Pancreatitis Diet – A Complete Recovery Diet Chart To Follow

A pancreatitis diet is perfect for someone who experiences pancreatitis. More than 100,000 people have pancreatitis worldwide (1). Depending on the severity, pancreatitis can be chronic or acute. A pancreatitis-friendly diet is ideal for preventing complications like kidney issues, high blood sugar levels, and recurring acute pancreatitis and speeding up the healing (2). Read on to know all about the pancreatitis nutrition & diet, foods to eat and avoid, a diet plan, and lifestyle changes you must focus on. But first, know what’s pancreatitis after all. Scroll down!

At A Glance: Pancreatitis Diet

• Principle: Focuses on limiting the intake of fatty foods and including nutrient-dense, high-protein foods.
• Purpose: To alleviate pancreatic inflammation and manage inflammation and related symptoms
• Who It Is For: Individuals with pancreatitis
• Duration: Short-term
• Caution: Consume easy-to-digest, boiled, or mashed food. Avoid high amounts of fiber, carbs, fats, sodium, sugar, and any foods that may irritate the digestive system.

What Causes Pancreatitis? 

Pancreatitis is caused due to inflammation of the pancreas, which is usually very painful and may need surgery (3). Pancreas, the elongated gland, is present in the visceral cavity and is almost covered by the stomach and duodenumⁱ  XThe first part of the small intestine that connects the stomach and the middle portion of the small intestine. . The main function of the pancreas is to secrete pancreatic enzymes and hormones. It secretes insulin and glucagon, hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels, and digestive enzymes like trypsin, amylase, and lipase that break down and metabolize proteins, carbs, and fats (4).

Usually, pancreatic enzymes are secreted in the upper part of the small intestine where the main breakdown of foods and absorption of nutrients occurs (5). But due to gallstonesⁱ  XThey are solid matter often in the shape of pebble-like pieces that form in the gallbladder and cause sharp pain. , excess alcohol, smoking, autoimmune diseaseⁱ  XA disease wherein the body attacks its own immunity cells by mistake, not knowing which is a healthy cell and which is foreign. , or faulty genes, the pancreatic enzymes are secreted in the pancreas itself instead of the small intestine. And this leads to inflammation and inability to digest and absorb food.

There are many factors that can cause pancreatitis. One such cause is celiac disease which is basically an immune reaction to gluten that causes inflammation. The graph below represents the relationship between celiac disease and pancreatitis and shows that the occurrence of celiac disease increases the chances of pancreatitis.

% Prevalance Of Pancreatitis In People With Celiac & Non-celiac Disease

Pancreatitis is of two types – acute and chronic. Scroll down to find the difference between the two.

What Is The Difference Between Acute And Chronic Pancreatitis?

Here are the main differences between acute and chronic pancreatitis:

Acute pancreatitis involves active inflammation of the pancreas, causing sudden bouts of abdominal pain and an increase in the level of blood enzymes. The pain may increase after a meal and occurs in the upper middle or left part of the abdomen. In some cases, it may last for days. Severe cases of acute pancreatitis may need surgery.

Chronic pancreatitis is a condition in which the pain is not as severe as acute pancreatitis, but it causes damage to the pancreas by calcificationⁱ  XIt is the build-up of calcium/calcium salts in body tissue and can cause the tissue to harden. It can happen in any area of the body. , ductal inflammationⁱ  XA type of inflammation within the breast in the milk ducts which causes pain, tenderness, and redness. , and fibrosisⁱ  XIt refers to the development of fibrous tissues caused by dust or by being exposed to allergens in the air. . And that’s bad news. Because it means that the pancreas has stopped working, and you may be prone to diabetes, liver problems, anemia, and malnutrition.

Now, let’s check out the symptoms of acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Acute Pancreatitis Symptoms

Around 30 out of 100,000 people suffer from acute pancreatitis (6). And the symptoms are usually as follows:

• Upper abdominal pain that may come and go or persist
• Fever
• Inability to digest food
• Nausea
• Pain right after meals
• Vomiting
• Tender abdomen
• Higher heart rate
• Back and shoulder pain

Chronic Pancreatitis Symptoms

Around 5-12 out of 100,000 people develop chronic pancreatitis (7). Not being on a pancreatitis diet, even after being diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, leads to it. And here are the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis:

• Drastic weight loss
• Steatorrhea – fatty stool with foul smell
• Difficulty in breathing
• Fatigue
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• In some cases, the pain may reduce, indicating that the pancreas is ceasing to work.

Remember, you might experience abdominal pain due to various reasons. Do not panic. Call for help, and seek immediate medical attention.

