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Semmelweis-Institut GmbHVerlag für Naturheilkunde · 27316 Hoya · Germany 1

The PancreasMediator between Metabolism and Sensory Organs

byDr. Anita Kracke, Naturopath


Anyone who comprehends the teachingof Christ feels like a bird, unaware untilthat point that it had wings, and nowsuddenly grasping the fact that it canfly and be free, with nothing more to fear.

Leo Tolstoy

INTRODUCTIONDespite intensive research, the illnessesof the pancreas are hard to grasp indiagnostic terms. As well as this, so faras the true causes and circumstanceswhich lead to dysfunction are concerned,we still await the answers to a lot ofunsolved questions.

The following is true of pancreaticillnesses: the less characteristic thecomplaint and the scantier the objectiveevidence in some presenting abdominalillness, the greater is the likelihood thatchronic pancreatitis is present. Simplybecause the symptoms are so unspecificin nature, one might be led to suspectthat the pancreas is an organ withcomprehensive tasks to fulfil, and of greatsignificance for the body as a whole.

The pains of pancreatitis are many andvaried, and may lead the prescriberastray, bearing in mind that they canextend over the whole upper abdomen,boring right through to the back ortravelling behind the sternum leftwardsinto the area of the spleen and kidneys

Fig.1: Position and supply of the pancreas: Aorta with Truncus coeliacus (Tripus Halleri),vascular supply of the pancreas. The stomach is not shown; A. gastroepiploica dextra has beencut off. (From: Lehrbuch der gesamten Anatomie des Menschen (=Manual of the entire humananatomy), publ. T.H. Schlieber and W. Schmidt, 3rd ed., Berlin 1983)

or upwards to the heart, into the leftshoulder and arm. In so doing they canmimic an attack of angina pectoris.Indeed, within this context, an ECG maywell detect circulatory disturbances ofthe heart, and a deathly pain may occursuch as is experienced in angina pectorisor cardiac infarction.

The pancreas forms part of the body’srhythmic system and includes importantfunctions of the ego. The far-reachingdisturbance of a person’s rhythmicorganisation which occurs in a cardiacinfarct, and in an acute pancreatic crisiswith oedema or necrosis, or chronicpancreatitis with symptoms of a cardiacinfarct or angina pectoris, demonstratesthe close connection between these twoorgans of the centre and of harmony.

EMBRYOLOGYEmbryologically the pancreas (thecommon German name means‘abdominal salivary gland’) developsfrom the same epithelial tissue as the smallintestine. The so-called hepatopancreaticring takes shape, and from one side ofthis the liver develops, and from the otherside, out of the epithelial tissue of thesmall intestine, the pancreas, positioneddorsally and ventrally. The ventral budmigrates around the duodenum, resultingin a fusion of the two positions and,finally, also in the union of the excretory

ducts of the pancreas, which nowappears as one compact organ. Fromthese various positions the parts of thepancreas are formed, which appearmacroscopically later on. The Corpusand Cauda develop from the dorsalposition, and the Head of the pancreasdevelops from the ventral position.Correspondingly the various parts of theexcretory ducts are formed from parts ofthe ventral and dorsal positions. In thesecond and third embryonic monthsnumerous branched epithelial budsdevelop which, even at this stage, hintat the later lobulate structure. The cellsof these epithelial buds divide, thusforming the fine tubules for the secretionof the pancreatic juices to be formed later.At the end of this tubular system we findspherical buds; these are the divisibleglandular units of the exocrine pancreas.

The Islets of Langerhans, which areclassified in their entirety as insularorgans, are small epithelial complexesdeveloping out of the embryonicexcretory ducts and acini. They becomedisconnected from their tissue of origin,become surrounded by connective tissueand well supplied by capillary blood-vessels. And thus the separationbetween the exocrine and endocrineportions of the pancreas is complete.

There are cases in which the pancreas,even after birth, surrounds the smallintestine, or in which separated portionsof pancreatic tissue occur on the wall ofthe small intestine, with separateexcretory ducts. Such formations mayeven result in stenosis of the smallintestine.

The fully formed pancreas, which issituated between the lamellae of themesoduodenum is about 13-15 cm. longand weighs 70-90g. Finally the excretoryducts have a common opening with theDuctus choledocus into the duodenumat the Papilla of Vater.

THE EXCRETORY PANCREASIn the space of one day a healthy adultpancreas produces between one and twolitres of pancreatic juice, which flows intothe duodenum to neutralise the acidicchyme from the stomach. Thus thesecretion is especially rich in Sodium


bicarbonate and also contains the mostlyinactive precursors of the digestiveenzymes, whose purpose is to breakdown the fats, carbohydrates andproteins in the duodenum. Initially thecomposition of the pancreatic secretioncompletely matches that of blood plasma,so far as its concentration of electrolytesis concerned. Only gradually does thecontent of Na+ ions and HCO3- ionsincrease, at the same time as theconcentration of Cl- ions decreases. Theexchange of Cl- ions for HCO3- ions takesplace in the cells of the luminal membraneof the small pancreatic ducts (ductules),by means of an anion exchanger. This isan active secretory process affectingHCO3- ions when Cl- ions aresimultaneously being taken into the cell.This process requires energy. As well asthis, Cl- ions are repeatedly released intothe lumen of the pancreatic ductules viacertain open Cl- ion channels so as toenable a continuous secretion of HCO3-ions into the lumen, in exchange for theCl- ions. (In the event of mucoviscidosisthese channels are defective, whichresults in the secretory function of thepancreas being severely disordered.)The secretion of HCO3- ions is madepossible by the enzyme carboanhydrase.For every HCO3- ion which is secreted,an H+ ion leaves the cell to pass into theblood.

The secretion of pancreatic juices iscontrolled by the vagus nerve and bythe hormones cholecystokinin andsecretin. There is a so-called feedback

loop, by means of which the inflow ofcholecystokinin can be halted. Thevehicle for this is the quantity of trypsinwhich is found in the lumen of the smallintestine. Secretin raises the level ofsecretion of HCO3- from the pancreaticductules. The whole process isintensified by cholecystokinin andacetylcholine, because they raise thecytosolic concentration of Ca2+ ions.The hormones also influence theexpression of genes by the pancreaticenzymes.

The pancreatic enzymes areindispensable for digestion. They allhave an optimum pH of 7-8. If the HCO3-secretion is too slight, then the chymeremains acidic and the task of digestionis not carried out satisfactorily.Indigestion then occurs.

The breakdown of proteins is achievedby means of proteases, which are formedin the pancreas as precursors. Not untilthese enzyme precursors arrive in the gutare they activated by enteropeptidase.Initially trypsin is formed from itsprecursor and, for its part, thisreactivates chymotrypsinogen intochymotrypsin and the other protease-precursors, into pancreas-elastaseamong others. Should this activationtake place within the pancreas, it resultsin the organ digesting itself; this is knownas acute pancreatic necrosis.

Carbohydrates are broken down bymeans of alpha-amylase. However, what

initially occurs is only a separation ofglycogen and starch; the remainingbreakdown is carried out by theappropriate enzymes in the mucosalglands of the small intestine.

The digestion of fat is enabled bypancreatic lipase. Like alpha-amylase,this too is secreted by the pancreas asan active enzyme. In order to be effective,however, it requires further co-lipases,which are sourced from pro-co-lipaseswith the assistance of trypsin. For thedigestion of fat, gallic acids are likewiserequired as co-factors.

