Pancreatic Diet Foods That Are Low-fat & High In Carbohydrates

The pancreas is a large gland located at the first part of the small intestine that produces digestive enzymes. Inflammation of the pancreas, or pancreatitis, causes severe abdominal pain. Possible complications include weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. To allow the pancreas to rest and heal, a low fat, high carbohydrate diet is recommended. Good nutrition is an important part of treatment. Foods that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates may also be high in sugar, starch and protein that can provide needed calories.

Quinoa

Quinoa is a high protein grain revered by pre-Columbian civilizations in the Andean region of South America, where it originated. Unlike most seeds, quinoa is a complete protein similar to meat, containing all essential amino acids. Arthritis Today reports that quinoa contains 22 g of protein per cup and compares that to a cup of white rice, which contains only 5 g of protein. One cup of quinoa has 117 g of carbohydrates. Quinoa is also a good source of fiber, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. Preparation of quinoa is simple: the seeds must be thoroughly rinsed to remove saponins, a soapy substance, but most boxed products are pre-rinsed. Simmered in equal parts water, quinoa cooks rapidly. The texture is similar to couscous. Tomato or vegetable juice, tamari and seaweed flakes add flavoring or quinoa makes a nutritious addition to beans, soups and salads.

Blue-Green Algaes

Spirulina and chlorella are examples of blue-green algae superfoods that have nourished the Aztecs and other ancient peoples. Now cultivated under controlled conditions or harvested from pristine lakes, these algae are both complete proteins. Gabriel Cousens, M.D., author of "There is a Cure for Diabetes," reports both algae are 60 percent protein, 19 percent carbohydrate and only 6 percent healthy omega-3 fats. B-complex vitamins and minerals in easily-absorbed forms make up 8 percent of blue-green algae; the rest is moisture. These superfoods are available in powder forms or tablets. Dr. Cousens suggests adding blue-green algae to water, juices, smoothies and salads. Spirulina powder mixed with mashed garbanzo beans and lemon juice makes a brightly-colored and nutritious hummus dip for plain rice cakes.

Vegetables and Fruits

Starchy vegetables are high in complex carbohydrates and low in fat. Root vegetables, such as winter squash, corn, peas, parsnips, rutabagas and yams are in this category. Fruits are simple carbohydrates and a good source of sugars. All are rich in fiber and antioxidants. A study by J. Sateesh and colleagues, published in the October-December 2009 issue of "Tropical Gastroenterology," found that oxidative stress was linked to inflammation in pancreatitis and that antioxidants can remedy oxidative stress. Fifty-three hospitalized patients with acute pancreatitis were randomly selected to receive either daily antioxidant supplements, including vitamin C, or placebo. The antioxidant treated group had reduced oxidative stress and an average of three days shorter hospital stays.