Diet for pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is simply an inflammation of the pancreas. This vital organ produces enzymes that help with the digestion of food as well as insulin, which controls blood sugar. When the pancreas (the long gland behind the stomach) becomes inflamed, the body is not able to absorb all the nutrients it needs.

Pancreatitis can be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic. Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and lasts for several days, while chronic pancreatitis recurs for many years. Both types of pancreatitis can cause bleeding and tissue death in or around the pancreas.

Mild attack of acute pancreatitis can be treated only by switching to a diet in the pancreas. In the case of recurrent pancreatitis, damage to the pancreas is common, sometimes leading to malnutrition and diabetes. In either case, a consultation with a gastroenterologist is necessary.

If you do not follow a diet for pancreatitis, the disease can become chronic and lead to further complications. Some of these complications include diabetes and a condition known as necrotizing pancreatitis, in which the tissue in the pancreas gradually dies.

In this condition, abscesses and cyst-like pockets develop, and inflammation spreads rapidly. If left untreated, toxins can seep through the stomach, damaging blood vessels and causing internal bleeding. Therefore, if you have pancreatitis, it is necessary to start a diet as soon as possible. This prevents complications, the development of chronic pancreatitis and provides relief from your pain.

What causes pancreatitis?

Although there are many causes of pancreatitis, the most common are gallstones (acute pancreatitis) and excessive alcohol consumption (chronic pancreatitis).

Other reasons include:

• Stomach injuries
• Abdominal surgery;
• Certain medicines;
• Cystic fibrosis;
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) used to treat gallstones;
• Family history of pancreatitis;
• High blood calcium levels (hypercalcaemia)
• High levels of parathyroid hormone in the blood (hyperparathyroidism)
• High blood triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia);
• infection;
• pancreatic cancer;
• Smoking;
• Wounds.

Once a tendency to attack the pancreas has developed, further attacks can be triggered by eating fatty foods, processed foods and alcohol. Planning your diet in advance can often be the best prevention against further attacks and further damage to the pancreas.

Signs and Symptoms

• Mild to severe pain in the upper abdomen
• Abdominal pain radiating to the back;
• Fever;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Increased heart rate;
• Fast breathing
Steatorrhea;
• Very strong odor during bowel movements (chronic pancreatitis)
• Disturbed stomach;
• Weight loss (not related to anything).

The risk of pancreatitis

Left untreated, pancreatitis can cause serious complications and even death. Seek medical attention if there are symptoms.

• Pseudocysts accumulate fluid. If they break, they cause infection and internal bleeding.
• Inflammation of the pancreas makes it vulnerable to bacteria and infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
• Renal failure may occur, requiring dialysis.
• Respiratory problems can develop as changes in the body can affect oxygen levels.
• Diabetes can occur as insulin-producing cells are damaged.
• Malnutrition is quite common as the pancreas produces fewer enzymes, making it difficult for the body to break down and process essential nutrients.
• Pancreatic cancer is associated with long-term inflammation of the pancreas, often associated with chronic pancreatitis.

Why diet is important for pancreatitis

A proper diet is important to avoid or make pancreatitis attacks less serious. Serious attacks can be fatal if left untreated. Since the pancreas plays a very important role in the digestion of food, it is directly related to food.

Numerous studies have shown that artificially processed foods and fats in daily meals cause stress and inflammation of the pancreas, and low antioxidant levels in the blood often lead to chronic pancreatitis due to the harmful effects of free radicals.

However, by increasing the antioxidants in your diet, you control pancreatitis and prevent complications such as diabetes. Foods high in antioxidants are an important part of the pancreatitis diet and should be included in your diet.

Some of these antioxidants include:

• Vitamin A,
• Vitamin C,
• Vitamin E,
• Carotenoids,
• Selenium.

Most foods should focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains, where proteins and fats play a supporting role.

The real goal here is to provide your body with food that is easy to digest and that does not increase your blood sugar and that also saturates your body. It is important not to eat foods that can cause or aggravate pancreatitis.

Top 8 Fruits:

1. Blackberries and blueberries:These berries are rich in resveratrol, manganese, fiber and vitamins C and K, which support healthy digestion. Try a nutritious Blackberry lemon salad that contains heart-healthy olive oil, sesame seeds and almonds.
2. Cherries:Low calorie and high in essential nutrients. Cherries are the perfect snack to promote weight loss, reduce inflammation and promote restful sleep.
3. Watermelon:is ​​a great source of vitamins A, B and C as well as potassium, magnesium and manganese. Eat a watermelon smoothie for breakfast or afternoon tea;
4. Black plums:with a low glycemic index plus plums have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and aid digestion. Plums are the ideal fruit for pancreatitis.
5. Red grapes:removes excess fluid and relieves inflammation. For a snack, try the hearty grape, chicken and walnut salad.
6. Mango:Along with fiber and vitamin C, mango also contains essential minerals including iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. This superfruit has been linked to improved blood sugar levels and glycemic control.
7. Apples:High fiber content, reduces inflammation and helps digestion. It can be used both raw and as a side dish or dessert. For example, baked apple + cottage cheese (not fat) provides protein, calcium and healthy fiber.
8. Pomegranate:Sweet and crispy, this superfruit is full of fiber, potassium and vitamins C and K.