There are further enzymes besides, suchas phospholipase, elastase, DNase,RNase, etc. The variety and significanceof enzymes can not be overlooked.

Illnesses of the excretory pancreasThe illnesses which may affect theexcretory portion of the pancreas maybe divided into:1. congenital diseases2. pancreatitis3. pancreatic cysts4. carcinoma of the pancreas.

Regarding the first of these. In the caseof congenital diseases, the anlage of apancreas anulare may lead to severestenoses of the duodenum, which mustbe diagnostically differentiated fromacute pancreatitis. Frequently surgicalintervention is required. Dispersedpancreatic tissue may be found in all areasof the stomach and small intestine, and

Fig.2: Explanations of the development of liver and pancreas. a 30 days; b 35-day-old embryo. The ventral pancreatic bud adjoins the liverdiverticulum and later migrates around the duodenum in a dorsal direction, towards the dorsal pancreatic position; c 40 days; d 45-day-oldembryo. The ventral pancreatic position now closely adjoins the dorsal. The dorsal pancreatic duct opens into the duodenum via the papilla min.,and the ventral duct via the papilla of Vater. In d the fusion of the pancreatic ducts is shown. (After Langmann, 1970). (From: Lehrbuch dergesamten Anatomie des Menschen (=Manual of the entire human anatomy), publ. T.H. Schlieber and W. Schmidt, 3rd ed., Berlin 1983)


also in Meckel’s diverticula.Complications may occur in the shape ofinflammations, constrictions of theintestinal lumen and ulceration of themucosa with perforation andhaemorrhaging.

Another congenital disease of thepancreas is cystic pancreatic fibrosis inmucoviscidosis. In this disease all theexcretory glands of the digestive andbronchial tracts exude an extremelyviscid secretion. The skin is also affected.(Like the pancreas, it is one of the organswhich form part of the warmth-and-egoorganisation.) Heavy losses of saltensue, since under genetic influences thechloride balance is upset (sweat test).The problems with indigestion can bebalanced in the long term by takingenzymes and orthomolecular substances.The patients’ fate is decided in mostcases by the chronic obstructive lungdisease. There are some cases which donot manifest until middle age.

Treatment of cystic pancreatic fibrosisis very difficult. The therapist shouldalways bear in mind the two regulators,MUCOKEHL and NIGERSAN in the formof 5X drops, with the emphasis very muchon MUCOKEHL. They can be rubbed inalternately on the abdomen around thenavel, or the combined preparationSANKOMBI 5X may be used. Inasthmatic patients we know howimportant it is for them to take mucolytics.We recommend herbal teas containingribwort, linseed, mallow and, in additionto these, teas which combat colonisationby bacteria (thyme, sage, lavender,marigold, horsetail). Using hot poulticesquantities of fluids and warmth can beapplied to the surface of the back, whichalso results in a loosening of the mucusin the body, and especially in the lungs.Because of the loss of chloride ions thebody also gives off an increased amountof Na+ ions, which are then unavailablefor the synthesis of alkaline substances(e.g. NaHCO3). Thus it is certainly ofgreat importance for these patients to begiven food rich in minerals - includingvegetable juices. At any rate, they shouldkeep to a diet which is rich in complexcarbohydrates, to guarantee an optimumlevel of energy. Considering the highprotein content of the particularly

viscous secretions, we should also givesome thought to the higher complexcarbohydrate content of the diet. TheSANUKEHLS Staph 6X and Pseu 6X areextremely important forimmunomodulation. They can be rubbedinto the hollow of the elbow in dailyalternation. Beginning with 1-2 drops aday, the dose can eventually be increasedto 4-8 drops, depending on the age ofthe patient.

Regarding 2 above. Inflammations of thepancreas occur primarily in theinterstitial tissue of this organ. In theacute stage an exudate is formed here,which may be serous, serofibrinous oreven purulent. However, the clinicalpicture depends strongly on whether ornot the glandular parenchyma isinvolved in the disease process. Whatis particularly problematic is the trypticautodigestive process which mayaccompany this disease. There is asuspicion that this symptomatology issustained by digestive or lysosomalenzymes which are secreted, along withtoxic components. Necroses, abscessesand even peritoneal involvement are allpossible. In the liquefied tissue kallikreinis released; this is a protease which splitsoff vaso-active polypeptides, kinins,from their precursors. These kinins setoff the severe pains of pancreatitis, andcause vasodilation throughout the bodywith haemorrhaging and, in the end,possibly also a state of shock fromvolume deficiency. Reference was madeabove to the damage to the heart muscleand the associated symptomatology inthis context. But damage is also sufferedby the other vital organs such as lungs(respiratory insufficiency), liver (elevatedtransaminase levels, biliary congestion)and brain (encephalopathy). At least wemay look to the complete intestinal atonyon the one hand and the pancreaticoedema on the other as causative agentsof the shock.

The most frequent cause of pancreatitisis mechanical obstruction of the commonduct from the gallbladder and pancreasby gallstones or similar concrements. Aswell as this, the pancreas may becomeinflamed following a viral infection (suchas mumps, hepatitis) or an infection byother germs (e.g. typhus), which

generally attack the whole gut orportions of it. Traumas (includingsurgery) may also trigger inflammations.Recurring inflammations may berepeatedly triggered by the pancreaticsecretion becoming congested as aconsequence of cicatrisation fromprevious inflammations, or if calculi formfrom the secretion, and also from theformation of viscous secretion becauseit contains too high a concentration ofprotein. Such congestions play asignificant role in the development ofchronic calcifying pancreatitis followingchronic alcohol abuse. Other triggersmay be found in hypercalcaemia,starvation dystrophy, chronic renalinsufficiency, prolonged use of steroidhormones and the like. There are alsomany other disorders from the metabolicarea which may provoke acute or chronicpancreatitis. Depending on the region, afifth of the inflammatory episodes of apancreatitis case may be attributed toalcohol consumption, which must beabsolutely avoided because of itscytotoxic action; it is also responsiblefor the strong protein content of thesecretion.

Again and again the prominent symptomin pancreatic inflammation is the severepain, described by patients as‘devastating’.

Treatment of pancreatitisAlongside, or especially following,orthodox treatment of an acute attack,the therapist should take care torecommend a light diet, as this willlighten the burden on the liver, and - inthe long-term - on the pancreas and thegut also. Animal proteins and fatsshould be strictly avoided, as shouldacidifying luxuries such as coffee, blacktea, and alcohol. Vegetable broths andvegetable juices provide the body withthe necessary minerals, vitamins andother useful plant-based substances; atthe same time they support the patient’sregenerative powers. A diet of steamedvegetables, low in irritants, is indicated,to which small quantities of good-qualityvegetable oil may gradually be added(e.g. rape-seed or, later, linseed). Thequantity of oil can be augmented from 1tsp. to 3-4 tsp. daily, with linseed oil


gradually taking precedence as time goesby.

