Pancreatitis Diet - Foods to Avoid

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. It is a condition typically brought on by trauma or stress to the pancreas that affects the way in which it produces digestive enzymes and hormones. Typically either experience acute or chronic pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden pancreatits attack that typically coincides with gallstones and lasts for days. Persons with acute pancreatitis are often hospitalized during which time they fast from food until they are rehydrated and stabilized. With chronic pancreatitis the condition reoccurs for many years. This often results in diabetes (if the pancreas is damaged to the point that it cannot produce enough insulin), weight loss and digestive problems. The pancreas is responsible for producing various hormones including insulin, as well as important digestive enzymes. In a normally functioing pancreas these digestive enzymes are not activated until they reach the small intestine. In a pancreas with pancreatitis these enzymes are activated prematurely and cause damage to the pancreatic tissue.

One of the best ways to control chronic pancreatitis and prevent an acute pancreatitis episode is to eat the correct foods that allow the digestive enzymes to activate properly. Eating the wrong foods is often the culprit in pancreatitis attacks. As it is with all health issues, you will eventually experience pain and sickness if your body does not have the nutrients it requires to function as it should. There are also foods that should be avoided and will worsen pancreatitis.

HOSPITAL DIET

Foods to avoid:
Foods with high fat content. One of the causes of pancreatitis are high triglycerides (fats) in the blood. A diet high in fat is sure to bring on pancreatitis attacks so it is best to avoid meats, dairy and fried foods.

Alcohol. Alcohol is one of the leading causes of pancreatitis, especially among men. Avoid chronic alcoholism and binge drinking.

Processed foods Processed foods, especially those that contain partially hydrogenated oils. Free radicals atoms or molecules that wreak havoc and damage to your body. The amount of free radicals that come from food increases the longer it sits or the more it is processed. Foods with partially hydrogenated oils contribute even more (most processed foods contain them). The way the body deals with free radicals is antioxidants. These little nutrients eliminate free radicals from the body and are extremely important to the body. The more foods are processed or cooked, the less nutrients (including antioxidants) are left.

Pancreatitis Diet - Foods to Avoid

HOSPITAL DIET