Top 5 Vegetables:

1. Beetroot: filled with essential nutrients such as iron, manganese, copper, potassium and B vitamins. Beets are known to improve heart health, brain health and support liver function.
2. Broccoli:Just one cup of cooked broccoli contains over 100 percent of the daily value of vitamin K and vitamin C. Plus, rich in minerals, this vegetable fights cancer and aids digestion.
3. Spinach:Spinach is famous for its immune-boosting nutrients and protects against diabetes.
4. Potatoes:rich in beta carotene, vitamin C, copper, vitamin B 6 and manganese. Potatoes are a healthy starch that tastes good.
5. Carrots:Beta-carotene is great for the immune system and eye hygiene as well as healthy digestion and is one of the most versatile vegetables on the planet.

Top 6 Whole Grains:

Research suggests that whole grains should be included in the pancreatitis diet.

1. Brown rice:high in fiber and rich in manganese An excellent substitute for white rice. Brown rice can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by 16 percent. As a side dish, this gluten-free cereal is relatively high in calories, so it is recommended to stick to a single serving size.
2. Buckwheat:High in protein and fiber, this gluten-free grain is rich in antioxidants and is well absorbed by the body. Buckwheat flour can be used to make healthy morning pancakes, and buckwheat can be added to salads or made into morning porridge.
3. Polenta:This coarse corn is similar to southern cereals throughout the Mediterranean. Buy only organic, non-GMO polenta.
4. Millet:is ​​high in fiber. This nourishing dense seed enjoys a renaissance because it is so versatile. You can use millet for breakfast, lunch and dinner
5. Teff:If you are not familiar with the Ethiopian teff grain, it's time to learn about it. This grain promotes weight loss, boosts immunity, maintains bone health and aids digestion. It is available in flour or cereal form and you can use it to make cereals, pancakes or tortillas.
6. Amaranth:This grain has been priced by the Aztecs for thousands of years and is an excellent source of fiber, manganese and protein. These gluten-free whole grains help with digestion, reduce inflammation, fight the development of type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss. Use instead of oats, white rice or pasta and as a thickener for soups.

Top 5 nuts and seeds:

1. Almonds:A distant relative with many stone fruits, ordinary almonds are full of protein, fiber and many important vitamins and minerals. Research shows that almonds can help control blood sugar levels and help you lose weight. Due to their relatively high fat content, you should limit yourself to one serving.
2. Walnuts:Walnuts are a true nutritional powerhouse that provides omega-3s to support a healthy heart and brain while helping to reduce inflammation and blood sugar.
3. Sunflower seeds:Rich in B vitamins and E as well as selenium and magnesium, sunflower seeds provide a healthy dose of essential fatty acids, amino acids and fiber. Eat in moderation and stick to half a serving as they are relatively high in fat.
4. Pumpkin seeds:are packed with healthy fats, proteins and fiber. Pumpkin seeds can be eaten separately or added to salads or yogurt.
5. Pistachios:Grown throughout the Mediterranean, it is no wonder that pistachios make up this list. They are known to help lower cholesterol levels and help with weight loss. Stick to half a serving because of the fat content.

Top 4 Lean Protein Sources:

1. Fish:Usually, diets include seafood at least twice a week. Salmon has been linked to healthy cognitive functions, heart health and cancer protection.
2. Poultry:Lean chicken and turkey are excellent sources of protein. Stick to baking - avoid frying to keep the fat content within healthy limits. And to aid digestion, eat chicken broth, which is naturally rich in collagen and L-glutamine to maintain intestinal integrity by altering the intestinal microbiota (flora) to improve digestive function.
3. Eggs:Eggs are high in protein, rich in amino acids and have less saturated fat than their counterparts. Eggs, a typical breakfast staple, are also great for a quick lunch and dinner.
4. Legumes:High in protein, low in fat and high in fiber, legumes are an important part of a healthy pancreatitis diet as they help stabilize blood sugar levels and help with weight loss. Specific beans including lentils contain lipase, a digestive enzyme.

Top 3 low fat dairy products:

1. Yogurt:Choose low-fat or low-fat yogurt with no added sugar or sweeteners when following your pancreatitis diet. High in probiotics for intestinal health and protein, this dairy product is ideal for breakfast.
2. Cottage cheese:Cottage cheese is rich in vitamin B12 and high in calcium and is a good snack, especially when combined with other foods on the pancreatitis diet, such as nuts, seeds and fruits.
3. Kefir:This fermented milk product is known for its immune-boosting ability and healthy bacteria that aid digestion and contain protein, calcium and vitamin D.

Foods to Avoid:

• Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine;
• Known allergens such as soy, dairy products, corn and artificial sweeteners;
• Fried foods;
• White flour products such as pasta and white bread;
• Sugar;
• Trans fatty acids in industrially prepared foods;
• lifestyle changes to prevent recurrence of pancreatitis;
• If you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products, stop doing so.
• Eat small meals 4-5 times a day;
• Drink at least 2 liters of water a day;
• Practice relaxation to relieve stress and pain.