Pancreas – it is an organ of the digestive system that performs two main functions. First – the production of certain enzymes necessary for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats into essential nutrients. Second – the synthesis of hormones that are required to perform various metabolic functions in the body. This article prepared by estet-portal.com is devoted to the endocrine function of the pancreas, namely the role of the balance of insulin and glucagon in burning and storing fat, i.e. in maintaining a normal weight.
Insulin and glucagon – role of pancreatic hormones in weight loss
The endocrine function of the pancreas is carried out by small groups of cells known as the islets of Langerhans. They consist of five types of cells, each of which secretes a specific hormone, namely:
- alpha cells are responsible for the secretion of the hormone glucagon;
- beta cells secrete insulin;
- delta cells secrete somatostatin;
- PP cells (PP cells) secrete pancreatic polypeptide;
- epsilon cells produce ghrelin.
Islands of Langerans – small groups of cells that secrete pancreatic hormones, including insulin and glucagon.
These hormones enter the bloodstream through the capillaries located near the islets of Langerhans, and only insulin and glucagon are directly involved in the process of burning and storing fat.
Insulin: why excessive carbohydrate intake is fraught with obesity and diabetes
Insulin's main function is to transport glucose (derived from carbohydrates and used as the body's main source of energy) to cells, where it is immediately consumed or stored as glycogen molecules for later use.
Energy stored as glycogen is used as "fuel" for muscles during physical activity. When glycogen stores are depleted during intense physical activity or during sleep, they need to be replenished. Glycogen is replenished by eating carbohydrates in the form of starch or sugar.
However, if the glycogen stores are full and carbohydrates continue to enter the body, insulin kicks in and redirects the glucose to be stored as fat, ie. adipose tissue.
If a person frequently consumes carbohydrates in high amounts, blood insulin levels are chronically elevated, which leads to the development of body cell resistance to this hormone and the preferential storage of blood sugar as fat, instead of using it as an energy source. The consequences of such changes are obesity and type 2 diabetes – a serious illness that is dangerous with long-term and life-threatening consequences.
Glucagon – fat burner
Despite the fact that both hormones – insulin and glycogon – produced by cells of the pancreas, their functions are completely opposite. When blood glucose levels are low, glucagon stimulates the mobilization of glycogen stores to keep the body working. Once glycogen stores are depleted, glucagon starts a process called gluconeogenesis – the process of converting fats into glycogen. After that, glycogen under the influence of glucagon is converted into glucose, which is used as an energy source.
Why the balance of insulin and glucagon is important for a beautiful figure and health
Simplifying the above chemical chains, we can summarize: insulin stores energy in fat cells, and glucagon burns fat for energy.
Insulin leads to fat accumulation, while glucagon burns fat.
Ideally, these two processes balance each other, however, there are a number of factors that contribute to the imbalance of insulin and glucagon.
The presence or absence of excess weight, the level of physical activity, as well as the types and amounts of foods you eat, – factors that determine the degree of coordination between insulin and glucagon.
When these two hormones are out of balance, a number of problems arise. Among them:
- constant feeling of hunger;
- Sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels;
- fat accumulation;
- mood swings;
- loss of muscle mass.
It's not that hard to avoid the above problems: include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, opt for whole grains, healthy fats, and "lean" meat. squirrel. Avoid rigid diets and make physical activity an indispensable part of your daily schedule. If you are faced with the problem of excess weight, be sure to consult a doctor in order to select the most effective and safe weight loss program. Estet-portal.com is convinced that the optimal functioning of the pancreas and the balance of insulin and glucagon depend on your lifestyle and eating habits.
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