From the range of isopathic remediesFORTAKEHL 5X and NOTAKEHL 5Xdrops are the medicines of preference,given on alternating days, to regulate theinflammatory processes and theintestinal flora. For adult patients at theacute stage the recommended dosage is5 drops three times a day, to be rubbedin or taken orally. In particularly severecases this may be increased to 5 drops 5times a day. A precondition of this is goodcapacity for elimination, and this can beimproved by alkaline baths (1tablespoonful of ALKALA N in thebath). The patient should remain in thebath for about half-an-hour. If bathingthe whole body is not tolerated, foot- andarm-baths may be given. Should a viralinfection be suspected, thenQUENTAKEHL is the remedy of choice;this is likewise available as 5X drops andmay be administered by rubbing in ororally, as indicated above forFORTAKEHL and NOTAKEHL.

In chronic pancreatitis likewise, a logicaldietary adjustment is preferable; so faras possible a vegan diet should beintroduced, along with the above-mentioned oils. The main remedy here isEXMYKEHL 3X suppositories, once ortwice a day per rectum. Here too thepatient must be de-acidified by means ofalkaline baths, and a pinch of ALKALAN should also be taken orally in water, ashot as possible, in the morning on anempty stomach and in the eveningsbefore going to sleep. Two SANUVIStablets should be sucked in the morningand one CITROKEHL tablet in theevening. These remedies should not begiven in the form of drops on account ofthe alcohol content. In the event oflactose intolerance the drops (1tablespoonful of SANUVIS or 5-10 dropsCITROKEHL) should be briskly stirredinto very warm water so as to dispel thealcohol. For the same reason the patientshould take 5-10 drops of ZINKOKEHL3X in warm water in the evenings, afterstirring briskly. To energise the pancreas,5-8 drops of PINIKEHL 5X should berubbed in or taken orally in the middle ofthe day, as should 1-2 capsules ofMAPURIT.

Particularly in cases of chronicpancreatitis, hot potato poultices are verybeneficial when applied to the wholeupper abdomen. A blend of oils can alsobe prepared for application. For thispurpose 1 dsp. of sesame oil is carefullyheated in a bain-marie. To this are added5-10 drops of essential oil of lavender. Alinen napkin (10x15 cm.) is soaked in thisand applied warm to the appropriate areaof the upper abdomen. The oil-soakedcloth is covered with a piece of lint, alayer of cotton-wool (or possibly a sheetof plastic), and on top of this is placed ahot water bottle and appropriatedressings. Good results are likewiseobtained from a poultice of boiled linseedapplied to the upper abdomen.

A herbal infusion which comes to mindas very useful is e.g. a blend of equalparts of crampweed [Potentilla anserina](antispasmodic), marigold flowers(vulnerary), yarrow flowers(detoxification, anti-inflammatory,general healing) and mugwort (gentlestimulation of the flow of juices in thegastro-intestinal tract andsupplementary glands). 1 litre of boilingwater is poured over one teaspoonful ofthe blended herbs, covered and left toinfuse for 10 minutes. It is then strainedand drunk at intervals during the latemorning. The tea should always be drunkbefore meals, leaving an interval of atleast 5 minutes before beginning themeal. If required the same quantity maybe drunk in the afternoon until 17.30 hrs.,otherwise it is prudent to drink a tea forthe kidneys and bladder at this time, inorder to improve renal function. For thispurpose I would recommend a blend ofequal parts of nettles, golden rod andbirch leaves. In this case the dosage ofthe blend may be increased to 2 tsp. perlitre of water. The method of preparationis the same.

The bark of the Haronga tree (Harunganamadagascariensis) promotes the flow ofbile and pancreatic juices; however, it isonly indicated for minor insufficiency ofthe pancreas.

Regarding 3 above. As regardspancreatic cysts, we may distinguishbetween genuine, epithelially coatedcysts and pseudocysts. In most cases

genuine cysts contain a clear fluid.These cysts often arise as a sequela ofpancreatitis or cystic fibrosis. They areoften associated with cysticdegeneration of the kidney. Pseudocystsmay also contain fluid, which resemblesblood, and frequently have a traumaticcause.

Treatment of pancreatic cystsApart from attention to diet and thebody’s internal milieu, the main remedyin the treatment of pancreatic cysts isNIGERSAN. An injection of NIGERSAN5X, 6X or 7X can be given once weekly,simultaneously with an ampoule ofCITROKEHL and, on days when noinjection is given, the 5X drops shouldbe taken orally or rubbed into the upperabdomen; with adults initially 5 drops areused twice daily, increasing to 10 dropstwice daily. It is always prudent tosupport this treatment with PINIKEHL5X, 5-8 drops once a day, and 1-2capsules of MAPURIT. Thedetoxificatory role of the liver should beassisted with SILVAYSAN, and herbalinfusions are indicated, as are purgativeswhich stimulate the lymphatic flow.When the first bottle of NIGERSAN 5Xis finished, consideration should begiven as to whether it would not besensible to prescribe 10 drops ofSANKOMBI 5X in the mornings and acapsule of NIGERSAN 4X in theevenings. Along with the NIGERSAN inthe evenings, a CITROKEHL tabletshould always be sucked.

In the case of pseudocysts, MUCOKEHLand NIGERSAN are often of equal value;in that case we prescribe MUCOKEHL5X drops to be rubbed into the upperabdomen and taken orally in the mornings(10 drops altogether) and, in theevenings, the same dosage andapplication of NIGERSAN 5X drops. Aswell as these, the patient takes 2SANUVIS tablets in the morning and 1CITROKEHL tablet in the evening.

Regarding 4 above. Carcinoma of thepancreasThis is a diagnosis which is often onlymade very late on, and often too late.The prime approaches from the naturaltherapist’s point of view involvetreatments to detoxify, to de-acidify and


to remove metabolic waste. Foci ofinfection and disruptive fields must besought out and disposed of. The patientrequires comprehensive supple-mentation with minerals, trace elementsand secondary botanical agents fromfreshly pressed vegetable sources, alongthe lines propounded by Dr. Max Gerson.According to Dr. Johanna Budwig’sdiscoveries, vegetable oils, particularlylinseed oil, contribute electrons whichreactivate the cell metabolism. Of theSANUM remedies it is conceivable thatEXMYKEHL, NOTAKEHL, NIGERSANand MUCOKEHL could be given,depending on the patient’s eliminativecapacity, in daily alternation, in the formof 3X suppositories. The immuno-modulators LATENSIN, RECARCIN,UTILIN, UTILIN “H“ and UTILIN “S“also have a role to play.

THE INCRETORY PANCREASAs well as its excretory functions, whichcontribute to the breakdown ofcomponents of our food, the pancreasalso fulfils important endocrinefunctions.

Central to our energy metabolism isglucose. The concentration of glucosein the blood plasma (blood-sugar level)depends on how much is being used atany given time and on thecomplementary production of glucose.The breakdown of sugar in the body maytake place aerobically or anaerobically,the process is generally referred to asglycolysis.

By the term glycogenesis the formationof glycogen from glucose is understood.This occurs mainly in the liver and themusculature and serves to provide sugarstorage and a rapid availability ofglucose. The opposite is glycogenolysis,by means of which glycogen is brokendown into glucose. Gluconeogenesis isa process by which glucose is createdfrom non-sugary substances. This maybe from amino-acids, e.g. glutamine, fromlactate, which is produced by anaerobicglycolysis, and from glycerine.

