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The pancreas is an organ that plays an important role in the digestion process and regulation of blood sugar levels.When the pancreas is damaged, such as from acute or chronic pancreatitis, a special diet is necessary to help it heal and minimize symptoms of pain.In this article, we will discuss what you can eat and what to avoid if you have pancreatitis, and present permitted and prohibited products, supplements that support the functioning of the pancreas, and our suggestions for a pancreatic diet.
Pancreatic diet – why is a diet important for pancreatic diseases?
A pancreatic diet is extremely important because it helps reduce the workload on the pancreas and gives it time to regenerate.The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that help digest proteins, fats and carbohydrates.When the pancreas is damaged, the production of these enzymes may be impaired, leading to difficulty in digestion and absorption of nutrients.
In cases of acute pancreatitis, a pancreatic diet is especially important because the inflammation can be very painful and lead to serious complications such as pancreatic failure.A proper diet can help relieve pain symptoms and aid the healing process.
What can and cannot be eaten with acute pancreatitis?
With acute pancreatitis, it is important to avoid eating foods that can further irritate the pancreas and increase pain.Permitted products include:
- Lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, and fish
- Rice and pasta
- Oatmeal
- Cooked vegetables such as potatoes and carrots
- Fruit in the form of puree
- Low-fat dairy products
However, you should avoid:
- Fatty foods, fried foods
- Alcohol
- Spicy and spicy spices
- Fast-food
- Chocolate and sweets
- High-fat foods
Products allowed and prohibited for chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is a condition that requires long-term dietary care.In this situation, the pancreatic diet should be well-balanced and contain products that do not burden the pancreas too much.Allowed products are:
- Lean meat, fish and poultry
- Whole grain cereal products
- Boiled or stewed vegetables
- Low-fat dairy products
- Fruits with low acid content
- Nuts and seeds in moderate amounts
Prohibited products for chronic pancreatitis are the same ones that should be avoided for acute inflammation, with the addition of:
- Alcoholic products
- Caffeine
- High-fat foods and snacks
- Spicy spices
Supplements supporting the functioning of the pancreas
In some cases, dietary supplements may be useful in supporting the functioning of the pancreas.Before starting supplementation, it is always worth consulting a doctor or dietitian.Some supplements that may be beneficial include:
- Pancreatic enzymes – help with digestion
- Vitamins and minerals – support pancreatic health
- Probiotics – may help regulate intestinal bacterial flora
- Omega-3 acid – has anti-inflammatory properties
Your suggestions
If you have pancreatitis or know someone who does, remember that everyone’s body is different and your diet may need to be adjusted to your individual needs.It is always worth consulting a doctor or dietitian to develop an appropriate nutritional plan.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about the pancreatic diet and pancreatic diseases, we recommend you read the following articles:
- “Pancreatitis: causes, symptoms and treatment” – available on our website
- “A healthy diet for the pancreas – how to take care of the digestive organ” – an article published in our archive
- “Dietary supplements and pancreas health” – you can also find information on this topic on our website
Remember that a pancreatic diet can have a significant impact on the health of the pancreas and the overall quality of life, so it is worth taking care of appropriate eating habits in case of diseases of this organ.