Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, which control the level of blood glucose. The pancreas also produces digestive enzymes, which aid in the digestion and absorption of food. Symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, fatty stools, vomiting, chills, fever and jaundice. When the pancreas is inflamed, the body is not able to digest certain foods.
Low-Fat Diet
Inflammation of the pancreas means the organ cannot produce the digestive enzymes necessary for the digestion fats and oils. A key symptom of pancreatitis is steatorrhea, which is the presence of excess fat in the stool due to the lack of complete digestion of the fat. Patients with pancreatitis should eat low-fat foods in order to prevent steatorrhea. You should reduce intake of fatty meat, fried foods, vegetable oils and trans fatty acids found in processed foods.
Fruits and Vegetables
Patients with pancreatitis should increase intake of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which may help protect against pancreatitis and also help alleviate symptoms of the condition. Examples of antioxidant-rich foods suitable for patients with pancreatitis include citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables.
Whole Grains
Patients with pancreatitis should eat whole grains such as whole-wheat bread and whole-grain cereals and should avoid refined foods such as pasta, breads and sugar. Whole-grain products are high in B-complex vitamins, which are helpful in healing pancreatitis.
Nonalcoholic Beverages
Patients with pancreatitis should avoid alcohol because alcohol damages the pancreas. Chronic abuse of alcohol may lead to chronic pancreatitis