The critical organ for the wholecarbohydrate metabolism is the islets ofLangerhans in the pancreas. There arethree distinct types of cell in the

pancreas, A-cells, B-cells and D-cells.25% of the islet cells are A-cells (or α-cells), which produce glucagon; 60% areB-cells (or β-cells) and produce insulin,and a further 10% are D-cells, whichproduce somatostatin. These hormonesinfluence each other in formative andsecretory functions, although theprecise mechanism is not clearlyunderstood. The islet cells of the headof the pancreas additionally producepancreatic polypeptide, whosephysiological function, however, is notclear.

The functions of the pancreatichormones may be defined as follows:

1. Storage of the energy taken in in theform of glycogen and fat, with the aidof insulin,

2. Mobilisation of energy reserves attimes of hunger, during work or instressful situations, throughglucagon (and adrenalin),

3. Stabilisation of the blood-sugar level,4. Promotion of growth.

By referring to this list it may be easilyunderstood how profoundly thepancreatic hormones impinge on ourmetabolism and particularly on ourenergy levels. According to this list it isinsulin which has the greatestsignificance for the metabolism.

InsulinInsulin is a peptide. This means that,when it is lacking, a direct oralreplacement is not possible, since it isdenatured and broken down by thedigestive process. In general it may bestated that insulin is composed of twopeptide chains which are linked togetherby two disulphide bridges. The half-lifeof insulin is c. 5-8 minutes. It is brokendown primarily in the liver and kidneys.The release of insulin from the B-cells iscontrolled by a rise in the blood-sugarconcentration. At the same time theglucose level in the B-cells rises via thecapillary blood-supply.

This finally effects a depolarisation ofthe B-cells, by means of a closing of thepotassium channels and an opening ofthe calcium channels, through which aninflow of calcium takes place. As a result

of the increased inflow of Ca2+ into theB-cells, an exocytosis of insulin occurs,with simultaneous opening of the K+

channels, through which the incretion ofinsulin is switched off again as afeedback reaction. During digestion theB-cells experience a particular stimulusto release insulin, which comes viacholinergic vagus threads, via gastrinand secretin. Certain amino-acids, suchas arginine and leucine also promote therelease of insulin, as do also free fattyacids, pituitary hormones and a fewsteroid hormones. Thus there are manyfactors, plus hormonal or quasi-hormonalsubstances, which intervene in thisregulatory mechanism.

The release of insulin is inhibited byadrenalin and noradrenalin, whose taskit is to ensure that the blood-sugar levelrises. Somatostatin also maintains abalance between the A-cells and B-cells.In situations of ongoing severe stressor, e.g., during fasting or hunger, thedepressed blood-sugar level is registeredby sensors in the CNS, and via this routethe sympathetic nervous system isstimulated and thereby insulinproduction is inhibited. On the other handwe know that a basic release of insulinalways occurs at times of hunger, at alevel of about 10-20 BE.

Insulin depresses the blood-sugar levelby stimulating those enzymes which areresponsible for glycolysis andglycogenogenesis, especially in the liver.In this way two-thirds of the glucosearriving during digestion following a mealis stored as glycogen. In the phasesbetween meals these reserves can thenbe mobilised by means of the insulinantagonist, glucagon, whoseconcentration in the blood is alwaysconsiderably lower than that of insulin.This is particularly true with regard tothe CNS, which is heavily dependent ona good energy supply for its properfunctioning. However, insulin does notonly regulate the sugar-level in theblood, it also promotes the storage of awide range of amino-acids as protein,especially in the skeletal musculature. Itworks anabolically, constructively. Aswell as this, it also has a role to play infat metabolism by inhibiting lipolysis, so


here too it acts constructively, or at leastas a preservative.

Fluctuations in the incretion of insulinmake their presence felt particularly inthe sugar metabolism. If there is too muchinsulin there is a lack of sugar,hypoglycaemia, which may culminate inhypoglycaemic shock because the CNSis under-supplied. If, on the other hand,the carbohydrate intake is too great, thebody’s glycogen storage capacity isoverstretched. The reserves areconverted to fats and stored astriglycerides. As well as this we haverecently become aware from Prof.Wendt’s research last century that suchsugars form compounds with proteins,by means of which both these basicbuilding blocks may be stored, e.g. ascollagen.

Diseases of the incretory pancreas.The best-known dysfunction of thesugar metabolism is diabetes mellitus, orsugar diabetes. In this case theconcentration of glucose in the blood iselevated, hyperglycaemia, and excessglucose is eliminated via the kidneys.With regard to this, it was Prof. Wendt,again, who pointed out that there arethree forms of hyperglycaemia.

a) Activity hyperglycaemia in healthypeople: when human activity increasesthere is also an increased glucoserequirement, which needs to be satisfiedby an elevated blood-sugar level.

b)Compensated activity hypergly-caemia in Type 1 diabetes (juvenileonset): because of insulin deficiency itis not possible for the muscle cells tocreate glycogen from glucose in order tostore energy. Thus, in an emergency,there is no glycogen reserve to fall backon. The person is therefore lacking inenergy and feeble. The body thereforereleases glucose from storage into thebloodstream to make good the deficiencyin the circulation; the blood-sugar levelrises. On the other hand, because of theinsulin deficiency, the glucose which isconsumed in the food is not convertedto glycogen for storage, and this likewiseresults in hyperglycaemia. In the cellitself glucose can be converted toglycogen without any insulin beingpresent; however, this is a very slowprocess, and the reserves which are thuscreated do not go very far when physicalwork is being performed.

c) Congestive hyperglycaemia: it is Prof.Wendt’s understanding that a lack ofglucose in the cell is the result of

thickening of the basement membrane ofthe vascular wall, particularly in thecapillary area. When the basementmembrane of the capillary epithelium ishealthy we also have healthy diffusionpressures in the blood-vessels.However, if the basement membrane isthickened, e.g. by fatty protein and acorresponding storage of sugar-proteinmaterials, then the diffusion timeincreases by the square of the distance.In a diabetic, for instance, the basementmembrane is three times as thick as in ahealthy person. The diffusion time isthen 3x3=9 times longer than in a healthyperson. In the person with congestivehyperglycaemia therefore the cell onlyreceives a ninth of what it would insomeone with a healthy basementmembrane. The starving body-cellsignals its deficiency by expressingpeptides, and glycosidic centres transmittheir signals to the glucose stores; thesethen release glucose until the samecentres feed back a command to stop.These are the explanations arising fromProf. Wendt’s understanding.

Classification of diabetes mellitusOrthodox medicine makes a crudedistinction between Diabetes mellitus(DM) Type I, with an absolute lack ofinsulin, and Type II, with reduced

Fig.3: Primary structure of porcine insulin (in several other books the S-S bridges appear simply as linking axes Cys-Cys). (From: KlinischePathophysiologie (= Clinical Pathophysiology), edited by Walter Siegenthaler, 6th ed. 1987, publ. G. Thieme Verlag.)


effectiveness of insulin - “insulinresistance“ - where in most cases thereis an elevated insulin level in the blood.There is an assumption that the tendencyto become diabetic is inherited.

1. Juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus(Type I)The view of orthodox medicine is that,where there is a pre-existing geneticpredisposition, damage (or evendestruction) of the β-cells of thepancreas follows some viral infectionwhich has caused a childhood disease(e.g. measles, mumps, rubella, coxsackievirus). That can trigger an auto-immunedisease, which eventually leads to anongoing destruction of the insulin-producing cells. Mumps viruses areparticularly dangerous in this respect,because they have a special affinity forthe tissue of salivary glands. Allegedlythey penetrate the islet cells and destroythem, or damage them to the extent thatthey are no longer recognised asbelonging to the body, so that an allergicreaction is triggered. In favour of such aprocess is the fact that in freshlydiagnosed diabetics a powerful releaseof insulin is encountered - to the extentthat the islet is exhausted - plus anunhealthy deposit of lymph. In thesepatients islet-cell antibodies may bedetected at an early stage; after yearstheir level gradually subsides again afterthe auto-immune processes have runtheir course.

ParamyxovirusesThe mumps virus is one of theparamyxoviruses. The paramyxovirusesconstitute a large group of pathogens,which can trigger serious diseases inboth humans and animals. Other membersof this group include, inter alia, thecausative agents of human parainfluenza(1 & 3) and of bovine broncho-pneumonia; the human mumps virus and

the parainfluenza viruses 2 & 4, whichcan cause fowl-pest (Newcastle disease)in poultry and kennel cough in dogs; themeasles virus; the pathogens ofdistemper, cattle plague, plague in smallruminants and seal distemper; plus,finally, the respiratory syncytial virus,both human and bovine.

In the meantime it has come to light thatsuch kinds of virus, in particular themeasles virus, remain lurking in theorganism for years as a persistentinfection. In such cases they are knownas “slow viruses“, and they have aparticular affinity for the brain, especiallythe meninges and those cells and organswhich produce hormones. Clearly thisalso explains why viral illnesses triggeredby the mumps or measles viruses arefrequently complicated by meningitis,orchitis or oophoritis. Nonetheless, 20-30% of affected adult males suffer fromorchitis.

As a result of intensive scientificinvestigations we now know that manyviruses in this group are not host-specific. Particularly in relation to SARS(severe acute respiratory syndrome) itwas discovered that viruses which wereoriginally specific to animals had adaptedto humans (Prof. Hans Wilhelm Doerr ofthe Frankfurt University clinic).Paramyxoviruses were also found onexamining reptiles which were sufferingor dying from viral illnesses withpulmonary symptoms and centralnervous disorders, and these viruseswere not strictly host-specific.

It is clear from the latest evaluations ofclinical studies and reports from Asiathat avian influenza viruses in particularmay cause fatal illnesses in both big catsand domestic cats, without the existenceof any host-specificity (Dr. ThomasVahlenkamp - Veterinary Surgeon - in the

“Deutsches Tierärzteblatt“ [= GermanVeterinary Journal] Jan. 2005). In theabove-mentioned article the majorimportance of the pig in the transmissionof avian viruses to humans is alsoexposed. Pigs may become infected witheither human or avian influenza viruses.Reference should also be made to thesignificance of the fact that avian virusesmay be transmitted to big and domesticcats, resulting in illnesses that in somecases have had fatal consequences,since cats themselves are not consideredsusceptible to infection by the influenzaA virus. We should therefore not dismissthe possibility of such avian flu virusesdeveloping forms which would beextremely pathogenic to humans.

In connection with human autoimmunediseases this could mean that such non-host-specific viruses, acting as “slowviruses“ could trigger immunologicalreactions with especially damagingconsequences for hormone-producingorgans and cells, such as the pancreas,gonads, thyroid and brain (incl.meninges). Precisely in the region of thebrain and meninges manyneurotransmitters are released whichhave a similar action to that of hormonesthroughout the body. We may thereforededuce that viruses have a particularaffinity for such hormone-producingtissues, which then respond with auto-immune reactions. For this reason theconnection with inoculation comes underdiscussion, since in this case foreignproteins and modified viruses are alsointroduced into the body, and some ofthese are not recognised by therecipient’s immune system, or else theyform compounds with body-cells or -proteins, eliciting auto-immunereactions. This suspicion is firmed up bythe results of research carried out atMcGill University in Montreal.

Symptomatology of juvenile-onsetdiabetesThe first signs of juvenile-onset diabetesdeveloping are lassitude, thirst, profuseurination, nocturnal enuresis, craving forsweet foods and cerebral circulatorydisorders. The child’s weight is normalor below normal, the blood-sugar countfluctuates, and there is a tendency tohyperacidity. To counteract the

Paramyxoviruses• Parainfluenza (1 & 3) pathogens, human and cattle (bronchopneumonia)• Human mumps viruses, parainfluenza viruses 2 & 4

-> Fowl pest (Newcastle disease)-> Kennel cough (in dogs);

• Measles viruses;• Pathogens of distemper, cattle plague, plague of small ruminants and seal distemper;• Respiratory syncytial virus, human and bovine.


hyperglycaemia and fluctuations inblood-sugar of juvenile-onset diabetes,insulin is administered. The bodyresponds superbly to these doses; theyare necessary to prevent the child goinginto an acidotic coma. Admittedly thesedoses of insulin, however pure it is, arenot without their problems. As a resultof irritation and auto-immune reactionsin the vascular epithelium, deposits andthickening of the capillary walls occurthroughout the body. The resultingillnesses in the renal area and the eyesare common knowledge. Not only this,but the insulin supplementation resultsin inhibition of the body’s ownproduction in the remaining healthy isletcells, so that it is not long before theseislet cells die off.

2. Adult-onset diabetes (Type 2)This kind of diabetes corresponds toProf. Wendt’s congestive hypergly-caemia. It mainly affects patients over 40.However, in a frightening number ofcases we are now finding that more andmore younger people are suffering fromthis disease. If we consider the eatinghabits of our population, however, thistrend is not surprising. Consequently intreatment we need to set our sights ondietary reform: proteins and fats of animalorigin should be given up, and alsotemporarily those of vegetable origin, ifthe vegetable fats are saturated.Orthodox medicine seeks an explanationfor elevated sugar and insulin levels inthe patient’s blood, inter alia, in “insulinresistance“ of the affected receptors onthe surface of the body’s cells. This maybe partly accurate, but it can bedemonstrated that patients whorigorously change their diet to food ofentirely vegetable origin with lots oflong-chain carbohydrates and bulk, withvery tiny quantities of animal protein -after a period of complete fasting - areable to achieve excellent control of theirblood-sugar level using their body’sown insulin.

In order effectively to influence this so-called “insulin resistance“ in otherways, it is important to be familiar withthe mechanisms by which insulin canbond with the cells, and by whichglucose gets into the cell. Thisconsideration brings us to glucose

tolerance factor (GTF). This factor is asubstance very similar to hormones,which regulates the sugar metabolism byenabling insulin to bind on to the cellreceptor so that sugar may bedischarged into the interior of the cell.Apart from B-vitamins and amino-acids,this hormone-like substance alsocontains the trace element chromium. Itis an organic chromium compound, whichmay also be used as a dietarysupplement (e.g. as polynicotinic acid-chromium). (Research into GTF goesback to Dr. Walter Mertz of the NationalInstitute of Health at Bethesda,Maryland. He found that GTF is acompound of niacin and chromium.)

Chromium is one of the so-calledadaptogens; these are materials whichonly slightly influence the healthyfunctioning of the body, but which havea substantial favourable influence onthose reactions which have becomeunbalanced. For this reason anadaptogen can contribute to theprevention of degenerative diseases andcan slow down the ageing process.

