SCALE 27
PANCREATIC EXOCRINE (DIGESTIVE) DYSFUNCTION
 

CONTENTS

• EXPLANATION
• THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS
• FURTHER ASSESSMENT
• DOCUMENTATION

    The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum (first section of the small intestine). The pancreas secretes powerful digestive enzymes that enter the small intestine through a duct. These enzymes help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones play an important part in metabolizing sugar.

    Among the more common disorders of the pancreas are pancreatitis and diabetes.  When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the condition is called pancreatitis.  This inflammation can be either acute or chronic.  The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is the blockage of the pancreatic duct and the common bile duct by a gallstone.  When this happens, large amounts of pancreatic secretions accumulate in the pancreas and begin to digest the pancreas itself.  Chronic pancreatitis occurs when acute pancreatitis goes on unabated, until the pancreatic function is greatly diminished.

    Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism - the way the body uses digested food for growth and energy.  Most food is broken down by the digestive juices into a simple sugar called glucose. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body.  After digestion, the glucose passes into the bloodstream where it is available for body cells to use for growth and energy. For the glucose to get into the cells, insulin must be present.  The pancreas is supposed to automatically produce the right amount of insulin to move the glucose from the blood into the cells. In people with diabetes, however, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the body cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood, overflows into the urine, and passes out of the body. Thus, the body loses its main source of fuel even though the blood contains large amounts of glucose.

    Edgar Cayce often recommended spinal manipulation for pancreatic dysfunction.  Treatment of the 8th and 9th thoracic centers was often suggested for this organ.  The Basic Cayce Diet supplemented with Jerusalem artichoke as a source of inulin was also frequently prescribed in cases involving sugar imbalances (i.e., diabetes).

MANUAL THERAPY

    Spinal manipulation manipulation to relieve pressures on nerve centers which pancreatic functioning.  The 8th and 9th thoracic should receive special attention.
 

DIET

    The Basic Cayce Diet is likely to be helpful.  If the pancreas is not producing sufficient insulin, the Jerusalem artichoke may be helpful in regulating sugar levels.

    Options for further assessment include:

• Insulin Glucose Tolerance Test for blood/sugar imbalances,
• Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
• Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory
• 63 Zillicoa Street
• Asheville, NC
• (704) 253-0621