon, or 'true' cinnamon, has relatively low levels of coumarins and may be better tolerated.

If consumed in large amounts, cinnamon may interact with prescribed medication, including those for diabetes, heart and liver disease.

If you’re on prescription medication, have a relevant. 

Reference: BBC Good Food

How to check for mouth-cancer as tell-tale signs are being missed

The number of people getting mouth cancer has more than doubled in the past 20 years, and regular dental checkups are vital for spotting early signs.

Last year 3,034 people in the UK lost their life to mouth cancer, and the number of people getting diagnosed has risen by 49% in the past 10 years - and 104% in the past 20, according to the Mouth Cancer Foundation. Some experts believe that one of the reasons for the increase in incidence, and deaths, is because of the difficulties in getting appointments - meaning the telltale signs are being missed.

According to the NHS, mouth cancer can affect any part of your mouth, including the gums, tongue and inside of the cheeks, or lips. But many people don't know what they are looking for, meaning symptoms are going undetected.

But you don't have to wait to see a dentist to find out if you're at risk. There are certain checks you can do, and Dr Michael Ho, a face, neck and mouth cancer consultant at the University of Leeds, has shared some of the tell-tale signs you shouldn't ignore.

One of the things you should look for are ulcers, or broken areas in the lining of the mouth, that don't heal within three weeks. While ulcers are common and don't mean you definitely have cancer, ones that are persistent should be checked by a GP or dentist, the NHS warns.

Dr Ho told The Mail Online: "The commonest sign of mouth cancer is a persistent ulcer that lasts more than three weeks." Another thing to look out for is unexplained swellings or lumps around the mouth or jaw. The NHS specifies that lumps inside your mouth, or on your lip, or in your neck and throat can be signs.

You should also look out for red or white patches, which may be tender or painful. While they could be caused by other things such as thrush, it's important to get them checked out.

Another sign is wobbly or loose teeth, according to Dr Ho. He said: "When [cancer] invades the jaw bone, it can result in wobbly teeth. In these situations, assessment by a dentist to assess the area of concern and a jaw X-ray can help provide more information."

Next, you should check for a sore throat or hoarseness, especially if it's lasted more than six weeks. According to Cancer Research UK, someone who has mouth cancer might experience their voice becoming huskier or more quiet.

Lastly, you should be wary of numbness around the mouth or tongue, which may be felt in patchy areas. This happens because the cancerous cells have caused nerve blood vessel damage.

It's important to remember that while it doesn't mean you definitely have cancer if you experience these symptoms, it's important to get them checked out. If you're worried, speak to your GP.

Story by Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz: Mirror