To reduce the chances of recurrence of bouts of pancreatitis pain, you must take care of what you eat. Here are a few guidelines for your pancreatitis diet. Take a look.

Pancreatitis Diet Guidelines

Here are a few acute and chronic pancreatitis diet guidelines, which may aid in pancreatitis management:

• Focus on consuming healthy food, always.
• Be on a low-fat diet to prevent aggravating the inflammation.
• Stop drinking alcohol and smoking.
• Consume MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) as these do not require pancreatic enzymes to be digested.
• Consult your doctor and get digestive enzyme supplements.
• Consult your doctor and take supplements for vitamins A, E, D, K, and B12.
• Consult your doctor and take minerals like calcium and iron.
• Have 6 to 7 small meals throughout the day.
• Do not consume too many high-fiber foods at one go.
• Consume boiled and mashed veggies to put less strain on your stomach.

Now, let me list out the foods you can consume and the foods you must avoid. Scroll down.

Pancreatitis Diet – Foods To Eat

Here are the foods you can consume if you are suffering from pancreatitis:

• Veggies – Spinach, cauliflower, sweet potato, scallions, carrot, beetroot, and cucumber.
• Fruits – Cherries, blueberries, peeled apple, and pineapple.
• MCTs – Coconut, coconut oil, yogurt, and milk.
• Protein – Lentils, beans, and lean meat.
• Whole grains – Barley, oats, and white rice.
• Beverages – Water, strained fruit juice, coconut water, and buttermilk.
• Condiments – Chickpea and green peas hummus.

Mary Sabat, RD, LD, shares some foods that one can have. She says, “Dal is a good source of dietary fiber and protein, which can help alleviate symptoms of pancreatitis, but it should be consumed in moderation. Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation, but they should be consumed in moderation as they are acidic and can cause digestive issues.”

Barbara Kovalenko, a nutrition consultant, adds, “Bananas are a good option for individuals with pancreatitis as they are easy to digest and low in fat. They are also a good source of fiber and potassium, which can help regulate digestion and support overall health. However, remember to consume ripe bananas, as they are easier to digest, and avoid overconsumption, as too much fiber can be hard on the pancreas.”

Darlene, a blogger, shared her experience of managing chronic pancreatitis by changing her diet. She said,”The diet I am following now is a low low fat, low sugar & low carb diet. As well as an exercise program. Made up of cardio & strength. I try to eat organic, fresh whole foods. I followed a diet similar to this in my 20’s. It made me feel great & lost 30 lbs. I’m incorporating alot of what I learned then into this diet now (i)”.

Note: If you have chronic pancreatitis, you may not be allowed to consume beans and whole grains. Your doctor/dietitian will advise you on your food intake depending on the severity of the condition.

Now, let’s take a look at the foods you should avoid.

Pancreatitis Diet – Foods To Avoid

• High-sugar foods – These foods increase the triglyceride levels, which can further aggravate acute pancreatitis.
• Carbonated beverages
• High-fat foods like butter, avocado, dried coconut, nuts, seeds, nut butter, and lard. Sabat says, “Ghee is high in saturated fat and should be avoided as it may worsen pancreatitis symptoms.”
• High-fiber fruits and fruits with the peel.
• High-sodium foods like wafers, cheese balls, and processed meat.
• High-fat meat like beef and pork.
• Mayonnaise
• Beverages with added sugar like packaged juices and energy drinks.
• Full-fat dairy
• Hamburger, pizza, fries, and fried chicken.
• Cake, pastries, doughnuts, ice cream, and milkshakes.

Darlene further added, “Nuts, I love nuts but always had problems digesting them in the past. I tried it again & I just can’t do it. I get bad heart burn.”

It is clear that you must avoid foods that are unhealthy and make your digestive system work extra hard to help digest them. Using the diet guidelines and foods to eat and avoid list, I have created a sample pancreatitis diet. It will give you an idea of timing and portion of foods that you should consume. Make sure you consult your doctor if you decide to follow this diet plan.

Did You Know?

You know your pancreatitis diet plan is working if you are not losing weight, the feeling of nausea has subsided completely, and the other symptoms are beginning to reduce.

Pancreatitis Recovery Diet Chart 

When it comes to pancreatitis patients, nutrition is very crucial. To recover and avoid pancreatitis-triggered diseases like gallstones, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and malnutrition, patients must follow a good diet. Here’s an acute pancreatitis diet chart – take a look. 

This pancreatitis meal idea may look very grim, but it is going to help soothe your digestive system and reduce bouts of pain.

Apart from following a pancreatitis-friendly diet, you must lead a good lifestyle. Because, most of the times, your lifestyle determines if you are going to lead a disease-free life. So, don’t miss the following points.

