The pancreas is an elongated organ located behind the stomach. It secretes digestive enzymes and hormones. The digestive enzymes help you digest food, and the hormones help regulate blood sugar. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. Following a healthy antioxidant-rich diet may help keep your pancreas healthy and protect you from developing pancreatitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Whole Grains
Nutrient-dense whole grains are naturally low in fat and provide the body with a source of B vitamins. According to a 2009 study published in the American Journal of Physiology, adequate intake of thiamine is essential for the release of the endocrine hormones from the pancreas. Healthy whole grains for the pancreas include whole-wheat bread, whole-grain ready-to-eat cereals, oatmeal, brown rice, popcorn, whole-wheat pasta and whole-grain crackers. A whole-grain food item should list a whole grain, such as whole wheat or whole oat, as one of the first ingredients on the food label.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetable contain high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A, both important antioxidants. A 1990 study published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics says that oxidative stress may an initiating factor in the onset of pancreatitis. Supplementing with antioxidants has been shown to reduce symptoms of pancreatitis. Adequate intake of antioxidants may also keep your pancreas healthy and prevent illness. Nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables for a healthy pancreas include cantaloupe, berries, oranges, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots and kale.
Lean Meats and Beans
Lipase is an enzyme secreted by the pancreas that is responsible for helping you digest fat in food. When your pancreas is sick, you need to decrease its use. Keep your pancreas healthy by limiting enzyme excretion and limiting your intake of high-fat meats. Healthy lean meat choices for the pancreas include poultry, fish, pork tenderloin, beef tenderloin and lamb chops.
Beans can be a healthy alternative to meats, and in addition to being a low-fat source of protein, beans also provide fiber and B vitamins. Healthy bean choices for your pancreas include kidney beans, black beans, navy beans, garbanzo beans and lentils.
Dairy Foods
Like meat, dairy can also be a source of fat. To keep your pancreas healthy, choose low-fat and nonfat dairy foods. Healthy choices for the pancreas include nonfat milk, 1 percent fat milk, nonfat and low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheese.
References
- "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; L. Kathleen Mahan, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., Sylvia Escott-Stump. M.A. R.D.; 1996
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Pancreatitis
- Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics: Antioxidant Therapy for Recurrent Pancreatitis: Placebo-Controlled Trial
- American Journal of Physiology: Pancreatic Beta Cells and Islets Take Up Thiamin By a Regulated Carrier-Mediated Process: Studies Using Mice and Human Pancreatic Preparations
