Pancreatitis is a rare disease involving an inflammation of the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach which secretes powerful digestive enzymes that aid in digesting fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon, which both play an important part in metabolizing sugar in the body.

The pancreas becomes damaged when the digestive enzymes are activated and begin attacking it. In severe cases, bleeding into the gland may occur as well as serious tissue damage, infection, and cysts. Enzymes and toxins can also seriously injure organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys by entering the blood stream.

Two forms of pancreatitis exist, acute & chronic. The acute form occurs suddenly and may be very serious and even life-threatening but in most cases, the patient recovers completely. Further damage to the pancreas can occur if a patient drinks alcohol on a persistent basis and can result in the chronic form of the disease which brings with it severe pain and reduced functioning of the pancreas.

Acute pancreatitis affects an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 people in the United States each year. Acute pancreatitis is typically caused by either alcohol abuse or gallstones. Smoking is also linked to chronic pancreatitis. Other causes may include:

- Trauma or surgery to the abdomen

- Abnormalities of the pancreas or intestine

- Infections, such as mumps (in rare cases)

- Prescription Medications (here’s the millionth reason to stay away from this stuff)

Typical signs & symptoms of Acute pancreatitis include:

- Severe Pain in the Upper Abdomen

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Fever

- Increased Pulse Rate

About 2 out of 10 cases of pancreatitis are severe and may involve dehydration, low blood pressure, and even heart, lung, or kidney failure. In the most severe cases, bleeding can occur in the pancreas, leading to shock and sometimes death. Severe acute pancreatitis usually requires a hospital stay.

In more than 90 percent of adult patients, chronic pancreatitis usually results from many years of alcohol abuse. A person can experience just one acute attack and then the chronic form may develop, especially if there is damage to the ducts of the pancreas.

For people with chronic pancreatitis, weight loss is often the biggest symptom, even when the appetite and eating habits are normal. Reason being is the body does not secrete enough pancreatic enzymes to break down food, leaving nutrients unabsorbed and lost in the stool. A person with chronic pancreatitis may also develop diabetes at this stage if the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (islet cells) have been damaged.

The best way to prevent pancreatitis is by maintaining a healthy & balanced diet, restricting alcohol intake and making regular exercise part of your daily regimen. Those with acute pancreatitis should stop drinking alcoholic beverages and eat a low fat diet.

Some beneficial dietary supplements include:

Chromium Picolinate (300 - 600 mcg daily) Helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Garlic (take as directed on label) - Powerful antioxidant with antiviral properties. Kyolic from Wakunaga is my brand of choice.

Calcium (1,500 mg daily) - Works closely with magnesium.

Magnesium (1,000 mg daily in chelate form) - Counteracts glandular disorders.

Vitamin B Complex (50 mg of each major B vitamin 3 times daily) - Aids in reducing stress.

Pancreatin (take as directed on label with food) - Needed to restore the pancreatic deficiency, which is common in those with pancreatitis.

Kyo-Dophilus from Wakunaga (take as directed on label) - Replaces "friendly" bacteria & aids in digestion.

Raw Pancreas Glandular (take as directed on label) - Contains certain proteins needed to heal the pancreas.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (1,000 mg 4 times daily) - A powerful antioxidant that destroys free radicals.

Grape Seed Extract (take as directed on label) - A potent anti-inflammatory.

Barley Grass (take as directed on label) - Heals pancreatitis.

Bitter Melon (take as directed on label) - Good for the pancreas.

Goldenseal (take as directed on label) - Helpful for pancreatic disorders.

Selenium (200 mcg daily) - Reduces toxic metals in the body.

Multivitamin and Mineral Complex (take as directed on label) - Provides all necessary nutrients required for optimal health.

Download a special F-R-E-E 38 page report titled, “The Best Natural Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure, Reduce Your Waistline and Take Back Your Health:”