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 attacks of acute pancreatitis can be self-treated by switching to a pancreatic diet. In the case of recurrent pancreatitis, damage to the pancreas is common, sometimes leading to malnutrition and diabetes. In both cases, you need to consult a gastroenterologist.
If you do not follow your diet to treat pancreatitis, the disease may become a chronic disease and cause further complications. Some of these complications include diabetes and a disease called necrotizing pancreatitis, in which pancreatic tissue gradually dies.
In this case, abscesses and cyst-like pockets will form, and inflammation will spread rapidly. If left untreated, toxins may leak out from the abdomen, damage blood vessels, and cause internal bleeding. Therefore, if you have pancreatitis, you must start eating as soon as possible. This will prevent complications, chronic pancreatitis and reduce 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:
- Abdominal injury;
- Abdominal surgery;
- Certain drugs;
- Cystic fibrosis;
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the treatment of gallstones;
- Family history of pancreatitis;
- High blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia);
- High levels of parathyroid hormone in the blood (hyperparathyroidism);
- High levels of triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia);
- infection;
- Pancreatic cancer;
- Smoking;
- Ulcers.
Once a pancreatic cancer attack occurs, eating high-fat foods, processed foods and alcohol will trigger further attacks. Planning your diet in advance is usually the best way to prevent further attacks and further damage to the pancreas.
Symptoms and signs
- Mild to severe pain in the upper abdomen;
- Pain in the abdomen, radiating to the back.
- fever;
- Disgusting;
- Vomiting;
- Increased heart rate;
- Breathe fast;
- steatorrhea;
- Strong odor during defecation (chronic pancreatitis);
- Upset stomach;
- Weight loss (not related to anything).
The danger of pancreatitis
If left untreated, pancreatitis can cause serious complications and even death. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention.
- Pseudocyst effusion. If it ruptures, it will cause infection and internal bleeding.
- The inflammation of the pancreas makes it susceptible to bacteria and infections. In some cases, surgery may be required.
- Kidney failure may occur, requiring dialysis.
- Breathing problems may develop as changes in the body affect oxygen levels.
- Diabetes may occur when insulin-producing cells are damaged. Malnutrition is very common because the pancreas produces fewer enzymes, so it is difficult for the body to break down and process essential nutrients.
- Pancreatic cancer is associated with long-term inflammation of the pancreas, usually chronic pancreatitis.
Why diet is important for pancreatitis
A reasonable diet is essential to avoid or reduce the onset of pancreatitis. If left untreated, severe attacks can be fatal. Since the pancreas plays a very important role in the digestion of food, it is directly related to food.
A large number of studies have shown that artificially processed foods and fats in the daily diet can cause stress and inflammation of the pancreas, and low antioxidant levels in the blood usually cause chronic pancreatitis due to the damaging effects of free radicals.
However, by increasing the antioxidants in your diet, you can 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 the 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 protein and fat play a supporting role.
The real goal here is to provide your body with foods that are easy to digest and will not raise blood sugar, and will also saturate your body. It is important not to eat foods that can cause or exacerbate pancreatitis.
The first 8 fruits:
- Blackberries and Blueberries:These berries are rich in resveratrol, manganese, fiber and vitamins C and K, which help healthy digestion. Try the nutritious blackberry lemon salad, which contains heart-healthy olive oil, sesame seeds and almonds.
- Cherries:Cherries are low in calories and rich in essential nutrients. They are ideal snacks for promoting weight loss, reducing inflammation and promoting restful sleep.
- Watermelon:is an important source of vitamins A, B and C, as well as potassium, magnesium and manganese. Eat watermelon smoothie for breakfast or afternoon tea;
- Black plums:Low glycemic index, plus plums have been proven to lower cholesterol levels and help digestion. Plum is an ideal fruit for pancreatitis.
- Red grapes:Remove excess water and relieve inflammation. If you want a snack, try a hearty grape, chicken, and walnut salad.
- Mango:Mango, along with fiber and vitamin C, also contains essential minerals, including iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. This super fruit is related to improving blood sugar levels and blood sugar control.
- Apple:High fiber content, can reduce inflammation and help digestion. It can be used as raw food, as a side dish or dessert. For example, baked apple + cheese (without fat) can provide protein, calcium and healthy fiber.
- Pomegranate:Sweet and delicious, this super fruit is rich in fiber, potassium and vitamins C and K.
Top 5 vegetables:
- Beetroot: Rich in iron, manganese, copper, potassium and B vitamins and other basic nutrients, beet can improve heart health, brain health and support liver function.
- Cauliflower:A cup of cooked cauliflower contains more than 100% vitamin K and vitamin C daily. In addition, because it is rich in minerals, this vegetable can also fight cancer and help digestion.
