Pancreas are a very important organ of the body that help in regulating the way our body processes sugar. It is also known for helping in digestion of food and increasing the function by releasing needed enzymes.
But it is not always the same, when the pancreas gets swollen and stops performing its function then this is identified as a condition called pancreatitis. Pancreas are directly linked to the stomach and that is why it gets affected by the food choices that an individual makes.
In some cases pancreatitis occurs because of the inflammation caused by gallstones. But according to the best physician in lahore, the serious and chronic cases of pancreatitis point towards issues in the diet that is being consumed.
Foods to Eat with Pancreatitis
If you are someone who has issues with their pancreas then it is very important for you to consume foods that are low in animal fat, high in antioxidants and are full of protein.
It is very important to eat beans, lentils, dairy alternatives, and lean meats. These are the kind of foods that don’t make the pancreas work too much and let them do the processing easily.
Foods like whole grains, cherries, and blueberries are the best to consume if you want to protect your digestive process and want the free radicals out of your body that damage different organs.
If there is a craving for sweet food, make sure that you go for natural sugar options. The best option here is fruits. Instead of going after added sugars, it is best to go for natural sugars. This practice helps you avoid diabetes, as people with pancreatitis are more likely to suffer from diabetes.
For your snack cravings, let me tell you that the best option you can opt for is vegetables. Eat baby cucumbers, tomatoes, and cherries with hummus, and try fruits as your snacks. Your pancreas will thank you for this.
Foods to Avoid with Pancreatitis
If you are suffering from pancreatitis and are combating the condition then make sure that you avoid the intake of trans fatty acids in your diet.
Avoid fried foods and stay away from all the packaged and processed food options. All the drive-thru food that takes moments to cook should be avoided at all costs. Food like mayonnaise, french fries, and potato crisps must be consumed in limited amounts as these can impact your pancreas pretty badly.
Other foods that you must limit consuming include:
- Margarine
- Red meat
- Full fat dairy
- Desserts
- Fizzy drinks and beverages
- Organ meats
- Potato chips and fries
In order to keep yourself healthy while suffering from pancreatitis make sure that you avoid deep-fried food items. Make sure to stay away from the consumption of cookies, pastries, and cakes. These types of foods can make your insulin levels go up and cause you other issues in the body.
Diet to Consume for Pancreatitis Recovery
If you are recovering from acute pancreatitis, make sure you change your lifestyle and some of the habits that can make your condition worse. Avoiding drinking, and quitting smoking can help a lot. Make sure that you eat a low-fat diet that doesn’t cause any type of inflammation in the pancreas.
It is essential to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It is also recommended to keep the electrolytes balanced in the body at all times. If you are a patient with chronic pancreatitis then make sure to consult with your doctor as they will link you up with a dietitian that can help you in changing your diet permanently.
There are high chances that you might get malnutrition when you suffer from pancreatitis. However, this can be checked through several tests. One of them is the lipase test. This test is best to find out the activity in the pancreas. And the lipase test price is also reasonable in Pakistan. Certain vitamins in the body start to lack when the condition of the patient is chronic like vitamin A, E, D, and K.
More Diet Tips
It is very important to have a meeting with your doctor before you make drastic changes in your diet if you have pancreatitis. Some of the best tips to follow include:
- Try and eat at least 6 to 8 meals a day to recover fully from pancreatitis. This works, as this is very light to the stomach compared to having 3 full-course meals.
- Avoid consuming too much fiber as it slows down the digestion process and makes the nutrients from food absorb slowly. Fiber also affects the enzymes in the body and makes them less effective.
Conclusion
Pancreatitis is a condition that can become serious and acute within days. That is why it is very important for you to keep a check on the food that you are eating. Make sure to avoid all the food items that are mentioned above. Try and look for healthier options and incorporate them into your everyday food.
