Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and can be acute or chronic. The pancreas produces hormones and supports digestion by producing enzymes that breakdown food. Pancreatitis is treated with medication, IV fluids and in some cases, surgery. A low-fat diet and other dietary interventions are also necessary to prevent and treat pancreatitis.
Causes and Complications
The Mayo Clinic explains that pancreatitis can be caused by alcoholism, gallstones, abdominal surgery, certain medications, cystic fibrosis, high triglycerides, cancer, ulcers and infections. Chronic pancreatitis can increase the risk for diabetes, breathing problems, infections, kidney failure, malnutrition and pancreatic cancer.
Low-Fat Diet
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a low-fat diet is often prescribed for individuals with pancreatitis because it affects the body's ability to digest fat. A low-fat diet limits fatty foods like deep-fried foods and foods made with a lot of oil, butter, lard, shortening, cream, mayonnaise, creamy salad dressings and high-fat cheeses. Individuals can reduce fat in their diets by eating more fresh fruits, vegetables and grains. They should also choose low-fat dairy products like 1 percent or skim milk, fat-free yogurt and reduced-fat cheeses and lean proteins like poultry, eggs, soy, lean meats, beans, nuts, fish and seafood.
Fat can be reduced by cooking with little or no oil, and using healthy cooking methods like grilling, steaming, poaching, roasting and broiling. Removing visible fat and skin from meat and poultry prior to cooking and limiting processed and fast foods will also reduce fat intake.
Alcohol
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), chronic alcoholism and binge-drinking increases the risk of pancreatitis. Individuals with pancreatitis should refrain from all types of alcohol and seek treatment for alcoholism.
Antioxidants
The UMMC notes that a deficiency in antioxidants may increase the risk of pancreatitis. Antioxidants benefit health by destroying free radicals, substances that damage cells and tissue. Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium are powerful antioxidants that may help prevent pancreatitis. The UMMC also recommends eating more fruits and vegetables because they are high in antioxidants.
Supplements and Herbs
Individuals with chronic pancreatitis may be prescribed enzyme supplements to aid in digestion, according to the NIH. Alternative therapies may help treat pancreatitis, but many have not been scientifically proven to be safe or effective . According to the UMMC, alternative supplements that may benefit pancreatitis include omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, probiotics, alpha-lipoic acid and resveratrol. Herbs that have been used to treat pancreatitis include green tea, holy basil, rhodiola, cat's claw, reishi mushroom, Indian gooseberry and herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine like grapeseed extract, licorice root, ginger root, Asian ginseng, peony root, and cinnamon Chinese bark.
Considerations
Individuals with pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides need to follow a strict low-fat diet because consuming too much fat increases triglycerides, according to the UMMC. Triglyceride levels can also be improved by losing weight if overweight, and engaging in regular physical activity. Diabetics with pancreatitis need to monitor their carbohydrate and sugar intake because carbohydrates increase blood sugar. The pancreas produces insulin, which lowers blood sugar, but pancreatitis can impair insulin production. Blood sugar that is too high is unhealthy for diabetics and can lead to serious consequences.
