Simple pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. This vital organ produces enzymes that help digest food, as well as insulin, which controls blood sugar. When the pancreas (the long gland behind the stomach) becomes inflamed, the body cannot absorb all the nutrients it needs.
Pancreatitis can be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic. Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and lasts for several days, and 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 treated separately by switching to a pancreatic diet. Recurrent pancreatitis often results in pancreatic lesions, sometimes resulting in malnutrition and diabetes. In both cases, a consultation with a gastroenterologist is required.
If you do not follow a diet for pancreatitis, the disease can become chronic and lead to other complications. Some of these complications include diabetes and a condition called necrotizing pancreatitis, in which the pancreatic tissue gradually dies.
In this condition, abscesses and cyst-like pockets develop and the inflammation spreads rapidly. Untreated toxins can penetrate the abdomen, damage blood vessels and cause internal bleeding. Therefore, if you have pancreatitis, it is necessary to start the diet as soon as possible. This will help 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 consumption (chronic pancreatitis).
Other reasons:
- Abdominal disorders;
- Abdominal surgery;
- Certain medications;
- Cystic fibrosis;
- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) used to treat gallstones;
- Family history is pancreatitis;
- High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia);
- High levels of parathyroid hormone in the blood (hyperparathyroidism);
- High levels of triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridaemia);
- Infection;
- Pancreatic cancer;
- Smoking;
- Opa.
Following a trend in pancreatic seizures, further seizures can be caused by eating low-fat foods, processed foods, and alcohol. By planning your diet in advance, this may be the best prevention against further attacks and further damage to the pancreas.
Signs and Symptoms
- mild or severe upper abdominal pain;
- Abdominal pain spreading to the back;
- Fever;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Increased heart rate;
- Fast breathing;
- Steatoria;
- Very strong odor defecating (chronic pancreatitis);
- Stomach upset;
- Weight loss (unrelated).
Risk of pancreatitis
Untreated pancreatitis can lead to serious complications and even death. If symptoms persist, call a physician.
- Pseudocysts accumulate fluids. If they break, they cause infection and internal bleeding.
- Inflammation of the pancreas makes it resistant to bacteria and infection. In some cases, surgery may be needed.
- Renal insufficiency may occur and require dialysis.
- Breathing problems can develop because changes in the body can affect the amount of oxygen.
- Diabetes can be caused by damage to insulin-producing cells.
- Malnutrition is quite 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 essential to prevent or reduce attacks of pancreatitis. Severe seizures can be fatal if left untreated. Because the pancreas plays a very important role in digesting food, it is directly related to food.
Numerous studies have shown that artificially processed foods and fats in the daily diet cause stress and inflammation of the pancreas, and low levels of antioxidants in the blood often lead to chronic pancreatitis due to the harmful effects of free radicals.
However, by increasing the amount of antioxidants in your diet, you control pancreatitis and avoid complications such as diabetes. Foods high in antioxidants are an important part of your pancreatitis diet and should be included in your diet.
Some of these antioxidants are:
- Vitamin A,
- Vitamin C,
- Vitamin E,
- Carotenoids,
- Selenas.
Most foods should focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains, for which protein and fat play a supporting role.
The real goal is to provide your body with foods that are easy to digest and do not raise your blood sugar, which also saturates your body. It is important not to eat foods that can cause or worsen pancreatitis.
Top 8 fruits:
- Blackberries and Blueberries:These berries are rich in resveratrol, manganese, fiber and vitamins C and K, which support healthy digestion. Try the nutritious blackberry lemon salad with heart-loving olive oil, sesame seeds and almonds.
- Cherries:Low in calories and high in essential nutrients, cherries are a great snack that promotes weight loss, reduces inflammation and peaceful sleep.
- Watermelon:is a great source of vitamins A, B and C, as well as potassium, magnesium and manganese. For breakfast or afternoon tea, eat a watermelon cocktail;
- Black plums:with a low glycemic index, in addition, plums lower cholesterol and help digestion. Plums are an ideal fruit against pancreatitis.
- Red grapes:removes excess fluid and facilitates inflammation. For a snack, try a hearty grape, chicken and walnut salad.
- Mango:Along with fiber and vitamin C, mangoes also contain essential minerals including iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. This super fruit is associated with improved blood glucose and glycemic control.
- Apples:High in fiber, reduces inflammation and helps digestion. It can be used both raw and as a side dish or dessert. For example, baked apple + curd (non-fat) provides protein, calcium and healthy fiber.
- Pomegranate:Sweet and crunchy, this super fruit is packed with fiber, potassium, vitamins C and K.
Top 5 Vegetables:
- Beets: Packed with essential nutrients such as iron, manganese, copper, potassium and B vitamins. Beets are known to improve heart, brain and liver function.
