Pancreatic Insufficiency

Pancreatic insufficiency occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes to break down food properly—especially fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This leads to nutrient malabsorption, bloating, frequent stools or steatorrhea (greasy, floating stool), and weight loss despite eating normally. Over time, this enzyme deficiency can cause widespread nutrient depletion and affect energy, skin, mood, and gut health.

• Location of Symptom

  Centered in the small intestine (where digestion occurs)

  Originates from the exocrine pancreas

  Affects nutrient absorption in the gut lining

  Can also indirectly burden the liver, gallbladder, and microbiom

• Physiological Breakdown

  Think of food like logs and digestive enzymes like fire. Without enough enzymes, the fire burns weakly and the logs just sit there—smoking, fermenting, and attracting bacteria instead of being used as fuel.

  Mild enzyme deficiency can manifest slowly over months or years, especially in people with chronic stress, gallbladder removal, or poor diet.

  Acute insufficiency (e.g., after pancreatitis) can arise suddenly within days or weeks.

• Common Signs

  Greasy, floating, or foul-smelling stools

  Unintentional weight loss or failure to gain weight

  Undigested food in stool

  Feeling full very quickly when eating

  Bloating, especially after fatty meals

  Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, K)

  Fatigue or muscle wasting despite adequate food intake

• Rudimentary Root Causes

  Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (e.g., pancreatitis)

  Gallbladder dysfunction or removal

  Long-term stress → reduces pancreatic secretions

  Alcohol abuse or smoking

  Autoimmune damage to the pancreas

  Cystic fibrosis or genetic enzyme deficiencies

  Poor diet lacking bitter and enzymatic stimulation

  SIBO or gut dysbiosis affecting enzyme feedback

  Frequent antacid or PPI use → altered pH blocks enzyme activation

• Underlying Tissue States

  The following tissue states may represent underlying imbalances contributing to this symptom:

  Cold/Depression → low digestive fire, reduced secretions

  Dry/Atrophy → weakened pancreatic tissue, nutrient depletion

  Damp/Stagnation → poorly digested food and fermentation

• Organ Systems Affected

  Digestive (pancreas, small intestine, liver, gallbladder)

  Lymphatic (malabsorption of fats → sluggish lymph flow)

  Endocrine (pancreas has dual function: enzyme + insulin)

  Muscular (muscle wasting, protein deficiency)

  Integumentary (dry skin, brittle hair from vitamin deficiency)

Do your stools float, appear greasy, or smell stronger than normal? Have you recently had your gallbladder removed? Do you feel worse after eating fatty meals? Are you losing weight unintentionally? Do you have a history of pancreatitis, gallstones, or IBS? Have you taken proton pump inhibitors or antacids long-term? Are you frequently bloated or fatigued despite a good diet? If your digestion feels weak or your body isn’t absorbing what you eat, pancreatic insufficiency may be the missing piece. Reach out for a tailored plan to support your pancreas, enhance enzyme function, and rebuild healthy digestion.

Disclaimer

Each person’s condition has a unique root cause, and lifestyle, diet and herbal remedies must be tailored to the individual. The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized care. If you’d like support in understanding your specific situation, please reach out to me for guidance.