By: Hello Doctor Updated 27 Feb 2022, 17: 17 pm EST
In recent years there has been much controversy regarding the consumption of carbohydrates. It has been mentioned that they are not good for health.
Really like any food, consuming it in excess can have repercussions for health, especially foods high in carbohydrates and sugar.
There is speculation that high carbohydrate foods like bread may have negative effects on the pancreas, but there really aren’t any extensive studies to support this theory.
What is the pancreas ?
So let’s talk about the facts, starting with defining what the pancreas is. The pancreas is an organ of the digestive system, it is in charge of generating the enzymes that process the nutrients of the food, in addition to regulating different functions of the body.
Among the best known functions of the pancreas is regulating the sugar that is ingested directly and also that found in different foods, this is carried out through insulin .
Pancreatitis
One of the most common ailments of the pancreas is pancreatitis. This disease is caused by inflammation of the pancreas because the enzymes it produces to digest food are released too quickly and damage the pancreas from the inside.
- What can you do to reduce the risk of pancreatitis?
When suffering from this condition, it is advisable to have a diet based on fruits and vegetables and avoid carbohydrates such as sugar, refined flour and products made with they eat bread.
Diabetes
Diabetes is probably the most well-known disease associated with the pancreas. A study in Australia that took 4 years found that in 36,000 men and women who participated, white bread was the food with the highest incidence of diabetes.
The results were based on the incidence of diabetes and consumption frequency questionnaires that were applied periodically to the participants.
There are foods such as white bread, cakes, cookies that are high on the glycemic index and raise blood sugar levels. This is one of the reasons why it is much more advisable to eat whole grain or brown bread and not white bread.
Healthy changes in diet
Substituting white bread by one of whole grains with a lower glycemic index can help reduce the risk of diabetes, as well as reducing sugar and eating more foods such as vegetables, among other practices.
This combined to a more active lifestyle that involves exercise or daily walks, among other measures such as maintaining the appropriate weight.
Remember that a balanced diet is your best ally to prevent many diseases.
Foods with plant-based protein such as legumes (legumes such as beans, broad beans, lentils, among others), nuts and seeds,
As well as foods with animal protein such as fish and lean meats are good options to include in your diet along with vegetables and whole grains.
Many times drastic changes in diet can be difficult so you can start by doing something less significant like changing the type of bread you eat and selecting an elaborate one with whole grains (integral) and without added sugar and then improve your diet and gradually include healthier habits.
As well as maintaining a healthy weight and taking daily walks or exercising, you can help reduce the risk of certain serious diseases in the future.
Source: Mayo Clinic, National Pancreas Foundation.