Chronic pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal or gets worse over time and leads to permanent damage. The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that produces insulin, glucagon and digestive enzymes. Chronic alcohol abuse, autoimmune problems, cystic fibrosis, high blood lipids and use of certain medications are the main causes of chronic pancreatitis. Certain dietary modifications can help manage the symptoms.
Low-Fat Diet
When your pancreas becomes inflamed or scarred due to chronic pancreatitis, it is no longer able to make pancreatic enzymes needed to digest fat. If you eat fatty foods when you have chronic pancreatitis, you may excrete oily stools because your body is unable to digest the fat content of the food. Eat small frequent low-fat meals to help manage symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. Examples of low-fat foods include non-fat or low-fat milk and dairy products, lean meat, green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits.
Whole Grains
Chronic pancreatitis may cause weight loss even when your appetite is normal because of the lack of pancreatic enzymes to digest food. A balanced diet that includes plenty of whole grains in addition to lean proteins, fruits and vegetables can help you avoid weight loss and also help prevent complications such as malnutrition and diabetes. Whole grains haven't had the bran and germ removed by milling like refined grains, making them good sources of fiber. Many whole-grain foods come ready to eat such as whole-grain breads, pastas and cereals. Whole grains include barley, brown rice, buckwheat and oatmeal. Your doctor may also prescribe synthetic pancreatic enzymes to help with digestion. Take the enzymes with every meal.
Fluids
Fluids are important in helping control chronic pancreatitis symptoms. When you have pancreatitis, you should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. You should also limit your intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks and soft drinks. You should avoid alcoholic beverages even if you have mild pancreatitis, or even if the disease is it in early stages.
Chronic Pancreatitis Symptoms
If you have chronic pancreatitis, you may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain that may spread to the back, worsens after eating or drinking alcohol, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, oily stool and weight loss. Seek early treatment when you experience symptoms of pancreatitis to prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
