Suggested Diet For Acute Pancreatitis In Humans

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that causes nausea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain, which can be severe. The pancreas is a large, glandular organ located behind the stomach that produces insulin and powerful digestive enzymes. When it becomes inflamed, these enzymes attack the pancreas itself in a painful and potentially damaging process called autodigestion. Although acute pancreatitis usually resolves quickly, it can be a life-threatening illness. Proper management is vital for your recovery. Follow your physician's instructions regarding diet and other treatments.

Common Causes Linked to Diet

The most common causes of acute pancreatitis are diet-related. Gallstones, which block the flow of digestive enzymes from the pancreas into the digestive tract, and heavy alcohol use top the list. Trauma, medication, infection or a tumor can also cause it. Usual treatment starts with a few days of hospitalization and intravenous fluids instead of food and drink, to rest the pancreas and allow healing, while treating the underlying problem. If gallstones are the culprit, surgery may be necessary.

Restrict Fatty Foods

Avoid fatty foods, such as fried foods, biscuits, pies, cookies, full-fat or 2 percent milk and dairy products, fatty cuts of meat, bacon, duck and high-fat sausage, hot dogs and deli meats. Do include some healthy fats in your diet, such as olive oil, but limit them to 8 tsp. per day. Replace high-fat foods with reduced-fat and fat-free choices, such as skim or 1 percent milk, yogurt and cheese, and very lean cuts of meat and skinless poultry.

Avoid Alcohol

Steer clear of beer, wine and spirits. Chronic alcohol use irritates the pancreas and can increase your risk of developing another bout of this dangerous disorder. Repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis can lead to chronic pancreatitis, which can damage the organ permanently and cause diabetes to develop due to damage to the cells that produce insulin.

Follow a Healthy Diet

A healthy, balanced diet may reduce symptoms of acute pancreatitis and prevent a recurrence. In general, choose a low-fat diet filled with plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal and brown rice. Avoid foods made from refined grains, such as white bread, and foods made with added sugar. Choose fruits and vegetables high in nutrients and antioxidants, including dark leafy greens, kale, spinach, berries, squash, bell peppers, cherries and tomatoes.