Following a prescribed diet forms a part of pancreatitis treatment. This article will give you detailed information about the food list to be followed in the pancreatitis diet.
The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. It produces enzymes that are essential for the regulation of blood sugar. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, that can be acute (appearing suddenly) or chronic (that lasts for a longer time) in nature. There are several reasons that lead to this condition. Alcoholism, cigarette smoking, gallstones, infection, abdominal surgery, pancreatic cancer, injury to the abdomen, family history, etc., are some of the major causes of pancreatitis. As it is related to the blood sugar level, it is essential to follow a diet that helps in the treatment and prevention of this condition.
Pancreatitis Diet
It is essential to have a diet that is high in carbohydrates and proteins, as they are believed to help in the proper functioning of the pancreas. On the other hand, one should completely stop or reduce the intake of fat containing foods when suffering from pancreatitis. The daily intake of fats should be as low as 30-40 grams a day.
Foods Safe to Consume
Following is the food list that will help you know what foods are safe to consume when suffering from pancreatitis.
- Salads
- Oatmeal
- Spaghetti
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Turkey
- Tofu
- Yogurt
- Red wine
- Fresh fruit juices
- Vegetable broths and soups
- Cereal
- Bread
- Whole grain products
- Brown rice
- Chicken
- Lean fish
- Soy milk
Foods to Avoid
All spicy, fried, and processed foods should be avoided in the acute and chronic pancreatitis diet. One should also stay away from fatty foods. Following are the foods to be excluded from the pancreatitis diet plan:
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Bacon
- Beans
- Sausage
- Butter
- Tea
- Sugar
- Coffee
- Caffeine
- Energy drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Tobacco
- Pizza
One should cut down on all hot and spicy foods too, as they can lead to inflammation and increase in the acidity levels. Eating spicy foods can aggravate the symptoms and worsen the condition. The treatment of pancreatitis may also prove ineffective if you continue consuming hot and spicy foods. On the other hand, foods that are rich in proteins and carbohydrates can reduce the work pressure on the pancreas and help in getting rid of the disease quickly. You can include fresh vegetable soups and salads, cut fruits, boiled chicken in the diet regularly. Specially, intake of sweets should be reduced, if one suffers from high blood sugar.
It is essential to have smaller and frequent meals (3-4 times) a day rather than going for 2 larger meals every day. It is also advisable to go for vegetarian foods rather than the non-vegetarian versions. One of the other important thing to note is that pancreatitis can lead to dehydration, and hence, it’s essential to have adequate amounts of water every day. One should also include fluids in different forms like soups, juices, etc., in the daily diet. People suffering from diabetes should consult the doctor before going for any dietary changes, as pancreatitis affects the blood sugar levels, which can be harmful to diabetics. It is believed that chronic pancreatitis can result in diabetes, and hence, it is advisable to get the condition treated as soon as possible.
As a concluding note, one should remember that following this diet can help in the treatment and prevention of this disease. Therefore, one should follow the diet regularly, and under the doctor’s supervision. Take care!
Disclaimer: This article is purely for informative purposes, and should not be treated as a replacement for professional medical advice.
