Pancreatitis: What Is The Most Suitable Diet?

The pancreas is a very important organ in our body : located behind the stomach and in the upper part of the abdomen, its essential function is to secrete hormones and enzymes into the small intestine that help us digest food.

These hormones are insulin and glucagon, essential for regulating blood sugar level. When the pancreas malfunctions, pancreatitis appears. We tell you all about it below.

What is pancreatitis?

An article from the US National Library of Medicine explains that when the pancreas becomes inflamed, the enzymes that make it up act in an adverse way: they begin to destroy the tissue of the pancreas itself because they recognize it as “an enemy.” .

Thus, they stop fulfilling their function both at the level of the intestine and in the blood, resulting in a poor absorption of food and a consequent malnutrition. We can distinguish two types of pancreatitis:

• Acute pancreatitis: occurs when inflammation is due to an excess production of enzymes, causing injury to the organ itself.

• Chronic pancreatitis: progressive inflammation of the pancreas, which results in the loss of its main functions: poor absorption of nutrients and increased blood sugar levels.

Causes of pancreatitis

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases lists the following as the main causes of pancreatitis:

• Gallstones lodged in the pancreatic duct.
• Alcoholism.
• Effects of some medications.
• Cystic fibrosis, tumors.
• Genetic malformations.

Symptoms of pancreatitis

You are probably wondering how you can tell if you have pancreatitis. Of course, you will need a medical examination but the following symptoms may indicate the presence of this disease and, of course, the need to see a doctor.

• Abdominal swelling that worsens when we finish eating.
• Vomiting
• Yellowish stools
• Intestinal gas
• Rashes.
• Hypotension

Recommended diet for pancreatitis

Let us first of all remember that this is a very serious disease that requires adequate medical treatment and constant supervision. What we provide here are simple tips and guidelines to improve your quality of life, but never forget that the first word is always your doctor.

Eating when suffering from pancreatitis is very important, hence we first tell you what are the things that you should not eat. Of course, if you suffer from this disease, you should consult with a nutritionist to determine the most suitable diet for you.

Forbidden food

As a general rule, it is advisable to avoid the following beverages and foods as they could be irritating and contribute to the worsening of symptoms:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Foods with excessive carbohydrates (since they overload the pancreas)
• Industrial pastries
• High-fat foods
• Strong seasonings
• Soft drinks, cookies
• Cow milk
• Raw food

Recommended diet

We have already talked about the foods you should avoid when you have pancreatitis, now let’s look at some more common eating tips:

• Avoid copious intakes. It is best to eat 5 to 6 times a day in small amounts.
• Recommended calories: Normally people affected by pancreatitis need a balance of between 30 to 35 calories per kg of body weight.
• Bread and cereals: They are usually low in fat, in addition to being a source of calories for your diet. It is best to always choose whole grain products (rich in magnesium and selenium) such as brown rice and bread. Consume half a cup a day of rice or pasta, a cup of ready-to-eat cereals, two rice cakes, for example, with your meals.

• Vegetables: They are fat-free and have high amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid and potassium. They are also rich in antioxidants.
• Try to eat at least three servings of different vegetables a day, you have very healthy and appetizing options: peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, Brussels sprouts … It is always preferable to take them cooked, in creams, puddings, soufflés .
• Fruits: Basic in your diet and very rich in nutrients. Then include two or more pieces a day, try for example to be small pieces, compote, baked or even grated. An example would be a cup of orange pieces with kiwi or apple with pear.
• Meat and substitute s : In your diet need protein, iron and zinc. Hence, it is recommended, for example, the consumption of poultry without skin (they have less fat), beef tenderloin, fish or cold lean meats. Legumes, such as chickpeas, can help you reach adequate levels of iron and protein.

• From the eggs consume the white and in moderation the yolk.

Beneficial herbs for pancreatitis

If you like teas, you can enjoy these drinks that are believed to help improve the functioning of the pancreas:

• Boldo
• Chamomile.
• Cumin, green anise or fennel

Consult with your doctor about the best treatment for pancreatitis and the diet you should follow to improve symptoms. Remember: no one better than him can advise you.