Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. Produces enzymes involved in the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It also produces insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. Malnutrition, cravings for spicy and fatty foods, smoking and alcohol abuse, uncontrolled drug use - all these factors contribute to the development of pancreatitis.
In this article we will explain how to recognize pancreatitis and what diet patients follow.
How do you know if you have pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Its symptoms vary depending on the form.
The acute form is characterized by severe abdominal pain in the upper abdomen. Pain syndrome occurs when you eat something fatty or drink alcohol. Nausea and vomiting begin, stool problems.
In chronic pancreatitis, the pain is localized in the upper part of the peritoneum, spreads to the back, left side of the chest, lower abdomen. Anxiety is often observed after consuming fatty, heavy foods, alcohol, as well as against the background of stress.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis:
- Severe persistent pain around.
- Increased body temperature.
- Blood pressure rises.
- Pale or yellow skin.
- Strong vomiting, not soothing.
- Constipation, flatulence, saliva.
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis:
- Abdominal pain after eating. Local or surrounding, extending backwards.
- Heat causes stomach pain, and cold is a relief.
- The patient occupies a mandatory position - knee-elbow position or sitting position with forward bending.
- Vomiting, diarrhea.
- Lose weight.
It does not matter what form the disease is - acute or chronic. You need to be selective about the foods you eat and stick to your diet.
What diet is indicated for pancreatitis
The following dietary changes are recommended to prevent exacerbation of pancreatitis:
- Eat 4-5 times a day with equal distribution of fatty foods in the diet;
- refusal to overeat;
- balanced diet;
- limit saturated fat and cholesterol;
- inclusion in the diet of sufficient amounts of various vegetable fibers - grains, vegetables and fruits;
- eat a variety of foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol (unrefined vegetable fats are only somewhat limited in overweight people).
Which products are allowed
It is a mistake to think that patients with pancreatitis are "deprived" of tasty and varied foods. In fact, the list of foods allowed is quite extensive.
So you can eat:
- Dry white bread, biscuits.
- Vegetable soups with noodles, semolina, oatmeal.
- Lean meats.
- Lean fish, fragrant.
- Porridge (buckwheat (puree), oatmeal, semolina, rice).
- Curd, cereal puddings and casserole.
- Milk and fermented milk products have a fat content of no more than 2%.
- eggs.
- Vegetables.
- Ripe and non-acidic varieties of fruits and berries.
- Butter and vegetable oil.
- Weak tea, still mineral water, rose water, juices diluted with water in a ratio of 50 to 50).
Food should be wiped, boiled and steamed. You cannot eat hot or cold food. The optimum temperature is 30-50 ° C. Do not overeat, eat in portions.
What foods should be discarded?
Exacerbation occurs during malnutrition and intake:
- greasy, fried foods,
- hot spices,
- a large number of raw vegetables, fruits,
- cakes and sweets (cakes, pies, pastries),
- alcohol,
- carbonated drinks,
- whole milk
Sample menu for patients with pancreatitis
- Breakfast: Milk soup with milk porridge / noodles / boiled noodles. Milk tea. Dry bread.
- Supper: Vegetable puree soup, boiled rice / mashed potatoes, boiled fish / meat. Tea.
- Lunch snack: Curd casserole, jelly / jelly.
- Supper: vegetable salad with olive oil, boiled meat / fish, jelly.
Need snacks. Eat baked apples, low-fat cottage cheese, biscuits between meals.
Keep in mind that medication and diet are equally important. Nutritional therapy normalizes the pancreas and prevents exacerbation of the disease. Do not self-medicate in this situation! If you have symptoms of pancreatitis, consult your doctor.