Diet Plans for Pancreatitis
- The pancreas is a gland in your upper abdomen that produces the enzymes necessary for proper digestion and the hormones that tell your body how to process glucose (sugar). Pancreatitis comes in two forms: acute, which appears quickly and lasts for days, and chronic, meaning it continues to occur for many years. The milder cases of pancreatitis will likely go away on their own, while more severe cases can be life threatening.
Pancreatitis is caused when the digestive enzymes in your pancreas begin working while still in the pancreas, causing the cells to become irritated and then become inflamed. Common causes of pancreatitis include, but aren't limited to, alcoholism, cigarette smoking, abdominal surgery, gallstones, infection or injury to the abdomen, a family history of pancreatitis, ulcers or cystic fibrosis.
Characterized by severe pain in the abdomen, often radiating into the back and worsening upon eating, pancreatitis is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, weight loss and oily, smelly bowel movements. If the pain is persistent or is so bad that you cannot sit or find a comfortable position, see your doctor immediately. - The first two recommendations from the Mayo Clinic are to stop smoking and drinking alcohol, as these are both common causes of pancreatitis and aggravate the condition. If you feel that you need help in stopping either of these behaviors, talk to your doctor for recommendations. There are numerous support groups out there, both in the community and online, that can provide that much-needed boost while you're taking those difficult steps. Certain medicines may be able to assist you in quitting as well.
- The Mayo Clinic suggests that your diet be one that is low in fat, made up mostly of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Spinach, blueberries and red grapes are three foods that have been discovered to be most helpful due to their high levels of iron, B vitamins and antioxidants.
Some have found that replacing meat with tofu is a great way to get the necessary protein. In any case, avoid red meats as they are high in fat, as well as sausage, bacon and other high-fat meats. Turkey, chicken, fish and pork are some low-fat alternatives. - Many pancreatitis sufferers have also found that they can't eat most dairy products, due to the high fat content. This includes cheese, butter, cream and milk. Yogurt, on the other hand, can be very helpful if you eat the variety containing live active cultures, or probiotics, which aid in digestion and will help to keep the inflammation of your pancreas down.
- Those with pancreatitis have a tendency to become dehydrated easily, so make sure you're drinking water throughout the day. According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, your fluid intake should range between two and three liters daily, depending on your health and whether you're male or female. Their general rule of thumb is as follows: "If you drink enough fluid so that you rarely feel thirsty and produce 1.5 liters (6.3 cups) or more of colorless or slightly yellow urine a day, your fluid intake is probably adequate."
