Diet for pancreatitis of the pancreas - menu for a week, a day.TOP 33 foods

Inflammation of the pancreas is a common disease affecting approximately 9 million people worldwide.Pancreatitis most often develops in the prime of life - between the ages of 30 and 40.Why does the pancreas become inflamed, how is pancreatitis treated and how should you change your diet?

Inflammation of the pancreas: causes and consequences

Most often, inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis occurs as a result of alcohol abuse or gallstone disease.Less commonly, injuries, infections (including cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus, mycoplasmosis, salmonellosis, leptospirosis), tumors and other pathologies are the causes of the inflammatory process.In addition, it has been found that acute pancreatitis can also develop due to high levels of lipids or calcium in the blood.Smoking also increases the risk.

The likelihood of developing pancreatitis also increases with treatment with certain medications, in particular statins (lower blood cholesterol levels), ACE inhibitors (lowering blood pressure), oral contraceptives, valproic acid and others.

There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic.

Acute inflammation is characterized by pronounced symptoms:

• Severe pain in the left hypochondrium, radiating or circling to the lower back;
• Fever;
• Nausea, vomiting.

Chronic pancreatitis is milder - patients most often complain of discomfort in the left side of the abdomen, nausea, weight loss, fatty stools and diarrhea.

Complications and prognosis of pancreatitis largely depend on its type and severity.In acute conditions, shock, dehydration, elevated blood sugar levels and kidney failure can occur.Sometimes acute pancreatitis causes damage to the respiratory tract.

Among the late complications, necrosis (death of cells) of the gland is the most dangerous.In addition, chronic pancreatitis is known to increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Treatment of pancreatitis: the main thing is nutrition!

Treatment for pancreatitis depends on its severity.Analgesics are used to relieve pain.In case of dehydration, rehydration therapy is prescribed; in acute pancreatitis, antibiotics are sometimes used.However, the leading role in the treatment of pancreatitis is played by diet, which depends on the type of inflammation and its severity.

Diet for acute pancreatitis is the key to recovery and minimizing the consequences.As a rule, fasting, i.e. completely abstaining from food and drink, is recommended until the condition improves.To restore the water-salt balance, sodium chloride solutions and others are administered intravenously.“Hungry” tactics are based on the fact that when food enters the digestive tract, the pancreas begins to produce digestive enzymes, which in turn can lead to an exacerbation of pain and a deterioration in the patient's general condition.

However, recent research suggests that early initiation of nutrition in moderate acute pancreatitis may be safe and, moreover, may improve treatment outcomes.Of course, as with chronic pancreatitis, dietary restrictions must be observed.

Treatment of severe acute pancreatitis can lead to the development of multi-organ failure and other serious complications.The patient is inevitably admitted to a hospital, most often to the intensive care unit, where he is prescribed complex treatment.In the case of acute, severe pancreatitis, the patient is fed parenterally, i.e. with the help of intravenously administered medication.

Treatment of chronic pancreatitis is based primarily on strict adherence to a diet.

Why follow a diet for pancreatitis?

The main targets of dietary restrictions for pancreatitis include:

• prevention of nutrient deficiencies;
• Maintaining normal glycemic levels (with the exception of hyper- or hypoglycemia);
• Compensation for diseases often associated with chronic pancreatitis - diabetes, renal impairment and others;
• Prevention of episodes of acute pancreatitis.

The menu for pancreatitis is selected to include easily broken down and digestible foods that require a minimal amount of digestive enzymes.In addition, foods should not increase blood sugar levels.

Diet for pancreatitis: What to eat if you have pancreatitis

The main dietary changes that must be adhered to in patients with pancreatitis:

1. Stop smoking.Smoking contributes to the deterioration of pancreatic function and also increases the risk of developing cancer.
2. Eat in small portions at least 5-6 times a day.
3. Maintain fluid intake: drink at least 2 liters of water per day (with pancreatitis, tea, juices, water, compotes are allowed).

The basis of the diet that patients with chronic pancreatitis must adhere to is maintaining protein content (usually 100-120 g per day), sharp limitation of fat content (from 60-70 g per day to 30 g in some cases), as well as exclusion of foods rich in substances that stimulate the secretion of pancreatic juice.In addition, it is important to reduce carbohydrate intake to 250-300 g per day, especially simple, “heavy” carbohydrates – sugar, white flour.If a patient has diabetes, doctors sometimes recommend completely eliminating simple carbohydrates from the diet for a certain period of time.

In cases where a person is losing weight, he may be prescribed a hypercaloric diet - up to 5000 calories per day.

Diet or table number 5 for pancreatitis

In medicine, patients with pancreatitis are prescribed table No. 5p according to the classification of the therapist, one of the leading scientists in the field of nutrition.He is the author of a dietary nutrition system that includes 15 therapies prescribed for certain diseases in periods of exacerbation and remission.

Table No. 5a is intended for patients with chronic pancreatitis.Key features of this mode:

• Calorie intake no more than 2000 calories per day (reduced);
• Carbohydrates, mainly complex, 200 grams;
• proteins 100-120 grams;
• Fats no more than 80 grams, of which 30% are animal fats;
• Fluid 1.5-2 liters per day.

Table number 5a implies the restriction of both plant and animal products that stimulate the activity of the pancreas.

What not to eat if you have pancreatitis

• Fried;
• spices, smoked meats;
• Alcohol;
• Fatty meats;
• High-fiber vegetables – beans, radishes, beets, garlic;
• ice cream;
• Products that can cause allergies;
• Flour products made from high-quality flour (pasta, white bread, shortbread, puff pastries);
• Trans fats (margarine), also in confectionery;
• Mayonnaise;
• Dishes in fast food restaurants.

