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The diet is a very important part of treatment for pancreatitis as it helps to prevent malabsorption of nutrients, decrease symptoms and prevent the risk of malnutrition.
During a pancreatitis crisis there are some very important rules:
- Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- Do not eat fatty foods;
- Avoid large meals.
The main objective of the pancreatitis diet is to eat a low-fat diet, as this slows down the functioning of the pancreas and relieves symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. In addition, it is also important to control the consumption of foods high in sugar or with a high glycemic index, because during pancreatitis, it is common to experience an increase in the amount of sugar in the blood. See a list of foods with a high glycemic index.
To facilitate digestion, the doctor may also advise the intake of pancreatin in the form of capsules, which is an enzyme naturally produced by the pancreas and which helps with digestion. This medicine should be taken before main meals.
The diet can also vary according to the type of pancreatitis:
1. Diet for acute pancreatitis
During an acute pancreatitis crisis when the person feels a lot of pain and is unable to digest any type of food well, the recommendation is that the diet should be zero until the crisis improves or up to a maximum of 48 hours, keeping only the intake of water for hydration. Thus, the person who is in crisis cannot eat anything, so that the intestine rests and the pancreas can recover.
After the pancreatitis crisis, feeding in small quantities must be resumed, starting with strained fruit juices, to remove the bagasse, coconut water and well-diluted vegetable and meat broths, beaten in a blender.
Gradually, the food can become pasty, with mashed soups, mashed potatoes or pumpkin, boiled eggs, shredded chicken and lean ground meats. Everything should be done with small amounts of fat, preferably using extra virgin olive oil, and using only natural spices, such as onions, garlic, basil, parsley, cilantro and chives.
As the person tolerates and digests better, solid low-fat foods, such as lean meats, fish and skinless chicken, should be offered. Vegetables should initially be cooked, as it facilitates digestion.
2. Diet for chronic pancreatitis
The main objectives of the diet for chronic pancreatitis are to correct malabsorption of nutrients, prevent the loss of fat and muscle mass, stimulate appetite and relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Thus, it is common for the doctor to recommend the use of supplements with vitamins A, D, E and K, which are the most affected by the malabsorption caused by pancreatitis. In addition, other supplements with vitamin B complex, zinc, calcium and magnesium may also be indicated.
People with chronic pancreatitis should also avoid eating very large meals, preferring to eat small meals throughout the day, every 2 or 3 hours, and consume only 40 to 60 grams of fat per day. Foods high in sugar should also be controlled to help keep the amount of sugar in your blood well regulated.
Due to the various dietary restrictions, it is ideal for people who suffer from chronic pancreatitis to consult with a nutritionist, who can develop a nutritional plan adapted to individual needs.
Allowed foods
After the crisis and during the beginning of the feedback, the following foods should be preferred:
- Skimmed milk and yogurt;
- Lean cheeses such as mines, cottage and ricotta cheese;
- Boiled eggs;
- White rice, soft noodles;
- English potatoes, especially in the form of mashed potatoes;
- Lean meats like fish and skinless chicken;
- Cooked vegetables such as pumpkin, chayote, carrots, beets, sautéed zucchini;
- Peeled fruits without bagasse.
This diet lasts about 1 to 2 weeks after the crisis, according to the acceptance and evolution of each person.
Prohibited foods
In order to prevent further attacks of pancreatitis, the following foods should be avoided:
- Chocolate;
- Alcoholic beverages;
- Foods that stimulate the intestine, such as coffee, mint and pepper;
- Foods rich in fats, such as red meats, butter, yellow cheeses, cookies, ice cream or margarine;
- Processed meat, such as sausage, sausage, bacon, ham, bologna;
- Frozen ready foods, hamburger, lasagna, fast food generally.
It is always important to check the label of processed foods, checking if the product contains vegetable fat or hydrogenated fat, excess dyes, preservatives and other additives that irritate the intestine and increase inflammation.
Example menu for pancreatitis
The following table shows an example of a 3-day diet menu for pancreatitis:
Meal | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
Breakfast | 240 ml strained apple juice + 2 toasts + 1 boiled egg | Oatmeal porridge: 200 ml of milk + 2 tablespoons of oats | 1 glass of skim milk + 2 slices of white bread with ricotta or cottage pate |
Morning snack | ½ baked apple with cinnamon | 2 toast with ricotta cheese | 1 mashed banana |
Lunch dinner | Vegetable broth with chicken (beaten in a blender and strained) | 90 grams of chicken breast + ½ cup of rice + 1 cup of cooked vegetables | 90 grams of fish + ½ cup mashed potatoes + 1 cup boiled carrots and green beans |
Afternoon snack | 1 glass of strained orange juice + 1 low-fat natural yogurt | 1 low-fat plain yogurt + 6 strawberries | 1 skimmed plain yogurt with strawberries |
In addition to changes in diet, find out how treatment for pancreatitis is done, including medications and surgery.
Watch the following video and check out these and other foods suitable for pancreatitis sufferers and which supplementation is best for these cases: