Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that produces the hormone insulin and several digestive enzymes. In pancreatitis, the organ does not function properly, resulting in an impaired ability to absorb nutrients, possibly leading to malnutrition. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. The acute type will require hospitalization for a few days and during this period, no foods or drinks will be allowed — only intravenous fluids. On the other hand, chronic pancreatitis will not heal, and you will need to adjust your lifestyle and dietary habits to ensure you get enough nutrients.
Management Plan
Initially, you may be hospitalized and put on intravenous and nasogastric feeding — a tube to the stomach through the nose — for some days up to several weeks. Following that, a dietitian will help you plan your meals to ensure an adequate intake of nutrients. You may also be prescribed enzyme supplements to take with meals that will help in digestion. You should also avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages.
Energy
It is important that you consume enough calories to provide you with the energy your body needs. They should come predominantly from starches found in vegetables, fruits and grains. The American Dietetic Association recommends three 1 oz. servings of grains daily, 2 ½ to 3 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits. Fat intake should be watched closely because fat will be particularly hard for your body to digest and absorb. Recommended intake of fats and oils is 8 tsp. or less daily.
Protein
Your body needs protein to maintain muscle and organ mass, hair, skin and nails. Protein is also used to manufacture several substances such as enzymes and hormones. Try to get 5 to 6 ozs. of meat and beans daily, together with 3 cups of milk. Do not fry meats and remove all visible fat. You can also include cheese — 1 ½ ozs. will count as 1 cup of milk. Cheese is a source of fat, however, and will count toward your daily fat allowance.
Supplements
Nutritional supplements can help prevent nutrient deficiencies and possibly improve your condition, but consult with your doctor before starting a new supplement. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests a daily multivitamin, which will provide important vitamins and minerals; omega-3 fatty acids, which can combat inflammation; a probiotic supplement, which can promote digestive health; and antioxidants such as resveratrol. In addition, the November 2007 issue of “Journal of the Pancreas” reported that several traditional Chinese herb extracts can be beneficial in pancreatitis. Examples include emodin from the Chinese rhubarb and baicalin from the skullcap plant.
References
- American Dietetic Association; Pancreatitis Nutrition Therapy
- "University of Maryland Medical Center"; Pancreatitis; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; August 2008
- “Journal of the Pancreas”; Progress in the Study of Therapeutic Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Extracts in Treating Severe Acute Pancreatitis; Xi-Ping Zhang, et al.; November 2007
