PHYSICAL WELLNESS

your digestive + blood sugar regulator

THE PANCREAS

Your pancreas is like a dual-function kitchen appliance — part food processor, part thermostat.
It helps you digest food and keeps your blood sugar in balance.

It works quietly in the background, but without it, your body couldn’t process nutrients or regulate energy properly.

Your pancreas:

  • Produces digestive enzymes to break down proteins, fats, and carbs

  • Releases bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid entering the small intestine

  • Makes insulin to lower blood sugar after eating

  • Makes glucagon to raise blood sugar when it gets too low

  • Helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day

  • Supports overall metabolism and nutrient absorption

PANCREAS BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for pancreas related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Enzymes - Proteins that break down food into absorbable parts

Bicarbonate - A base that neutralizes stomach acid in the small intestine

Insulin - A hormone that helps move sugar from blood into cells for energy

Glucagon - A hormone that raises blood sugar by releasing stored glucose

Endocrine Function - Hormone production (insulin, glucagon)

Exocrine Function - Enzyme and bicarbonate production for digestion

Pancreatitis - Inflammation of the pancreas that can disrupt digestion and blood sugar control

WHAT THE PANCREAS WORKS WITH

THE pancreas + OTHER SYSTEMS

  • Stomach → Receives chyme and signals the pancreas to release enzymes

  • Small Intestine → Gets enzymes and bicarbonate from the pancreas for digestion

  • Liver → Works together to manage blood sugar and metabolism

  • Gallbladder → Releases bile alongside pancreatic enzymes for fat digestion

  • Bloodstream → Carries insulin and glucagon to cells throughout the body

A healthy pancreas:

  • Ensures you can digest and absorb nutrients from your food

  • Keeps blood sugar in a healthy range — preventing crashes and spikes

  • Supports steady energy and brain function

  • Helps protect long-term metabolic health

When the pancreas is stressed or damaged, it can lead to poor digestion, nutrient deficiencies, or blood sugar problems like diabetes.

Your pancreas may be small, but it’s a powerhouse of both digestion and energy regulation.