In organic compounds chromium is non-toxic, in contrast to inorganic chromium,which can be severely toxic, e.g. intanners, who work with such chromium-containing inorganic substances.

Chromium occurs naturally and inquantity in the following sources whichare accessible to humans: brewer’s yeast,liver (a storehouse for all vitamins andminerals) and kidneys of mammals,cereals, esp. bran and germ (except ofmaize and rye), root vegetables. Smallquantities may also be found in fish, esp.in the skin, bones and gristle (i.e. all thebits we throw away), apple peel, beer,mushrooms, wine and pepper. Anorganically grown apple with its peelcontains 36(!) micrograms of chromium,a single plum contains 5 micrograms ofchromium.

Generally nucleic acids contain veryhigh concentrations of chromium, this isimportant for the metabolism, thestructure and the cohesion of the DNAthreads. Chromium is the only traceelement which reduces in quantity in thebody as we get older. Nowadays we know

that chromium is used to detoxify thebody of cadmium and lead, for whichreason smokers in particular are at specialrisk of developing diabetes.

It is also suspected that diabetics areparticularly prone to kidney problemswhich result from cadmium poisoning.Relevant experiments were carried out onmice, and these confirmed that diabetic,overweight mice were particularlysusceptible to cadmium stress, comparedwith normal mice. Depending on thedosage, they reacted much earlier withinsulin resistance and glucose reaction,and furthermore they also manifestedproteinuria and calciuria.

In experimental animals a low-chromiumdiet produced severe impairment of theability to metabolise glucose. At the sametime, the pancreas enlarged considerablywith a diet deficient in chomium.Investigations have been carried out ondesert rats which developed diabetes ona laboratory diet. If they were returnedto their desert habitat they ate greedilyfrom a salty shrub and also dragged largesupplies of the plant into their larders.The animals quickly returned to healthand no longer had diabetes. When theplant was analysed it turned out to beparticularly high in chromium.

Dutch fisherman have shown that fishoils radically reduce insulin resistance(E. Blaurock-Busch, „Orthomolekular-therapie in der Praxis“, 1st ed. 1995,Natura-Med Verlag).

Of course, type II diabetes may betriggered by an acute or chronicinflammation of the pancreas. Causes tobe considered include surgery, as wellas disorders in the hormonal balance andin the fat metabolism. However, there isno doubt that stress plays a particularrole. Long-term stress continuallystimulates the sympathetic nervoussystem, and a knock-on effect of this is aslowing-down of insulin production. Itis therefore imperative that severephysical, emotional and mental stress isprocessed rapidly and swiftly, so that thebody’s normal equilibrium can berestored. The patient should learnrelaxation techniques and practise themregularly. In stress situations a human


being consumes the same amounts ofoxygen, energy, minerals and vitamins asdoes a top athlete, the difference beingthat the athlete has undergone trainingand is receiving heavy supplementation.Under stress large amounts of freeradicals are produced, but under long-term stress these cannot adequately bebroken down, owing to a lack of recoverybreaks. This leads to a breakdown of theimmune system. At that point people areparticularly susceptible to “slow viruses“and bacteria which exist permanently inthe body as cell-wall-deficient forms.

Regarding the sugar balance and growthprocesses in the body, there are otherendocrine glands which also deservegreater attention, such as the thyroid, theadrenals as well as their superiorregulation by the pituitary.Hyperthyroidism results in a markedrelease of glucose and assimilation ofglucose from food, involving acorrespondingly high level of insulinproduction for regulatory purposes. Thisrapidly predisposes the patient todiabetes, because the islet cells tend tobecome exhausted. The glucocorticoidsof the adrenal cortex become activelyinvolved in the sugar metabolism. Theyenable gluconeogenesis from proteins ifthe liver’s reserves of glycogen areinsufficient to provide enough glucosefor the energy metabolism. Thecorticoids elevate the blood-sugar levelappropriately, whilst at the same timeacting to inhibit inflammatory processesin the body.

Incidentally, there are indications thatdiabetes is accompanied in all cases byslight inflammation. The origin of thismay lie in the auto-immune processeswhich take place in the pancreas (in typeI) and in the vascular epithelium (in typeII), giving rise to a release of corticoidsin the body. Stress, to which we are allexposed, does whatever else is requiredin this context to militate against theregulation of insulin.

Treatment of diabetesIt follows that any treatment which is tobring relief - or, better still, recovery -must satisfy all these points.1. At the outset of any treatmentprogramme must come dietary reform. In

the context of SANUM therapy, theemphasis should particularly be onadvising and treating those sufferingfrom type II diabetes. When a person’sconnective tissues and vascularepithelium are already severely affectedby protein deposits, it makes little senseto feed them on yet more protein andanimal fats. They should rather beadvised to consume complexcarbohydrates. These include good-quality, cold-pressed vegetable oils suchas linseed oil, rape-seed oil and walnutoil as a dressing on healthy vegetabledishes, because particularly in diabeticsthe fat metabolism is frequentlydisordered. So long as it is not too sweet,the diabetic should consume plenty offruit, since the sugar here ispredominantly fructose, which can bemetabolised slowly, but without insulin.Seeds and nuts also represent a healthybasis for the diet, particularly in view oftheir high trace element content(including chromium). Root vegetablessuch as Jerusalem artichokes anddandelion are high in inulin, which is aform of carbohydrate that is easilyavailable to diabetics.

2. Following the dietary reform, thesecond stage is an attempt to regulatethe physical milieu, particularly the acid-alkaline balance. The treatment shouldcommence with deacidification by meansof alkaline baths to which ALKALA Nhas been added; the dosage is 1teaspoonful for a footbath, or 1 dsp. fora full bath. The patient should remain inthe bath for at least 20 minutes. Becauseof the risk of nephrotic changes indiabetics it is always sensible to involveprimarily the skin in the process ofdeacidification, so as to avoidoverloading the kidneys unnecessarilywith the elimination of salts or protons.The harmonic potencies of the organicacids, lactic acid and citric acid, inSANUVIS and CITROKEHL assist in theregulation of the acid-alkaline balanceand stimulate the Citric Acid Cycle.SANUVIS is prescribed in the mornings:the adult dose is 2 tablets or 1 tsp.- 1tbsp. of drops in warm water. For childrenthe dosage should be reducedaccordingly. In the evening the patientshould take 1 tablet or 10 drops ofCITROKEHL.

3. Because we always have to reckon withthe implication of viral structures in theonset of diabetes, the diabetic should inany case be treated with QUENTAKEHL.Sometimes NOTAKEHL also needs to beused. It is best to begin with 5X drops.In the case of adults 5-10 drops shouldbe given twice daily, partly rubbed in inthe umbilical area and partly taken orally.Because of the dietary disorder of theintestinal milieu it may be necessary totreat initially with FORTAKEHL 5X andPEFRAKEHL 5X drops; in that case theprescription is: in the morning,FORTAKEHL 2-10 drops, rubbed in andtaken orally and, in the evening, the samedosage of PEFRAKEHL. This treatmentmay be continued for an extended periodof time, then changing over toSANKOMBI 5X drops. Here the adultdose is 5-10 drops twice a day, rubbed inand/or orally.