- Spinach:Spinach is famous for its nutrients that enhance immunity and protect diabetes.
- Potatoes:Rich in β-carotene, vitamin C, copper, vitamin B 6 and manganese. Potatoes are a delicious and healthy starch.
- Carrots:Beta carotene is very useful for immune system, eye health and healthy digestion. It is one of the most widely used vegetables on the planet.
The top 6 complete grains:
Studies have shown that pancreatitis diets should consume whole grains.
- Brown rice:High in fiber and rich in manganese, it is an excellent substitute for white rice. Brown rice can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 16%. As a side dish, this gluten-free cereal has relatively high calories, so it is recommended to stick to one serving.
- Buckwheat:This gluten-free grain is rich in protein and fiber, rich in antioxidants, and can be well absorbed by the body. Buckwheat flour can be used to make healthy morning pancakes, and buckwheat can be added to salads or porridge.
- Polenta:This coarse corn, similar to coarse corn in the south, is used throughout the Mediterranean. Only buy non-GMO organic polenta.
- Millet:High fiber content. This nutrient-rich seed is undergoing a renaissance because of its wide range of uses. You can use Xiaomi for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Teff:If you are not familiar with Ethiopia’s Teff grain, it’s time to learn it. This grain promotes weight loss, strengthens immunity, maintains healthy bones and helps digestion. It comes in flour or grain form, and you can use it to make grains, pancakes or tortillas.
- mar vegetable red:This grain has been cherished by the Aztecs for thousands of years and is an excellent source of fiber, manganese and protein. These gluten-free whole grains help digestion, reduce inflammation, fight the development of type 2 diabetes and help lose weight. It replaces oats, white rice or pasta, and is used as a thickener for soups.
Top 5 nuts and seeds:
- Almonds:Almonds are the distant relatives of many stone fruits. Almonds are filled with protein, fiber, and many essential vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that almonds can help control blood sugar levels and help you lose weight. Because of their high fat content, please limit your own serving.
- Walnut:Walnut is a true nutritional powerhouse, providing omega-3 to support heart and brain health, while helping to reduce inflammation and blood sugar.
- Sunflower seeds:Sunflower seeds are rich in B vitamins and vitamin E, as well as selenium and magnesium, which provide a healthy dose of essential fatty acids, amino acids and fiber. Eat moderately and stick to half a serving because they are relatively high in fat.
- Pumpkin seeds:Rich in healthy fat, protein and fiber. Pumpkin seeds can be eaten alone, or added to salads or yogurt.
- Pistachios:Pistachios are grown throughout the Mediterranean, so it’s no wonder that pistachios make up this list. They are known to help lower cholesterol levels and help lose weight. Due to the fat content, stick to half of it.
The first 4 sources of lean protein:
- Fish:Fish or seafood is usually eaten at least twice a week in the diet. Salmon is associated with healthy cognitive function, heart health and cancer protection.
- Poultry:Lean chicken and turkey are excellent sources of protein. Stick to baking-avoid frying to keep the fat content within a healthy range. In order to help digestion, please eat chicken bone broth that is naturally rich in collagen and L-glutamine to improve digestion by changing the intestinal flora (flora), thereby maintaining intestinal integrity.
- Eggs:Eggs are rich in protein, rich in amino acids, and less saturated fat than similar eggs. Eggs, a typical breakfast staple, are also suitable for quick lunches and dinners.
- Legumes:Legumes are high in protein, low in fat, and high in fiber. They are an important part of a healthy pancreatitis diet because they help stabilize blood sugar levels and help lose weight. Certain legumes, including lentils, contain lipase (a digestive enzyme).
The top 3 low-fat dairy products:
- Yogurt:When eating pancreatitis, choose low-fat or low-fat yogurt without added sugar or sweeteners. This dairy product is rich in probiotics, which can improve intestinal health and protein. It is ideal for breakfast.
- Cheese:Cheese is rich in vitamin B12 and high in calcium, making it a good snack, especially when used with other foods in the pancreatitis diet (such as nuts, seeds, and fruits).
- Kefir (Kefir):This fermented milk product is known for its immune enhancement and healthy bacteria that help digestion. It contains protein, calcium and vitamin D.
Foods to avoid:
- Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine;
- Known allergens, such as soybeans, dairy products, corn and artificial sweeteners;
- Fried food;
- White flour products, such as pasta and white bread;
- sugar;
- Trans fatty acids in industrial foods;
- Change lifestyle to prevent recurrence of pancreatitis;
- If you smoke or use other tobacco products, please stop doing so;
- Eat small meals 4-5 times a day;
- Drink at least 2 liters of water every day;
- Practice relaxation to relieve stress and pain.