Experts and doctors warn against negative daily practices that cause aging over time and damage the health of the pancreas. While some believe aging begins in the heart or brain, the truth is that the pancreas, the organ directly responsible for regulating metabolic functions, is the first to be affected by increased strain—in other words, it is the first organ to suffer from aging.
Dr. Mark Gadzian, a urologist, explained that the pancreas performs two essential functions: producing enzymes to digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, and regulating blood sugar levels through the hormones insulin and glucagon.
When it works non-stop or becomes overworked, metabolic functions and other organs, such as the liver, intestines, blood vessels, and nervous system, are affected.
Practices That Cause Aging
Dr. Gadzian added that the problem lies in the fact that damage to the pancreas is often caused by common morning habits that many people consider harmless.
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1. Avoid Sugary Breakfasts
Many people start their day with foods that may contain sugars, such as sweetened yogurt, cereal with milk, chocolate cakes, pastries, white bread, or juices. While this may seem harmless, it actually causes significant damage to the pancreas.
Sugarys cause a sharp rise in blood glucose levels, forcing the body to immediately produce insulin to process the sugar, which puts a daily strain on the pancreas.
According to Dr. Gadzian, "Eating just one slice of white bread in the morning causes a sharp spike in blood sugar, as if you were injecting yourself with glucose intravenously." Over the years, the cells of the pancreas become depleted, and insulin production decreases, increasing the risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes.
The doctor recommends replacing a sweet breakfast with a balanced or protein-rich option, such as an omelet, cottage cheese, whole-grain bread, unsweetened yogurt, or vegetables, to ensure stable blood sugar levels and protect the pancreas.
2. Constant Snacking
Some dietary guidelines recommend eating small meals several times a day, but this isn't healthy for the pancreas. Each meal stimulates insulin production, and when the intervals between meals are short, the pancreas doesn't recover. The expected result is chronic fatigue, drowsiness, and weight gain.
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Gadzian points out that frequent "healthy" snacks like nuts, bananas, or protein bars can be harmful because they keep the pancreas working non-stop. He recommends leaving at least 3 to 4 hours between meals, during which you can drink water, herbal tea, or black coffee without sugar to give the pancreas a chance to rest and restore normal blood sugar levels.
3. Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach in the Morning
Experts explain that coffee is part of many people's morning rituals, but drinking it on an empty stomach puts a strain on the stomach and digestive system. Caffeine stimulates the production of gastric juices and increases acidity, and it also raises the level of cortisol – the stress hormone – forcing the pancreas to work under increased pressure, producing enzymes and hormones even without food.
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