In all cases the “centre“ must besupported with PINIKEHL in the form of5X drops with a dose of up to 8 drops atlunchtime. As well as this, MAPURIT, 1-2 capsules at lunchtime, and LIPISCOR,up to 12 capsules daily are recommended.MAPURIT contains magnesium andVitamin E, thus favouring metabolicprocesses, whilst LIPISCOR provides thebody with the necessary omega-3 fattyacids, so as to combat thehypercholesterinaemia andtriglycerinaemia so typical in diabetics.LIPISCOR also prevents inflammatoryprocesses in the epithelium and tissuesby displacing arachidonic acid.

4. Up to 10 drops of ZINKOKEHL 3Xshould be taken in the evenings.

In addition, thought should be given toChromium supplementation, e.g. fromBrewer’s yeast and other foodsmentioned above, also Manganesesupplementation and particularly the B-group Vitamins.

5. There are many botanical remedies, oractive substances derived from botanicalsources, which have a favourable actionon the pancreas. In all cases the patientshould drink, in the morning and on anempty stomach, weak herbal infusionscontaining slightly bitter substances.


The following is an example of a“pancreatic blend“:

Crampweed(Anserinae herba) 50.00

Agrimony(Agrimoniae herba) 50.00

Marigold(Calendulae flos) 50.00

Yarrow(Millefolii flos) 50.00

Preparation: Pour 1 litre of boiling waterover 1 tsp. of the blend, cover and leaveit to infuse for 10 minutes, then strain.Drink a cup at a time through the latemorning. The amount of the blend perlitre of water may be increased up todouble the above if this is tolerated. Theblend may be expanded to include theaddition of Centaury, Sanicle, andFumitory; these botanicals could beadded up to an additional 20.00 partseach.

For the afternoon a further litre of herbaltea would be advisable, prepared fromequal parts of lady’s mantle, birch leavesand nettles. On principle, good olddandelion should not be overlooked; inthe form of a herbal tea, dandelion syrup,dandelion juice, mother tincture orTARAXAN 3X injectable. It is eminentlysuitable for supporting both thefunctions of liver, bile and pancreas, andthe work of the kidneys. Of course theparts of the fresh plant are excellent insalads, or just eaten in their natural state,freshly picked, since they containsugars, vitamins, minerals and otheractive substances.

The roots of dandelions and chicorycontain plenty of inulin, as do Jerusalemartichokes, scabwort (inula), artichokes,salsify, burdock and sunflower. Thissugar can be metabolised without the aidof insulin, and the roots and other partsof all the above-named plants have asweetish taste on account of itspresence. Inulin can also be heated,without the polysaccharides coagulatingor becoming lumpy.

Anyone who eats a lot of fruit needs littleinsulin in their body. This is particularly

so in the case of bilberries (blueberries):both leaves and berries act well indiabetes mellitus. For patients the freshberries have the best results; whileeating these the patient can take aninsulin holiday. The action is due tostrong tannins (proanthocyanidines)inter alia. It may be stated that, generallyspeaking, all red pigments act particularlywell, especially on the vascular system.

Tea made from bean-skins lowers theblood-sugar level markedly, owing to theamino-acids in it, particularly lysine.When the skins are dried, the toxicphasin is broken down.

The balsam apple (Momordica), amember of the pumpkin family, is edibleand is eaten as a vegetable in Asia.Unwary diabetics who are notaccustomed to eating balsam apples maysuddenly pass out whilst eating thisvegetable, from hypoglycaemia. Thebalsam apple modulates the T- and B-cells and suppresses macrophages. Atthe same time it brings about aregeneration of β-cells, which produceinsulin. (Thus bitter cucumbers shouldbe thought of for diabetes!)

Guar flour is obtained from the seeds ofthe bushel bean (Cyanopsistetragonaloba) or guar bean. The rubberysubstances that it contains have a strongdilating action which delays the passageof food through the stomach. In this waybetter use is made of the residual insulin.(Not to be confused with guar-seedflour!)

Wild sweet pea (Galega officinalis) orgoat’s rue is a member of thePapilionaceae family. Its seeds containthe alkaloid Galegin, which has a similaraction to that of synthetic biguanide.Glucose is utilised better, whilst at thesame time it inhibits the gluconeogenesisby the liver. It is particularly well suitedto type II diabetes; in type I it is onlyeffective if the base amount of insulin isstill produced in the body.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) likewisecontains active substances whichdepress the sugar level.Purée from the prickly pear or the onionhave a diabetogenic action, as do many

other plants. Attention has recentlyfocussed on the bark of the cinnamontree (Cinnamonum aromaticum).

There are about 800 plants to which adiabetogenic action is attributed.Amongst those employed inHomoeopathy we should thinkparticularly of Syzygium jambolanum.

ANTHROPOSOPHICAL CONSI-DERATIONSIf we just pause to consider the pancreasfrom quite a different angle, i.e. purelywith regard to its anatomical position inrelation to the other organs of the body,we see that the head, with thepredominantly excretory part - thatconcerned with the metabolism - liesdirectly in the flexure of the duodenum,near the liver, which is above all ametabolic and detoxifying organ. Thetail, on the other hand, with its moreincretory part, the “sensory pole“, liesmore to the left, nearer to the spleen,adrenals and kidneys. From a humanisticpoint of view, both the kidneys and thespleen are associated more with thesensory organs, which makes thepancreas a “medium“ mediating organ,because - with its “sensory pole“ - itmakes contact with these two other“sensory organs“, whilst remaining incontact with the metabolic organ, theliver, via its more excretory head area.The superior function of the human ego-organisation expresses itself strongly inthe pancreatic organ as a centre of boththe circadian and metabolic systems. Ifthis organ becomes diseased, then boththese systems are severely impaired.

If we examine the islets of Langerhanscarefully, we find that the B-cells aremostly situated in a central position, withthe A-cells grouped around them, insome cases even forming a ring. It ispossible to perceive a signature in this.There are the central energies(compression, incarnation,glycogenesis) acting through the B-cells,and the universal energies (dissolution,release, excarnation, transportation ofglycogen into sugar and, finally, warmth);which are expressed by the A-cells. Theproportion of the two different kinds ofcell, A to B, in the human being is roughly1:3.


From investigations carried out onanimals we know that the A- and B-cellsare continually undergoing a process ofconversion, formation and dismantling.In fish, incidentally, the exocrine andendocrine pancreas are still separateorgans. In humans and animals the sugarbalance maintains an equilibrium typicalof the species. Sea creatures (fish,sharks), snakes and animals thathibernate have a balance of sugarmanagement which contrasts sharplywith that of warm-blooded creatureswhich do not hibernate, and of birds. Ina hibernating hedgehog, for instance,there is a measurable relationship of A-to B-cells of 1:6.2. At this time the blood-sugar level has dropped to 50mg. per100ml. During the summer, when it isactive, the hedgehog’s relationship of A-to B-cells is 1:3.3, with a correspondingblood-sugar level of 125mg. per 100ml.In birds the proportion of A-cells ascompared with B-cells is much higher.This means that, even by giving veryhigh doses of insulin, one can only havea very transitory influence on the blood-sugar level. In these creatures’ bodies,therefore, insulin hardly has any part toplay in the storage of energy, which mightexplain the rapidity with which theybecome exhausted and the speed atwhich they die, especially in winter whenfood is scarce.

