The pancreas supplies enzymes that aid in the digestive process as well as important hormones like insulin. Pancreatitis -- a painful condition caused by inflammation of the pancreas -- can lead to significant damage and possible life-threatening complications, according to Central Surgical Associates. Treatment of long-term or chronic pancreatitis may involve pain management, treatment for the underlying cause, enzymes that improve digestion and dietary changes. After a flare-up of pancreatitis, your health care professional will give your pancreas a rest by stopping all food by mouth and gradually advancing your diet as your pancreas heals, reports The Ohio State University Medical Center.
Parenteral Nutrition
During the initial flare-up stage of chronic pancreatitis, you need to rest your pancreas by not taking any food by mouth. Although you are not eating food by mouth, you still need nutrition to function and heal. Your doctor will likely give you fluids intravenously at first; if you are unable to eat food by mouth for several days, you may receive nutrition through a nasogastric tube or through your IV, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Both forms of nutrition contain carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals, notes the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. If the eating situation does not appear to be improving in a timely manner, your doctor may place a more permanent feeding tube so that you can get necessary nutrition.
Clear Liquids
Once you have given your pancreas a rest and can tolerate eating foods again, your doctor will slowly advance your diet starting with clear liquids. These liquids can be absorbed by the digestive system without many problems, states FreeMD.com. Clear liquids do not supply enough energy for your body so you can only remain on this diet for a few days. While you are on a clear liquid diet, you can drink fruit juices without pulp, bouillon soup, broth, sports drinks, popsicles, tea, gelatin and water. After 24 hours of clear liquids, if you do not have any episodes of vomiting, you may be advanced to a full liquid diet.
Full Liquids
Since foods that are part of a full liquid diet contain significant amounts of calories and nutrients, you can survive on this type of diet for an indeterminate length of time, states FreeMD.com. When you have chronic pancreatitis, your doctor will allow you to stay on this stage until you can tolerate solid foods. Examples of full liquid foods include milkshakes and ice cream, fruit juices, yogurt, puddings and soups that do not contain any solid pieces. You can also puree vegetables and meats to a liquid and drink those. Nutritional supplement drinks can also supply nutrients and calories while you are on a full liquid diet. Once you can tolerate solid foods, your physician will advance your diet.
Low-Fat Diet
Once you start solid foods, you may have to make some adjustments to optimize your digestion. Instead of three large meals, you may find that several small meals during the day works better, notes Medifocus Health. These meals should be higher in carbohydrates and lower in fats in order to not place any stress on your pancreas. You should eat more fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants; antioxidants may lower your risk for having another outbreak, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Lean meats like fish and chicken, tofu and beans can supply necessary protein. Refined foods like white pastas and rice and fried and fatty foods like french fries, doughnuts, cookies, and crackers should be limited. You also need to eliminate alcohol if you have chronic pancreatitis because this substance can cause another attack, notes OSU Medical Center.
References
- The Ohio State University Medical Center: Acute Pancreatitis
- Cleveland Clinic: Acute Pancreatitis
- Medifocus Health: Restoration of Pancreatic Function and Dietary Modifications for Chronic Pancreatitis
- Central Surgical Associates: Pancreatitis
- FreeMD.com: Pancreatitis -- Liquid Diet
- American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition: What Is Enteral Nutrition?