- Broccoli:Just a cup of boiled broccoli contains more than 100 percent of the daily value of vitamin K and vitamin C. In addition to being rich in minerals, this vegetable fights cancer and helps digestion.
- Spinach:Spinach is famous for its immune-boosting nutrients that protect against diabetes.
- Potatoes:Rich in beta carotene, vitamin C, copper, vitamin B 6 and manganese. Potatoes are a healthy starch that tastes great.
- Carrots:Beta carotene is great for the immune system and eye health, as well as healthy digestion, as it is one of the most versatile vegetables on the planet.
Top 6 Whole Grains:
Studies show that whole grains should be used in the pancreatitis diet.
- Brown rice:high in fiber and high in manganese. A great substitute for white rice. Brown rice can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 16 percent. This gluten-free garnish is quite high in calories, so it is recommended to stick to the size of one dish.
- Buckwheat:Gluten-free grains high in protein and fiber are high in antioxidants and are well absorbed by the body. Buckwheat flour can be used to make healthy morning pancakes, and buckwheat can be added to salads or used to make morning porridge.
- Polenta: This coarse corn, similar to southern groats, is used throughout the Mediterranean. Buy only organic, non-GMO polenta.
- Millet:is high in fiber. This nutritious dense seed enjoys a renaissance because it is so versatile. You can use millet for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Teff:If you’re not familiar with Ethiopian tefo grains, it’s time to learn about them. This grain promotes weight loss, strengthens immunity, maintains bone health and helps digestion. It is in the form of flour or cereals, and you can use it to make groats, pancakes or tortillas.
- Amaranth:Valued by the Aztecs for thousands of years, this grain is a great source of fiber, manganese and protein. These gluten-free whole grain products help digestion, reduce inflammation, fight the development of type 2 diabetes, and help lose weight. Use oats, white rice or pasta and as a soup thickener.
Top 5 Nuts and Seeds:
- Almonds:A distant relative of many stone fruits, common almonds are high in protein, fiber and many essential vitamins and minerals. Studies show that almonds can help control blood sugar and lose weight. Due to the relatively high amount of fat, limit yourself to one serving.
- Walnuts:A true nutritional booster, walnuts provide omega-3s to support a healthy heart and brain while reducing inflammation and blood sugar.
- Sunflower seeds:Rich in B vitamins 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 stick to half a serving as they are relatively high in fat.
- Pumpkin seeds:are rich in healthy fats, proteins and fiber. Pumpkin seeds can be eaten separately or added to salads or yogurt.
- Pistachios:are grown all over the Mediterranean, not surprisingly, pistachios make up this list. They are known to help lower cholesterol and help reduce weight. Stick to one serving for fat.
Top 4 sources of lean protein:
- Fish:Typically, diets include fish or seafood at least twice a week. Salmon is associated with healthy cognitive functions, heart health and protection against cancer.
- Poultry:Lean chicken and turkey are great sources of protein. Stick to baking - Avoid baking so that the fat content does not exceed healthy limits. To facilitate digestion, use chicken bone broth, which is naturally rich in collagen and L-glutamine, to maintain intestinal integrity by replacing the intestinal microbiota (flora) to improve digestive function.
- Eggs:Eggs are high in protein, rich in amino acids, and less saturated fat than other eggs. Eggs, a typical breakfast dish, are also great for quick lunches and dinners. Legumes:
- Legumes are high in protein, low in fat, and high in fiber, making them an important part of a healthy pancreatitis diet because they help stabilize blood sugar and help you lose weight. Specific beans, including lentils, contain digestive enzyme lipases.
Top 3 Low Fat Dairy Products:
- Yogurt:When choosing pancreatitis, choose low-fat or low-fat yogurt without added sugar or sweeteners. This dairy product, high in probiotics for intestinal health and protein, is ideal for breakfast.
- Curd cheese:Rich in vitamin B12 and high in calcium, curd cheese is a great snack, especially in conjunction with other pancreatitis diet foods such as nuts, seeds and fruits.
- Kefir:This fermented milk product, known for its immune-boosting properties and healthy bacteria that help digestion, contains protein, calcium and vitamin D.
Foods to avoid:
- Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine;
- Known allergens such as soy, dairy products, corn and artificial sweeteners;
- Fried foods;
- White flour products such as pasta and white bread;
- Sugar;
- Trans-fatty acids in industrially prepared foods;
- lifestyle changes to prevent recurrence of pancreatitis;
- If you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products, stop doing so;
- Eat small meals 4-5 times a day;
- Drink at least 2 liters of water a day;
- Practice relaxation to relieve stress and pain.