Of course, energy supply correlates veryclosely with body temperature. Here toowe may find help in understanding thesituation by making a comparison withanimals that hibernate. In their case, weknow that during their hibernation theyare in a state where consciousness andorganisation of body-heat have left thebody. As in the case of cold-bloodedcreatures their body temperature - andtherefore sleeping and waking also - areregulated from a centre situated outsidetheir body (the cosmos). When theambient external temperature reaches acertain point, the animals start to wakeup, influenced by the warmth. And heresomething remarkable happens: theawakening begins at the sensory pole,in the sensory organs, then comesmobility of the head, after that the frontlegs start to move, and finally the hindlegs. It is also quite possible that these

creatures drag themselves along by thefront legs, whilst the rear half of the body,still asleep, is pulled along as ifparalysed. In the hedgehog, for instance,the warming-up process takes quite ashort time - about two hours - and effectsa rise of 20° in body temperature. So fromthis we can see that basically it is quitepossible that the body temperaturecontrol mechanism can leave the bodyand return to it again. However, it is bythe rhythmic system of the pancreas thatthis body temperature controlmechanism is formatted. This is becauseit is the pancreas which regulates thematerial basis of warmth, thecarbohydrate metabolism.

The body temperature controlmechanism develops only gradually,both phylogenetically andontogenetically. The cold-bloodedcreature is totally dependent on externalregulation, and the developmentadvances via the variable-temperaturecreatures to the warm-blooded ones.Among those warm-blooded creaturesborn with no hair, e.g. mice and rats,during infancy there is a period of 10-14days when they behave like cold-blooded creatures, and it is only whenthat period is over that they becomecapable of regulating their own bodytemperature. Likewise the human infantis dependent on being warmly wrappedduring the initial stage of its life in orderto maintain an even temperature; notuntil the second month of life doestemperature regulation commence,showing a difference of 1° between thewaking and sleeping states. In the humanbeing, the body temperature controlmechanism proceeds hand-in-hand withthe maturing of the ego-organisation.

In many people a disorder of the bodytemperature control mechanism may befound. On questioning these patients,one finds out that they are filled withtremendous coldness, both emotionallyand physically. Frequently this “chilling“initially resulted from insufficientclothing of the lower extremities, whichlater frequently resulted in chronicabdominal illnesses, of the genitourinarytract, the appendix and even the liver.This chilling of one organ resulted inongoing disorders of the whole organism.

We know from Chinese medicine that thespleen-pancreas meridian exerts a stronginfluence on the kidney-bladdermeridian. Conversely an energy-shortage in the organs on the lattermeridian also weakens the spleen, thepancreas and the liver.

In all cases we may infer from the abovethat a disordered rhythm of bothmetabolism and body temperature controlmechanism results in a long-termweakening of the central regulatingorgans, the spleen and the pancreas.With the emancipation of human beings,a marked disconnection from cosmic andnatural rhythms has occurred, becauseof the break away from the rhythms ofthe days and the seasons. Because oftechnological achievements a modernperson can turn night into day and, intheir living quarters, they can adjust thewinter temperature to a level close to thatof summer. If we compare thesepossibilities with the natural processesas seen in hibernating creatures, then itis possible that the lack of “sleeping andwintering“ phases in our lives mightresult in the premature exhaustion of theregenerative powers of our rhythmicorgans.

Most people lack the rhythmic activationof their bodies which comes from work,regular movement or sports. It is well-known that it is precisely a“monotonous“, uniform job thataccentuates the body’s rhythms, andpeople who are jointly involved inrhythmic work get into a “communalrhythm“, so that the individual becomesa part of the whole (many farm-handsthreshing on the threshing floor, makingmusic in a group). This growing togetherresults in a great easing of tension forthose involved, because its rhythmicnature makes the workload seemcompensatory. This is not onlyperceptible, but measurable too, e.g. inthe pulse and blood pressure. Thesignificance of this for the treatment ofthe pancreas as a rhythmic organ is, thatthe patient should be physically activeand achieve harmony throughmovement, and this will have a positiveeffect on the whole sugar balance.Motion, going for walks, games, sports:all these minimise the chromium losses


in the body, provide for anabolic muscle-building, and counteract hypergly-caemia. We know that a particularly largeamount of sugar is stored in themusculature as glycogen if we eatimmediately after doing sports because,straight after exertion, the muscle cells’acceptance-level of glycogen isparticularly high. Breathing andrelaxation exercises are suited tooptimising the oxygenation of the bodyand transferring people from asympathicotonic state to a recoverystage. The best precondition forachieving harmony at the centre is astructured daily routine, with generallydetoxifying measures such as slurpingof oil, alkaline baths, Kneipphydrotherapy and skin brushing eachhaving their appointed place, togetherwith a well thought-out diet andadequate sleep at night. These effortsrequire a certain amount of self-disciplineand energy of the patient, but this willbe repaid in all kinds of ways. Generallyspeaking a process of enhancedconsciousness sets in, through whichthe patient can rediscover more and moreabout taking care of the body and about

the “sweetness“ and fulfilment to be hadfrom life: something which we are allsearching for.

Bibliography:

Blaurock-Busch, Eleonore: Mineralstoffe undSpurenelemente und deren Bedeutung in derHaar-Mineralien-Analyse [= Minerals andtrace elements and their significance in hairmineral analysis]; Private publication; yearnot given.

Blaurock-Busch, Eleonore: Orthomolekular-therapie in der Praxis [= Orthomoleculartreatment in practice], Natura Med Verlag,1995.

Gerson, Max: Eine Krebstherapie [= Atreatment for cancer], 2nd ed., Waldthausen,2002.

Gröber, Uwe: Orthomolekulare Medizin [=Orthomolecular medicine], 2nd ed.,Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft, 2002.

Husemann, Friedrich & Wolff, Otto: Das Bilddes Menschen als Grundlage der Heilkunst [=The Picture of the Person as the basis for theHealing Arts], Vol. I&II, 2nd ed., Verlag FreiesGeistesleben, 2003.

Kamen, Betty: Der Chrom-Factor [= TheChromium Factor], Ariston Verlag, 1995

First published in German language inthe Sanum-Post magazine (74/2006)© Copyright by Semmelweis-InstitutGmbH, 27318 Hoya, GermanyAll rights reserved.

Plath, Jutta: Diabetes naturheilkundlichbehandeln [= Treating diabetes with naturaltherapies], Dr. Werner Jopp Verlag, 1992

Schettler, Gotthard (ed.): Innere Medizin [=Internal Medicine], Vol. I&II, 6th ed., ThiemeVerlag, 1984

Schlieber, Theodor Heinrich & Schmidt, Walter(eds.): Lehrbuch der gesamten Anatomie desMenschen [= Manual of the whole HumanAnatomy], 3rd ed., Springer Verlag, 1983.

Silbernagel, Stefan & Despopoulos,Agamemnon: Taschenatlas der Physiologie [=Pocket Atlas of Physiology], 5th ed., ThiemeVerlag, 2001.

Siegenthaler, Walter (ed.): Klinische Patho-physiologie [= Clinical Pathophysiology], 6thed., G. Thieme Verlag, 1987.

Vahlenkamp, Thomas: Aviäre Influenza beiKatzen? [= Avian flu in cats?] DeutschesTierärzteblatt [= German Veterinary News], Jan.2005

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