Diet for pancreatitis

Pancreatitis, to put it mildly, is an inflammation of the pancreas. This vital organ produces enzymes that help digestion of food, as well as insulin, which controls blood sugar levels. When the pancreas (long gland located at the back of the stomach) is inflamed, the body is unable 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 over many years. Both types of pancreatitis can cause bleeding and tissue death in or around the pancreas.

Mild acute pancreatitis attacks can be overcome by changing the pancreatic diet. If pancreatitis recurs, damage to the pancreas is common, sometimes leading to malnutrition and diabetes. In both cases, it is necessary to consult a gastroenterologist.

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 necrotic pancreatitis, in which the tissue in the pancreas gradually dies.

Under these conditions, abscesses and sacs like cysts develop, and inflammation spreads rapidly. If left untreated, toxins can seep into the stomach, damage blood vessels, and cause internal bleeding. Therefore, if you have pancreatitis, then it is necessary, as soon as possible, to start a diet. This will prevent complications, the development of chronic pancreatitis and relieve your pain.

What causes pancreatitis?

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

Other reasons include:

• Abdominal injuries;
• Abdominal surgery;
• Specific medications;
• Cystic fibrosis;
• Collangiopancreatography retrograde endoscopy (ERCP), used to treat gallstones;
• Family history of pancreatitis;
• High blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia);
• High levels of parathyroid hormone in the blood (hyperparathyroidism);
• High blood triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia);
• Infection;
• Pancreatic cancer;
• Smoking;
• Ulser.

Once the tendency of a pancreatic attack develops, further attacks can be triggered by eating high-fat foods, processed foods, and alcohol. Planning your diet in advance can be the best prevention from further attacks and damage to the pancreas.

Signs and Symptoms

• mild to severe pain in upper abdomen;
• Pain in the abdomen that radiates to the back;
• Fever;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Increased heart rate;
• Breathing fast;
• Steatorrhea;
• Very strong odor during defecation (chronic pancreatitis);
• Stomach bloating;
• Weight loss (not related to anything).

Dangers of pancreatitis

If left untreated, pancreatitis can lead to serious complications and even death. Seek medical attention if there are symptoms.

• Pseudocyst accumulates fluid. If ruptured, they cause infection and internal bleeding.
• Inflammation in the pancreas makes it susceptible to bacteria and infections. In some cases, surgery may be required.
• Kidney failure may occur, requiring dialysis.
• Respiratory problems can develop because changes in the body can affect oxygen levels.
• Diabetes can occur because insulin-producing cells are damaged.
• Malnutrition is common because the pancreas produces fewer enzymes, making it difficult for the body to break down and process essential nutrients.
• Pancreatic cancer is associated with prolonged inflammation of the pancreas, often associated with chronic pancreatitis.

Why diet is important for pancreatitis

Proper diet is very important to prevent or make pancreatitis worse. Severe attacks can be fatal if left untreated. Since the pancreas plays a very important role in food digestion, it is directly related to food.

Numerous studies show that artificially processed foods and fats in the daily diet cause pancreatic stress and inflammation, and low blood antioxidant levels often cause chronic pancreatitis due to the damaging 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.

A large number of foods should focus on fruits, vegetables and grains with proteins and fats that play a supporting role.

The real goal here is to provide foods that are easy to digest and do not increase your body's blood sugar, and that also moisturizes your body. It is important not to eat foods that can cause or worsen pancreatitis.

Top 8 Fruits:

1. Blackberry and Blueberry:These berries are rich in resveratrol, manganese, fiber, and vitamins C and K, which support healthy digestion. Try the nutrient-dense Blackberry Lemon Salad that contains olive oil, sesame seeds, and healthy almonds.
2. Cherries:Low in calories and high in essential nutrients, cherries are the perfect snack to lose weight, reduce inflammation and promote a good night's sleep.
3. Watermelon:is ​​a great source of vitamins A, B and C, as well as potassium, magnesium and manganese. Eat watermelon smoothies for breakfast or afternoon tea;
4. Black plums:with a low glycemic index, plus plums are proven to lower cholesterol levels and aid digestion. Plums are an ideal fruit for pancreatitis.
5. Red grapes:removes excess fluid and relieves inflammation. For a snack, try a delicious grape, chicken and walnut salad.
6. Mango:Along with fiber and vitamin C, mango also contains important minerals, including iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. This super fruit has been linked to increased blood glucose levels and glycemic control.
7. Apples:are high in fiber, reduce inflammation and aid digestion. It can be used raw and as a side dish or dessert. For example, baked apples + cottage cheese (not fatty) provide healthy protein, calcium, and fiber.
8. Pomegranate:Sweet and crunchy, this super fruit is packed with fiber, potassium and vitamins C and K.

