Florentina Lewis
In the case of pancreatitis, the healing process can only begin with the right diet. That’s what matters.
If patients suffer from pancreatitis, diet can alleviate their symptoms. It is also important to look for the causes of the disease. Doctors differentiate between an acute and a chronic course. In many cases, further therapies are required.
What are acute and chronic pancreatitis?
There are two forms of the disease: The acute form causes particularly severe symptoms with nausea, vomiting, severe pain in the upper abdomen, and fever. The chronic form shows significantly weaker symptoms. In both cases, there are specific guidelines on how to change your diet if you have pancreatitis.
Acute pancreatitis, or pancreatitis, occurs suddenly, hence the name. Inflammation of the pancreas occurs. This can be due to gallstones blocking the ducts. Infections or alcohol abuse also lead to acute pancreatitis. The tissue is slowly damaged. In some patients, the acute inflammation progresses to the chronic form.
In chronic pancreatitis, the symptoms appear in relapsing forms but are weaker than in the acute form. The pancreas is gradually destroyed and digestive problems appear. Patients lose weight unintentionally.
How do doctors treat pancreatitis?
Patients with severe pancreatitis are treated in the hospital. You will be given pain medication and IV fluids. If the symptoms do not subside, food is temporarily fed through a tube.
Diet plan for pancreatitis
The diet for pancreatitis should begin with a diet that is mostly carbohydrates. If those affected tolerate it well, they can also eat protein-rich, largely fat-free foods.
If there are no symptoms, fatty foods can be put back on the menu, starting with low-fat food and then slowly increasing the fat content. Consultation with the doctor responsible is necessary, as fat puts a heavy strain on the organ.
All in all, a diet variant with light whole foods with white bread, mixed bread, steamed meat or fish, low-fat cheese, bananas, pasta, rice, and low-fat dairy products is recommended.
What is taboo in pancreatitis?
- Fat foods
- different types of cabbage
- legumes
- eggs
- Mushrooms
- spicy roast
- alcohol
- nicotine
What else should pancreatitis patients consider when eating?
Doctors give patients after pancreatitis the following nutritional tips:
- Eat several servings throughout the day.
- The food or drink should not be extremely spicy, hot, or cold.
- Take your time to eat. Chew thoroughly.
- Write down the foods you have tolerated in a food diary.
Chronic pancreatitis – what is important for nutrition?
Depending on the duration of the disease, patients with chronic pancreatitis have more or less severe malnutrition. According to medical advice, you need additional calories and supplements – this should also be taken into account in the case of pancreatitis for nutrition.
