Diet for pancreatitis is key in treating this condition. Only proper nutrition will help lead to long-term remission. In this case, the role of diet is no less than the role of medications. How to eat with pancreatitis - we will find out further.
Factors and symptoms of pancreatitis
The course of pancreatitis is characterized by constant relapses, which occur due to the release of an insufficient amount of hormones and enzymes. It's not even about constant relapses, but about the fact that with each subsequent condition, the condition worsens. The tissues are gradually destroyed, which subsequently threatens with serious health problems.
It is very important to remember that inflammation of the pancreas can indicate the independence of the disease, or be a manifestation of other pathologies (cirrhosis of the liver, alcohol intoxication or atherosclerosis).
Pancreatitis symptoms
The main symptoms of pancreatitis:
- Feeling of fullness in the stomach after eating.
- Pain in the navel.
- Constant heartburn, bloating and flatulence.
- Nausea.
- Bad breath.
- Belching.
- Facial swelling (read the helpful article on how to quickly get rid of facial swelling).
- Fatty stools.
- Dry skin.
- Redness of the skin.
In addition, the body accumulates a large amount of toxins that can poison the body.
Features of a special diet
What can you eat with inflammation of the pancreas? In the diet of a person who has pancreatitis, there should be a sufficient amount of protein. But fat should be present in minimal quantities. This optimizes the work of not only the pancreas, but also the gallbladder. If you add fat, then only of vegetable origin, and even then in small quantities. Protein will serve as a building material for restoring the structure of the pancreas. Carbohydrates can be consumed by such patients. Only if the risk of developing diabetes is increased, then their number should also be moderated.
In addition, it is worthwhile to significantly limit the level of salt in the diet. The fact is that with pancreatitis, the gland swells, this causes pain. It is the decrease in the level of salt in the diet in three weeks that will lead to the normalization of its size. With a serious exacerbation of the pathology, you need to eat only grated and gentle food. All food for pancreatitis should be warm so as not to cause irritation and is better absorbed. All food should be bland, no seasonings or spices. Only fresh and high quality products.
Over time, you need to enrich the diet with meat, fish, egg white and dry bread. But dishes for pancreatitis should be small, although frequent. It is considered optimal to eat up to six times a day.
When is a diet prescribed for pancreatitis?
The diet should be changed as soon as pancreatitis is diagnosed. Particular attention should be paid to nutrition during an exacerbation of the disease. The main thing is to provide the patient with three main principles: hunger, cold and peace. During an exacerbation, you need to use non-carbonated mineral water, various decoctions and weak teas. After the most acute period has passed, gradually introduce vegetable broth and oat broth into the diet.
For the subsequent period, it is worth keeping a fractional sparing diet. Better to stick with it for 6 to 12 months. It is this time that is enough for the restoration of the organ. In addition, the patient will already get used to the new way of eating, and to life in general. Dietary restrictions outside the exacerbation period are not too strict. It is enough to simply adhere to them, and the result will exceed all expectations. Correctly selected nutrition will help not only to reduce the amount and time of taking medications, but also to eliminate the need for surgeries.
Very important! All therapeutic measures, regardless of gender, age and severity, must be agreed with the doctor. Only a doctor can optimally select drugs and prescribe the correct diet. After all, only he has the correct idea of the state of the patient's pancreatic gland on the basis of additional research.
If you had to go on a diet for pancreatitis, follow the dietary rules so as not to face complications in the future.