Diet for pancreatitis is key to treating this condition. Only the right diet leads to long-term remission. In this case, the role of nutrition is no less than that of drugs. 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 the condition worsens with every further illness. The tissue is gradually destroyed, which threatens serious health problems as a result.
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 are:
- Feeling of fullness in the stomach after eating.
- Pain in the navel.
- Constant heartburn, gas and gas.
- Nausea.
- Bad breath.
- Eructation.
- Facial swelling (read the helpful article on how to get rid of facial swelling quickly).
- Oily bowel movements.
- Dry skin.
- Reddening of the skin.
In addition, the body accumulates a large amount of toxins that can poison the body.
Features of a special diet
What to eat if the pancreas is inflamed? A sufficient amount of protein should be present in the diet of a person with pancreatitis. However, fat should be present in minimal amounts. This optimizes the work not only of the pancreas, but also of the gallbladder. If you add fat, it is only of vegetable origin, and even then in small amounts. Protein serves as a building material for restoring the structure of the pancreas. Carbohydrates can be consumed by such patients. Only when the risk of developing diabetes is increased should their number be moderated.
In addition, it is worthwhile to significantly limit the salt content in food. The fact is that with pancreatitis, the gland swells, it causes pain. It is the decrease in the level of salt in food in three weeks that leads to its size normalizing. With a serious exacerbation of the pathology, you need to eat only grated and sparing food. All food for pancreatitis should be warm so as not to cause irritation and better absorbed. All food should be mild, no spices or spices. Only fresh and high quality products.
Over time, you need to enrich the diet with meat, fish, protein and dry bread. However, dishes for pancreatitis should be small, albeit frequent. It is considered optimal to eat up to six times a day.
When is a diet prescribed for pancreatitis?
Diet should be changed as soon as pancreatitis is diagnosed. Particular attention should be paid to diet during an exacerbation of the disease. The main thing is to instill three main principles to the patient: hunger, cold and peace. During an exacerbation, you need to use non-carbonated mineral water, various decoctions and weak teas. At the end of the most acute phase, gradually add vegetable broth and oat broth to the diet.
For the subsequent period it is worthwhile to adhere to a fractionated light diet. Better to stick with it for 6 to 12 months. This is enough time for the organ to be restored. In addition, the patient will get used to the new diet and life in general. Dietary restrictions outside of the exacerbation period are not too strict. It is enough just to adhere to it, and the result will exceed all expectations. Properly selected diet will not only help reduce the amount and time of taking drugs, but also avoid surgery.
Very important! All therapeutic measures, regardless of gender, age and severity, must be coordinated with the doctor. Only a doctor can optimally choose drugs and prescribe proper nutrition. After all, only he has the correct idea of the condition of the patient's pancreas based on additional examinations.
If you had to go on a diet because of pancreatitis, follow the rules of nutrition so as not to suffer complications in the future.