Jerusalem Post
ByWALLA! HEALTH
Experts warn: Alcohol, smoking, poor diet, and lack of physical activity burden one of the body’s most important organs.
The pancreas is a small but vital organ located behind the stomach. Its role is twofold: it produces digestive enzymes that help break down food, and hormones such as insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugar levels. Damage to the pancreas can lead to inflammation (pancreatitis), diabetes, and in some cases, cancer. Therefore, it is important to understand which daily habits may harm it.
A new study led by researcher Dipa Kamdar, a senior lecturer at Kingston University, published in The Conversation, highlighted five common risk factors that damage the pancreas over time.
1. Alcohol
Heavy drinking is one of the main causes of pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis manifests as severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting and often requires immediate hospital treatment. Recurrent attacks can develop into chronic pancreatitis, where pancreatic tissue becomes scarred and loses its function—leading to digestive problems, malabsorption of vitamins and fats, diabetes, and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
The study explains that alcohol can cause early activation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas itself—a condition where the organ “digests” itself. Additionally, alcohol thickens pancreatic fluids, causes tiny stones that block ducts, and triggers inflammation. Alcohol breakdown products such as acetaldehyde also directly damage cells.
Current recommendations no longer focus on a few drinks per week but rather advise avoiding alcohol altogether.
2. Smoking
Smoking significantly increases the risk of both acute and chronic pancreatitis, as well as pancreatic cancer. The more a person smokes, the higher the risk. Studies show that quitting smoking reduces the risk, and after 15 years, it may approach that of non-smokers.
Nicotine and other components in smoke cause changes in calcium levels in pancreatic cells, damage DNA, and increase the risk of mutations—particularly in the KRAS gene, which is abnormal in about 90% of pancreatic cancer cases.
3. Poor Diet
A diet high in saturated fats, processed meats, and simple carbohydrates burdens the pancreas.
Gallstones are one of the most common causes of pancreatitis. High cholesterol levels encourage the formation of stones that block the bile duct, preventing the drainage of digestive enzymes and harming the organ.
High triglyceride levels can block tiny blood vessels in the pancreas, leading to cellular damage.
High sugar intake causes sharp spikes in insulin levels, which over time create insulin resistance and may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
4. Obesity
Excess weight is associated with an increased risk of acute and chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Fat can accumulate in the pancreas itself—a condition called “fatty pancreas”—replacing healthy tissue. Additionally, obesity increases chronic inflammation in the body, affects insulin sensitivity, and leads to higher rates of gallstones.
5. Lack of Physical Activity
Prolonged sitting and a sedentary lifestyle reduce insulin sensitivity, which strains the pancreas and increases the risk of diabetes and pancreatic cancer.
Physical activity, on the other hand, supports the immune system, reduces inflammation, improves metabolism, and lowers obesity, thereby potentially reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Recommendations: At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, plus strength training twice a week.
When to See a Doctor?
Pancreatic diseases can be life-threatening. It is important to seek medical evaluation if any of the following occur:
Persistent abdominal pain
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting that does not resolve
Jaundice
Oily or unusually odorous stool
Chronic fatigue
