Low-fat Diet For Elevated Pancreas Enzymes

The pancreas is a large gland behind your stomach that secretes digestive enzymes into your small intestines to help you digest food. If you have high blood levels of pancreatic enzymes, you may be suffering from pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be very painful and cause malabsorption of nutrients. To limit symptoms, your doctor may suggest you follow a low-fat diet until your enzyme levels improve.

Low-Fat Diet Guide

To help improve digestion and limit the pain associated with pancreatitis, your doctor may recommend you follow a low-fat diet. It is recommended you limit your daily fat intake to 40 to 60 g a day. Reading food labels can help you track and limit your fat intake. You should also avoid foods high in fat such as fried foods, fast food, foods with creamy sauces or gravies and high fat desserts. It also helps to eat small meals frequently throughout the day.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are naturally fat-free and make a healthy choice on your low-fat diet for pancreatitis. You do not need to limit your intake of fruits and vegetables as long as they are eaten without added fats or sauces. Fruits and vegetables are also a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin A, beta carotene and lycopene. Including more antioxidant-rich foods in your diet may help improve your pancreatitis by preventing further free radical damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Grains

Grains are an important source of calories and energy on your diet plan. While most grains are naturally low in fat, you want to read food labels to help limit your intake. Make most of your grain choices whole grain to maximize your nutrient intake. Whole grains are also a good source of the antioxidant selenium. Try to include at least four servings of grain a day on your diet plan. Healthy choices include whole wheat bread, oats, plain whole grain ready-to-eat cereals, plain rice and pasta, fat-free crackers, millet, quinoa and air-popped popcorn.

Protein Foods

Your body needs adequate intakes of protein to help you maintain your lean body mass. Some animal sources of protein can be high in fat. Choose leaner cuts such as skinless white meat poultry, fish, lean pork chops and beef sirloin. You should also limit your intake of meat to 5 to 6 oz. a day. Beans are also a good source of protein and naturally low in fat. Including more beans in your diet can help you meet your protein needs without increasing your fat intake.

Dairy Foods

Dairy foods are also a source of fat. Ideally, your dairy food choices should contain 3 or fewer grams of fat per serving. Healthy choices include skim milk, low-fat cheese and nonfat yogurt. Dairy is an important source of calcium and you should try to include at least two servings a day.

Added Fat

You will need to restrict your intake of added fats on your low-fat diet for pancreatitis to no more than three servings a day. Added fats and serving sizes include 1 tsp. of butter, margarine, oil or mayonnaise, six almonds, 1/8 of an avocado or 2 tsp. of salad dressing.