More about Cinnamon and Pancreatitis

[Guest guest]

Here's a portion of an article about Complementary Therapies for Pancreatitis

that are offered on the University of land Medical Center webpage. You

will see a reference to cinnamon at the very end. It also discusses the

benefits of antioxidants for CP. Many of you know that I take them and am a

strong supporter of their benefits.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

A number of studies have explored the role of oxidative stress in pancreatitis.

Oxidative stress results from the production of free radicals, which are

by-products of metabolism that are harmful to cells in the body. Several ways

to neutralize these deleterious effects have evolved over time. Antioxidants,

for example, help rid the body of free radicals. Insufficient antioxidant levels

in

the blood (including reduced amounts of vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium, and

carotenoids), though, may lead to chronic pancreatitis due to the destructive

effects of increased free radical activity.

Antioxidant deficiency and the risk of developing pancreatitis may be

particularly relevant in areas of the world with low soil concentrations or low

dietary intake of antioxidants. In addition, the cooking and processing of foods

may destroy antioxidants. Alcohol-induced pancreatitis is linked to low levels

of antioxidants as well. There is also some evidence that antioxidant

supplements may eliminate or minimize oxidative stress and help alleviate

pain from chronic pancreatitis.

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Nutrition

As explained, low levels of antioxidants in the blood may make an individual

more prone to develop pancreatitis; at the same time, someone who already

has pancreatitis is more likely to develop deficiencies of the following

nutrients:

* Magnesium – particularly in the case of chronic alcoholism

* Methionine

* Selenium

* Vitamin A

* Vitamin C

* Vitamin E

Some studies do suggest that taking these nutrients mentioned, particularly

the latter five each of which has antioxidant properties, can reduce the pain

from which people with pancreatitis suffer and recover more readily from the

condition. Other potentially valuable supplements to take include:

* Vitamin B12; levels may be low with pancreatitis; works best in this case if

given by injection.

* Soybeans; extracts of soybeans known as polyunsaturated

phosphatidylcholines (PCs) work as antioxidants and have demonstrated

prevention of damage to the pancreas in animal studies.

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Herbs

* Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry) is a traditional Ayurvedic medicinal

plant used to treat pancreatic disorders. It is the richest natural source of

vitamin C. Animal studies further suggest that this herb can be used to

prevent development of pancreatitis.

Individual case reports suggest that traditional Chinese medicines are

effective for the prevention and treatment of pancreatitis including the

following which are also used commonly as both Western and Ayurvedic

treatments of gastrointestinal disorders:

* Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

* Ginger root (Zingiber officinale)

* Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), 

* Peony root(Paeonia officinalis) 

* Cinnamon Chinese bark (Cinnamomum verum)

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With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina Rep.

Southeast Rep., PAI

Note: All comments or advice is based on personal experience or opinion,

and should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.