There are a few areas which may require specific supplementation attention for those with pancreas damage, especially for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) sufferers. This was needed to help me heal and start functioning again. A few key groupings of nutrient rebalancing which helped me, not just with EPI, but also many of the downstream effects of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency are:
1. Deficiencies Rebalancing:
● Macronutrients
Calories for energy through carbohydrates, proteins, fats.
● Micronutrients
Vitamins, minerals, trace elements.
● Phytonutrients
Plant based chemicals such as carotenoids or flavonoids.
● Fatty Acids:
Essential omega-3, -6, and nonessential omega-9.
● Amino Acids:
Essential and nonessential building blocks of protein.
2. Mitochondrial and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Support
Mitochondria are essential organelles in animal and plant cells which are, simply put, the energy power plants of our cells. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy storage that they produce. They are in almost all our cells, and the heart, liver, pancreas, kidneys and muscles contain large amounts due to their high energy demand. Any dysfunction in the mitochondria can have a large impact on your health. Due to the long-term nutrient deficiencies, the energy producing mechanism was possibly no longer functioning optimally. ATP production in cells needs to be supported as much as possible during the healing and recovery time, and beyond. In my case the downstream effects of nutrient deficiencies also caused chronic fatigue symptoms. Providing additional supplementation beside a very healthy balanced diet helped resolve many of my symptoms. Some of the supplements I used included:
● Amino acids
● Antioxidant support
● Intestinal healing support
● Methylation support
● Mitochondrial support
● Neurotransmitter support
● Omega-3
● SIBO, Candida yeast overgrowth resolution support
● Vitamins and minerals
It is important to note that I did do a lot of nutrient testing as well to keep track of improvements and of areas that required more focus. Supplements were cycled in and out, fine-tuned, and after imbalances were resolved taken out of the mix. I now sporadically take supplements if I feel or see an imbalance either through test results or symptoms, as you will learn to listen to your body better through the whole process.