Your diet can have a huge effect on your overall health, especially if you are suffering from pancreatitis. It is a condition that occurs when the organ producing your digestive enzymes in your body becomes inflamed.
It is very important to pay close attention to your diet as this can help you in getting comfort from abdominal pain that is a symptom of this condition, says one of the most prominent gastroenterologists in Kolkata. Remember to choose your food well, as this can give your pancreas a break and help it to recover.
The link of food with pancreatitis:
When you are suffering from a chronically inflamed pancreas, your body loses the ability to produce enough of the digestive enzymes that is vital in the absorption of the nutrients from the foods that we eat. However, changes in diet don’t affect all patients the same way. The impact entirely depends on whether you have an acute or a chronic case of pancreatitis.
What are the best foods for pancreatitis?
Any pancreas doctor in Kolkata or a city near you can help you with a pancreas-friendly diet which is high in protein from lean meats and low in animal fats and simple sugars.
It is important that you eat plenty of:
Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Beans, lentils
- Low-fat or nonfat dairy (almond or flax milk)
Foods that are rich in antioxidants such as dark, leafy vegetables, red berries, blueberries, sweet potatoes, grapes, carrots, walnuts and pomegranates are also very beneficial for this condition. But, remember to only eat avocado, olive oil, fatty fish, nuts and seeds in moderate amounts. Another great option can be the Mediterranean diet if you are recovering from mild acute pancreatitis. You can find many healthy recipes on the internet if you look it up. When your diet is focused on vegetables, fruits and whole grains, it limits your cholesterol intake while increasing your fibre intake. This helps to reduce the risk of developing gallstones or high triglycerides, which are among the leading causes of acute pancreatitis.
What are the worst foods for pancreatitis?
It is very important that you stay away from any fried or full-fat foods, as well as foods that have high quantities of sugar.
Be sure to limit:
- Red meat
- Organ meat
- French fries or potato chips
- Mayonnaise
- Margarine, butter
- Full-fat dairy
- Pastries
- Sugary drinks
Your pancreas is responsible for processing most of the fat you eat. So, the more you eat, the harder it becomes for your pancreas to work.
High-fat foods and simple sugars also contribute towards the increase your triglyceride levels. This boosts the amount of fat in your blood which drastically increases your risk of acute pancreatitis. Several kinds of research have also shown that processed meat and red meat also increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.