How Does a Pancreases Cleanse Work?

Purpose of the Pancreas

The pancreas is a very important organ. Although it assists in many processes throughout the body, the most important functions of the pancreas have to do with protease and insulin. Protease is an enzyme produced by the pancreas that breaks down the protein in the food that we eat. When the kidney does not produce enough protease, the protein we eat does not break down sufficiently, which can cause health problems and a lack of nutrition. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows the body to store and use energy through glycogen. If the body cannot produce and regulate insulin, health problems including diabetes can become serious issues.

Fasting

A pancreas cleanse usually starts with at least 24 hours of fasting. This allows the body to pass through any remaining toxins that may have been ingested before the cleanse and prepares the body for the cleansing ahead.

Water

Water is the key to a successful pancreas cleanse. Staying adequately hydrated is important during the pre-fast as well as through the entire cleansing process. Staying adequately hydrated helps increase the liquid volume in your system, which causes your body to have an additional need to eliminate the increased liquid though urination. Along with flushing out the excess water, the body also expels the harmful toxins in the body. Water also helps keep homeostasis within the body. A balanced body helps to fight off disease and keep the body healthy.

Raw Foods

One of the major aspects of a pancreas cleanse is the use of only raw foods. When foods are processed or overcooked, they lose many of the natural enzymes that help the kidney's natural enzyme protease digest food. When the natural enzymes are killed by the cooking or processing, the kidney is forced to work harder to digest the foods. Eating only raw foods during a pancreas cleanse helps take the load off of the pancreas and floods the body with natural beneficial enzymes.

No Carbohydrates

Cutting carbohydrates out of your diet during the pancreas cleanse and limiting their intake afterward are other important aspects of a pancreas cleanse. Carbohydrates put added stress on the pancreas, causing it to eventually wear down. Too many carbohydrates can affect the amount of insulin produced, helping the onset of diabetes.

Supplements

Supplements such as creon are an important part of a pancreas cleanse. Look for supplements that have high concentrations of pancreatic enzymes to help strengthen your pancreas's ability to help digestion in the gastrointestinal track.

Exercise

Exercise is also crucial to any cleansing process. When you exercise, your body benefits from improved blood circulation as well as an increased volume of oxygen in the blood. This increase of oxygen-rich blood eventually reaches the pancreas, helping fine-tune and optimize its processes.

Meditation

Stress can also hinder the workings of the pancreas. Any time that your body experiences high levels of stress it dampens the immune system and puts stress on your vital organs, including your pancreas. Stress tends to negatively affect digestive function, while relaxation helps promote healthy digestion (see Revolutionhealth.com). While performing a pancreas cleanse, promote the cleansing process by practicing stress reduction techniques such as yoga and meditation.