Pancreatitis Diet Foods

Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas --- a large gland behind your stomach that produces digestive enzymes. It can occur suddenly, which is acute pancreatitis, or develop overtime, known as chronic pancreatitis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, certain foods and nutrients may help to prevent or alleviate symptoms of pancreatitis, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and sweating. Dietary changes should not replace doctor-recommended treatments. For best results, seek guidance from a qualified health-care professional.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are prime sources of antioxidants, which help your body resist and fight infections and disease. To reduce your risk of pancreatitis and alleviate symptoms, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as berries, cherries, tomatoes, squash and bell peppers. Consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables regularly for broadest nutritional benefits. Additional antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables include kiwi, papaya, citrus fruits, cantaloupe, kale, spinach, mustard greens, turnip greens, brussels sprouts, broccoli, baked potatoes with the skin, and sweet potatoes.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are grains that have not been stripped of vitamins, minerals and fiber during food processing. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests foods rich in B-vitamins and iron, such as whole grains, as valuable components of a pancreatitis diet. For best results, replace processed carbohydrates, such as enriched breads, pasta and cereal, instant rice and commercially prepared snack foods, with whole grains often. Examples of nutrient-rich whole grain foods include old-fashioned or steel cut oatmeal, 100 percent whole grain breads, pasta and cereals, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, barley soup, cooked barley and air-popped popcorn.

Lean Protein and Fatty Fish

Protein provides amino acids---building blocks of lean tissues. Protein-rich foods also enhance tissue repair and support sustained energy during recovery from acute pancreatitis attacks. Peggy Stanfield and Y. H. Hui, authors of "Nutrition and Diet Therapy: Self-Instructional Approaches," suggest a low-fat diet for chronic pancreatitis sufferers, since high-fat diets may trigger or exacerbate symptoms. Nutritious lean protein sources include skinless turkey and chicken breasts, egg whites, tofu, legumes and low-fat dairy products.

Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, lake trout, flounder, herring and mackerel, provide omega-3 fatty acids---essential fats you must obtain from food. Omega-3 fats can help prevent and reduce inflammation associated with pancreatitis and other conditions, such as heart disease. For best results, consume a variety of lean protein-rich foods and fatty fish regularly.