Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas caused by a blockage during the digestive process. This includes the absorption of enzymes and food by the intestines and pancreas. Insulin production, as well as digestive enzymes, are needed on a regular basis within the body. In the case of pancreatitis, the pancreas cannot secrete insulin as needed. It is a painful and serious condition that needs to be treated immediately as it can precipitate life-threatening conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Saturated Fats
Triglycerides are fats that are in the body. Foods that contain especially high levels of triglycerides include cream cheese, fast foods, butter, shortening, fried food, lard, animal fat and whole milk and products made from whole milk such as cheese. These all contain saturated fats.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol blocks the bile ducts as food and fats are trapped within the delivery system of digestion. Alcohol is a base in which sugars attach and stop the flow of the bile that is needed in digestion within the bile ducts. Interruption of this bile flow causes irritation to the pancreas as well as severe pain. Alcoholic beverages such as liqueurs, liquor, wine and beer all are high in triglycerides and should be avoided.
Trans Fats
Trans fat-containing foods to avoid include crackers, pies, cakes, pastries, vegetable shortening and margarine. Again, the high level of fats can cause problems during a pancreatic attack and should be avoided. Check product labels to find out if these foods contain trans fat.
Sugar
Foods with high levels of sugar also can cause problems. These include ice cream, gelatin that is sweetened, cakes, candy, cookies and donuts, and sweets that are concentrated such as jelly, jam, honey, sugar and molasses.
Starch
Food that contains concentrated starch also affects the pancreas. Those to be avoided or taken in small quantities include cereal, bagels, some foods that are fat-free, pasta, potato and other chips, rice, popcorn, potatoes, pretzels, dinner rolls and pizza. According to High-Triglycerides.com, using legumes and whole grains are better for reducing triglycerides than starches that are refined.
Acid
Acidic foods such as marinara sauces, corn, eggs, meat, organ meat, coffee, fish, sour cream and gravy all should be avoided, too. Foods high in acid can cause pancreatic pain to increase because it causes irritation of the pancreas.
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