Some plants are “pancreato-protective”. Carmen Tanguy, naturopath and author of several books on natural health, gives us the basic rules.
The pancreas plays a key role in digestion and controlling blood sugar levels. When it becomes clogged, it functions less well: digestion slows down, glucose regulation becomes disrupted and the risk of pancreatic diseases (insufficiency, stones, etc.), metabolic disorders or diabetes increases. Hence the importance of taking care of it and purifying it regularly.
“To support the proper functioning of the pancreas on a daily basis, we will act on basic rules“, warns Carmen Tanguy, naturopath and author of several books on natural health. First, we will correct our dietary hygiene by limiting the consumption of alcohol and ultra-processed foods. We will then check that there is no deficiency in chromium or zinc because these two minerals protect the cells of the pancreas. We will put movement back into our daily lives (at least 30 minutes per day): “As soon as you sit down: the basal metabolism decreases by 1 calorie per minute. After 2 hours of sedentary lifestyle, HDL (good cholesterol) levels drop by 20%. After 5 hours of sedentary lifestyle, the effectiveness of insulin (the hormone secreted by the pancreas to regulate sugar) drops by 5%“, indicates our expert. You must also manage your stress (meditation, relaxation, gentle exercise, etc.) to reduce the level of cortisol, which is harmful to the pancreas.
Certain “pancreatic-protective” plants help to naturally cleanse the pancreas. Among them: Schisandra Chinensis increases the function of the pancreas thanks to its antioxidant and hypoglycemic action: 1 teaspoon of berries that are infused in hot water for 10 minutes at a rate of 2 to 3 cups per day. Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, in cases of hypertension, glaucoma and gastric ulcer. Nigella (black cumin) oil is also helpful in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose absorption. It stimulates the cells of the pancreas, which helps secrete insulin and lower blood sugar levels: 1 teaspoon per day mixed in honey or added to juices. It is not recommended for children, adolescents and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Walnut bud offers a cleansing and regenerating action for the pancreas: 20 to 30 drops twice a day in a glass of water, for a course of 3 weeks per month for 3 months. It is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for people with walnut allergies. Finally, Milk Thistle allows the regeneration of pancreatic cells: in macerate, 15 drops 2 to 3 times a day, to be diluted in water; in herbal tea, infuse a dose of 3.5 g per 150 ml of water for 30 minutes and drink up to 3 times a day. It is contraindicated in people allergic to plants of the Asteraceae family (ragweed, mugwort, chamomile, chrysanthemum, echinacea, for example) and those who suffer from an acute attack of obstruction of the bile ducts (stone attack).
