Three Morning Habits That Damage Your Pancreas

Chronic fatigue, drowsiness, and weight gain. Gadzian points out that frequent snacks like nuts, bananas, and protein bars can be harmful because they keep the pancreas working non-stop. Many believe that aging starts in the heart or brain, but in reality, the pancreas is the first organ to be affected by increased stress. According to Dr. Mark Gadzian, a urology specialist, the problem is that the damage to the pancreas does not occur from occasional 'abuses,' but from common morning habits that many consider harmless.

1. Eating a breakfast rich in sugar Many start their day with a sweet yogurt, cereal with milk, a cake, or juice. Over the years, the pancreas cells wear out, insulin production decreases, which increases the risk of prediabetes or diabetes. It is recommended to replace the sweet breakfast with a protein-rich or balanced one, such as an omelet, cottage cheese, whole-grain bread, unsweetened yogurt, and vegetables, to ensure stable blood sugar levels and protect the pancreas.

2. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach Coffee is part of the morning ritual for many, but consuming it on an empty stomach puts pressure on the stomach and digestive system. Caffeine stimulates the production of gastric juice and increases acidity, and also raises the level of cortisol, the stress hormone, which forces the pancreas to work under increasing pressure, producing enzymes and hormones even without food.

3. Constant snacking Some dietary guidelines recommend eating several small meals a day, but this is not healthy for the pancreas, as every meal stimulates insulin production, and when the intervals between meals are short, the pancreas does not have time to recover. After eating sweet foods, blood glucose levels rise sharply, and the body is forced to produce insulin immediately to lower the sugar, which daily stresses the pancreas.

Gadzian says: 'Eating one slice of bread in the morning causes a sharp spike in blood sugar, as if a person injected themselves with glucose intravenously.' He recommends time intervals of at least 3–4 hours between meals, during which you can drink water, herbal tea, or black coffee without sugar, to give the pancreas a chance to rest and restore normal blood sugar levels. This may seem harmless, or even healthy, but it is actually a strong blow to the pancreas.