Top 5 Vegetables:

1. Beetroot: packed with essential nutrients such as iron, manganese, copper, potassium and vitamin B. Beets are known to improve heart health, brain health and support liver function.
2. Broccoli:Just a cup of cooked broccoli contains more than 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 known for its protective and diabetic protective nutrients.
4. Potatoes:are rich in beta carotene, vitamin C, copper, vitamin B 6 and manganese. Potatoes are a healthy essence that tastes good.
5. Carrots:Beta Carotene is great for the immune system and eye health, as well as healthy digestion, being one of the most versatile vegetables on the planet.

Top 6 Seeds:

Research shows that grains should be eaten in a 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, these gluten-free cereals are high in calories, so it is recommended to stick to one serving only.
2. Buckwheat:High in protein and fiber, these gluten-free grains are rich in antioxidants and well absorbed by the body. Buckwheat flour can be used to make healthy morning pancakes, and buckwheat can be added to salads or into morning porridge.
3. Polenta:This coarse corn, similar to Southern porridge, is used throughout the Mediterranean region. Buy organic and non-GMO polenta only.
4. Millet:high fiber. These nutritious dense seeds enjoy a resurgence because they are so versatile. You can use millet for breakfast, lunch and dinner
5. Teff:If you are not familiar with Ethiopian teff seeds, now is the time to learn it. These grains promote weight loss, boost immunity, maintain bone health and aid digestion. It is available in the form of flour or cereal, and you can use it to make cereals, pancakes, or tortillas.
6. Amaranth:Presented by the Aztecs for thousands of years, these grains are an excellent source of fiber, manganese and protein. These gluten-free grains help 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 of many stones, plain almonds are packed with 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 its relatively high fat content, limit yourself to one serving.
2. Walnut: Strong in true nutrition, walnuts provide omega-3s to support a healthy heart and brain while helping to reduce inflammation and blood sugar.
3. Sunflower seeds:Rich in vitamin B and vitamin 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 hold half of one serving, as the fat is relatively high.
4. Pumpkin Seeds:packed with healthy fats, proteins and fiber. Pumpkin seeds can be eaten separately or added to salads or yogurt.
5. Pistachio:Cultivated throughout the Mediterranean, no wonder pistachios make up this list. They are known to help lower cholesterol levels and help lose weight. Stick half a serving due to the fat content.

Top 4 Lean Protein Sources:

1. Fish:Usually the diet includes fish or seafood at least twice a week. Salmon has been linked to healthy cognitive function, heart health, and cancer protection.
2. Poultry:Lean chickens and turkeys are excellent sources of protein. Keep baking - avoid frying so that the fat content is within healthy limits. And to aid digestion, eat chicken bone broth, which is naturally rich in collagen and L-glutamine, maintaining 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 others. Eggs, regular food, are also good for a quick lunch and dinner.
4. Beans: 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 weight loss. Special nuts including lentils contain lipase, a digestive enzyme.

Top 3 Low Fat Dairy Products:

1. Yogurt:Choose low-fat or low-fat yogurt without added sugar or sweeteners when following your pancreatitis diet. High in probiotics for intestinal health and protein, this dairy product is perfect for breakfast.
2. Cottage cheese:Rich in vitamin B12 and high in calcium, cottage cheese is a delicious snack, especially when combined with other foods on a pancreatitis diet, such as nuts, seeds and fruit.
3. Kefir:Known for its ability to boost immunity and healthy bacteria that aid digestion, these fermented dairy products contain protein, calcium and vitamin D.

Foods to Avoid:

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