Diet for Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a long, flat gland that is located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. It is an organ that is a part of the digestive and endocrine system. It secretes pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes that assist in the digestion of food by breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fat. As an endocrine gland, it produces several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin.

Pancreatitis is inflammation or infection of the pancreas. There are different types of pancreatitis, including acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic abscess. Symptoms indicating any kind of pancreatitis are abdominal pain, chills, clammy skin, fatty stools, fever, mild jaundice, nausea, sweating, weakness, weight loss and vomiting.

Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal or improve. It worsens over time and leads to permanent damage, scarring and loss of function. It occurs when digestive enzymes attack the pancreas and nearby tissues. This compromises the ability of the pancreas to produce the right amount of enzymes needed to digest fat. It also interferes with one of the important functions of the pancreas, that of insulin production, which sometimes leads to diabetes.

Treatment for chronic pancreatitis usually includes hospitalization for pain management, IV hydration and nutritional support. When the patient begins consuming a normal diet, the doctor may prescribe synthetic pancreatic enzymes if the pancreas does not secrete enough of its own, which help to facilitate digestion of food.

The most important aspect to keep in mind while planning a diet for pancreatitis is to ensure that the carbohydrate content is high and the fat content is low. Meals should ideally be small and frequent. Large heavy meals should be avoided totally. Fried, rich or spicy foods need to be avoided. Many patients with chronic pancreatitis have high blood glucose levels, hence they should steer clear of concentrated sweets and desserts that are very sweet. Foods that should find a prominent place in your diet are lean cooked meats, vegetables, fruits, rice, soybeans and chicken or vegetable soups. Avoid red meats, margarine and butter.

Breakfast could consist of cornflakes, appropriate cereals, skimmed milk, oatmeal, bread and bananas. Options on your menu for lunch and dinner could be salads, chicken (grilled, baked, boiled or microwaved), baked beans, soups, spaghetti, tuna, mashed potatoes, boiled vegetables, and fruits such as apples, pears and bananas. Don't forget to intersperse these meals with light snacks.

Other dietary instructions include:

• Drinking plenty of fluids such as fruit or vegetable juices. Consumption of beverages containing caffeine or those that are gas-forming (soda) should be limited.
• Alcohol is poison to people diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, and must not be consumed under any circumstances. Along with alcohol, nicotine should be avoided too, so smoking is another no-no.
• Most people find that liquefying their meal makes it easier to digest. Soups and stews mixed together and pureed in a blender make a healthy meal.

While these suggestions will benefit most patients, it is best to visit a qualified dietitian and get a diet that is tailor-made to suit your case.