Pancreatitis Recommended Lifestyle Changes

• Drink 3 liters of water every day.
• Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Consume home-cooked food.
• Pancreatitis lifestyle includes eating healthy food and avoiding foods that can cause inflammation of the pancreas.
• Practice meditation and yoga.
• Go on walks.
• Join a pancreatitis support & wellness group to talk it out and get the support of people who understand what you are going through.
• Do not miss your doctor’s appointments. Reschedule them if you do.

Quick Tip

If you or your loved ones are suffering from pancreatitis, always inform the host of the event you are attending prior to avoid any food troubles. Always choose restaurants that can serve pancreatitis-friendly foods.

Health Complications Of Pancreatitis

• Further deterioration of pancreatitis
• Liver failure
• Pancreatic cancer
• Kidney damage
• Malnutrition
• Diabetes

Along with diet and lifestyle changes, you must also be aware of other possible pancreatitis treatments. Take a look at the list below.

Other Treatment Options For Pancreatitis 

• Fasting – Doctors recommend fasting for a few days to give your digestive system a break and help soothe the inflammation.
• Pain Medications – Acute pancreatitis pain is unbearable, which is why doctors often recommend pain medications.
• Intravenous Fluids – While recovering from pancreatitis, you may become dehydrated. So, fluid is pushed through your veins to keep you hydrated.
• Gallbladder Surgery – Since gallstones can also cause pancreatitis, you may have to undergo gallbladder surgery to remove the gallstones.
• Pancreas Surgery – Pancreas surgery helps remove excess fluid or the diseased part of the pancreas.
• Bile Duct Obstruction Removal – Pancreatitis can also be caused due to narrowing or obstruction of the bile duct. Therefore, your doctor may carry out procedures to widen the bile duct.

Infographic: Pancreatitis Diet – Foods To Eat

People with pancreatitis should follow a specific diet to minimize the symptoms associated with that condition. Not all foods are suitable for people with pancreatitis. There are a few pancreatitis diet restrictions such as avoiding eating full-fat dairy, high-fat-meat, and high-sugar foods.
Read through the infographic below to learn about the foods you should include in a pancreatitis diet.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to do normal activities?

That depends on your condition. If your doctor recommends rest, you must avoid doing strenuous activities. You may do isometric exercises and stretching.

Will I be able to consume alcohol after my recovery?

No. It is not recommended to consume alcohol after pancreatitis healing. It will only aggravate the condition and make you prone to another flare up.

Will smoking impact my disease?

Yes, it will. Hence, it is better to quit smoking.

Is pasta good for pancreatitis?

Yes, eating whole-grain pasta, bread, and cereals is good for pancreatitis as they are rich in fiber.

How long does pancreatitis take to heal?

Most people with acute pancreatitis improve within a week and leave the hospital within 5-10 days. They usually recover in a month with proper rest.

Is broccoli good for pancreatitis?

Yes, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and sprouts are rich in indole-3-carbinol and vitamins C and E, which are great for the pancreas and help in easing abdominal pain (8). These are also considered as pancreatitis superfoods.

Personal Experience: Source

i. Getting used to eating for my Pancreas
https://flourlesssugarlessguiltless.wordpress.com/2013/04/15/getting-used-to-eating-for-my-pancreas/

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Alexandra DusenberryMS, RDN

   

Alexandra Dusenberry is a registered dietitian nutritionist and a certified personal trainer based in San Diego, California. She has 6 years of experience and works with clients around the world to help them reach their health and fitness goals. She believes that food is medicine and proper nutrition is healing and essential for wellbeing and quality of life. Alexandra enjoys...more

• Mary SabatMS, RDN, LD

  Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, is a registered dietitian and a certified in personal training by the American Council of Exercise. She has 30 years of experience in nutrition education, wellness coaching, fitness training, holistic health, and weight loss coaching. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Delaware and master’s degree in Human Nutrition with an emphasis on Exercise Science from Rutgers University.
  
  Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, is a registered dietitian and a certified in personal training by the American Council of Exercise. She has 30 years of experience in nutrition education, wellness coaching, fitness training, holistic health, and weight loss coaching. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Delaware and master’s degree in Human Nutrition with an emphasis on Exercise Science from Rutgers University.
• Barbara KovalenkoNutrition Consultant

  Barbara Kovalenko is a nutritional consultant with 4 years of experience in nutrition and mindful eating coaching. She earned her bachelor's degree in nutrition from Bogomolets National Medical University, Ukraine and master's degree from Boston University, USA.
  
  Barbara Kovalenko is a nutritional consultant with 4 years of experience in nutrition and mindful eating coaching. She earned her bachelor's degree in nutrition from Bogomolets National Medical University, Ukraine and master's degree from Boston University, USA.

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