Pancreatic cancer is a disease that does not show symptoms for a long time and is often discovered accidentally. Prognoses are unfavorable – only 24% of patients survive one year and only 5% have a chance of five-year survival. Therefore, it is important to take care of the pancreas and follow a proper diet, which can help keep this organ healthy and protect it from cancer.
The pancreas has two key functions: it secretes enzymes into the small intestine that allow protein, carbohydrates, and fat to be digested, and it produces hormones, such as glucagon and insulin, that regulate blood glucose levels. Therefore, taking care of this organ is essential. First of all, it is necessary to exclude from the diet the foods that damage the pancreas the most. On the contrary, the development of pancreatic cancer is facilitated by certain factors that should be minimized.
To protect the pancreas from diseases including cancer, do not be afraid to include garlic in your diet. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and supports digestion. Contains vitamin C, group B vitamins, provitamin A, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chromium, amino acids, sulfur compounds, saponins, allicin, arginine, oligosaccharides, flavonoids and selenium. Thanks to these substances, garlic reduces the risk of developing tumors, including pancreatic cancer.
Research from Puerto Rico has shown that women who consume large amounts of garlic have a 50% lower risk of developing cancer. Experts from the Polish League Against Cancer emphasize that garlic blocks the formation of carcinogenic substances and suppresses their activity. It also helps repair DNA and reduces the ability of tumor cells to multiply, which can lead to their demise.
Fruits that are not suitable for the pancreas include, for example, cherries, on the contrary sour cherries are considered very beneficial. Cherries are rich in antioxidants that help stop the growth of tumor cells. Anthocyanins in sour cherries have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. In addition, eating sour cherries naturally lowers bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Cherries also help to detoxify the body from heavy metals thanks to the content of pectins, which clean the intestines and support metabolism.
Another fruit worth including in the diet is red grapes. A 2018 University of Rochester study confirmed that red grapes contain powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation of the pancreas and have the ability to destroy cancer cells of this organ. Regular, daily consumption of red grapes brings the best results.
Foods that support pancreatic health include sweet potatoes. They improve lipid levels, help treat insulin resistance and regulate glucose metabolism. In addition, they do not burden the digestive system. According to studies by the American Diabetes Association sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index and gradually release glucose into the blood. In addition to the pancreas, they also have a beneficial effect on the spleen and eyes.
Yogurt is a natural probiotic that supports the immune system and helps with inflammation of the pancreas. Sour milk products such as kefir, Greek yogurt or sour milk can also be an alternative. It is recommended to choose low-fat versions, because animal fats negatively affect the function of the pancreas.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
