Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is one of the most important organs in the body. It is a large exocrine gland that has many functions, such as secreting pancreatic juice and digestive juices to aid in the digestion of nutrients, and secreting insulin and glucagon to manage the metabolism of glucose in the body. Pancreatitis can be acute, showing severe symptoms only for a few days, or it can be chronic. Because of the pancreas' important role in the digestion and processing of nutrients, it is very important that you monitor what you eat closely in order to help heal your pancreas and prevent further complications.
Causes of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when digestive juices or enzymes that are usually released by the pancreas into the stomach become activated either in the ducts or the pancreas itself before they actually reach the stomach. This results in the pancreas becoming inflamed and not being able to perform its functions adequately. The most common causes for early activation include gallstones, alcoholism, high cholesterol, high levels of calcium in the blood, or hyperparathyroidism. Other causes include side effects of certain medications, family hereditary, infections, ulcers or cancer.
Treatment and Diet
Usually, your physician will recommend that you do not eat any solid foods while your pancreas is severely inflamed so you can give it time to rest and recover. He may also prescribe medications that help with any underlying cause of the condition, or order surgery to remove a bile-duct obstruction, the gallbladder or pancreas. Most often, though, both your physician and your dietitian will recommend that you make certain changes to your diet and lifestyle. These may include increasing enzymes to aid in digestion, and changing what you eat to help not only relieve the symptoms, but also aid in the healing process and prevent them from recurring.
Foods to Avoid
In general, avoid high fat foods, cooking with excess fat, such as in frying and foods that have excess sugar. Because of your pancreatitis, your body cannot digest your foods well, especially fat, which is why it is important to limit your intake. You can do this by avoiding any grain products with added fat, such as biscuits, waffles or donuts; avoid any breaded or fried products, including vegetables; avoid especially fatty vegetables such as avocados and avoid fatty meats, such as those that are marbled, deli-cuts of meat, or poultry with the skin on. Other foods you should steer clear of are nuts and seeds, which are high in fat, and whole milk dairy products such as cheeses or cream.
What to Eat
It is equally important for you to maintain an adequate diet that meets your nutrient and caloric requirements, especially because your pancreas will be in the process of healing. This means drinking plenty of fluids. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, such as whole wheat breads or brown rice, lean and tender cuts of meat and fish and skinless poultry. Eggs and beans provide protein. Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, instead of two or three big ones, to avoid overworking your digestive tract. Talk to your physician about an enzyme supplement that improves digestion.