In addition, the category of prohibited foods for pancreatitis includes green onions, sorrel, mushrooms, liver, hot spices – horseradish, pepper, mustard, snacks, cocoa, coffee, chocolate, tomato juice, fried eggs.

Because the emphasis is on low fat intake, some foods can only be consumed in strictly limited quantities.

So, you should eat no more than 50-70 g of butter per day, eggs (in the form of an omelette, steamed or boiled) no more than 2-3 times a week, cheese in small quantities, not spicy and preferably low in fat.It is better to meet the need for fats with foods rich in omega-3 acids - herring, red fish, salmon caviar.The amount of salt consumed should be reduced to 10 g per day.

The products permitted for consumption in pancreatitis according to table No. 5a include:

• Low-fat or low-fat dairy products;
• Boiled, baked and stewed lean meats (beef, veal, turkey, chicken, rabbit);
• Fish;
• Vegetables and fruits (except legumes, green vegetables);
• Sauerkraut;
• vegetable soups;
• Cereals, including in flake form;
• honey, jam, jelly;
• Yesterday's rye bread;
• Baked goods made from flour of grade 1-2, not tasty.Possibly stuffed with cottage cheese, boiled fish, lean meat, apples;
• Cracker;
• Biscuit.

Mediterranean diet for pancreatitis

In the West, the above nutritional classification is rarely used.For pancreatitis, many doctors recommend the so-called Mediterranean diet, which is considered one of the most effective for reducing the risk of many diseases, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases.

The Mediterranean diet includes foods eaten by residents of Italy, Greece and Cyprus.The basis of the diet is plant-based foods – vegetables, fruits, whole grain products.

Saturated animal fats (including those found in full-fat dairy products and meat) are replaced by unsaturated fats, found primarily in olive oil.

The amount of salt is reduced to a minimum and replaced with spices or herbs.They also limit the consumption of red meat - it is eaten no more than several times a month.The need for fats and proteins is met by poultry, fish and seafood, eaten at least twice a week.

The Mediterranean diet for chronic pancreatitis necessarily includes low-fat yogurt and cheese, as well as cereals, including whole grains.

Diet for pancreatitis: for a day, for a week

Now let's move on from theory to practice and try to create menu options and find out whether it is possible to include fruits, vegetables and other products in the diet for pancreatitis.

The daily diet of a patient with chronic pancreatitis should include:

• 250-300 g whole grains;
• Two medium-sized fruits;
• About 800 g of various vegetables;
• 15 grams of nuts;
• 150 grams of animal proteins (fish);
• 250 ml or 60 grams of low-fat dairy products.

The weekly menu for pancreatitis should contain:

• three portions of sea fish;
• No more than two portions of beef or young lamb;
• Three portions of eggs, preferably as an omelette;
• Three to four servings of chicken or turkey;
• Three to four servings of nuts or seeds;
• One or two servings of sweets (dried fruits, complex carbohydrates);
• Four to six servings of legumes.

The last point is questionable by some experts.Therefore, table No. 5a excludes legumes from the diet for chronic pancreatitis.However, due to the high content of unsaturated fatty acids, vegetable protein, minerals and vitamins in these products, many gastroenterologists believe that beans, lentils and peas should be an indispensable part of the diet for pancreatitis in remission.

Leading products against pancreatitis

Top 8 fruits

1. Blackberry.Berries rich in vitamin C, K, B vitamins, manganese, copper, potassium and other nutrients.
2. Cherry.Low-calorie fruit with lots of nutrients.Recommended for inclusion in the diet if necessary to reduce body weight.Helps reduce the severity of inflammatory processes and improve sleep.
3. Watermelon.Contains vital vitamins, including group B, ascorbic acid, as well as minerals (potassium, magnesium, manganese and others).
4. Plums.It has a low glycemic index, helps reduce “bad” cholesterol levels in the blood and improves digestion.One of the ideal fruits for diet for pancreatitis.
5. Red grapes.The polyphenols it contains help control body weight and prevent the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes.Can be included in the diet as part of a salad with grapes, boiled chicken and walnut kernels.
6. Mango.Contains healthy fiber, vitamin C, macro and micro elements and, above all, iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium.Helps normalize blood sugar levels and control blood sugar levels.Mango is included in recipes for various dietary salads that can be consumed for pancreatitis.
7. Apples.They are rich in fiber and help reduce inflammation and normalize digestion.Useful both baked and fresh.
8. Pomegranate.Pomegranate contains lots of fiber, potassium, iron, vitamins C and K.

Top 7 vegetables for chronic pancreatitis

1. Beetroot.Source of vitamins and minerals, rich in fiber.Helps normalize digestion and improves the functioning of the hepato-biliary tract and heart.
2. Broccoli.A unique vegetable, one of the few sources of folic acid.Just one cup of cooked broccoli contains a daily dose of ascorbic acid and vitamin K. Prevents the development of cancerous tumors.Normalizes digestion.
3. Spinach.Improves the body's immune response, helps normalize blood sugar levels and prevents the development of cancer.

Ideal as part of a salad with mango and nut seeds.

4. Curly cabbage.Reduces the severity of inflammation, promotes the elimination of toxins and prevents the development of cancerous tumors.
5. Salads.As part of a diet for pancreatitis, you can use various green salads.It is better to choose dark leafy salads - they contain more vitamins and microelements.
6. Sweet potato.Rich in vitamins A, C, B6, B12 and minerals, especially calcium, magnesium and iron.Can be eaten raw, cooked or baked.
7. Carrot.One of the main sources of beta-carotene.Helps improve digestion and immune response.As part of the diet for pancreatitis, raw carrots, boiled carrots and carrot juice can be consumed.

The 6 best grains for pancreatitis

According to research, the content of whole grain products in the diet should be increased when the pancreas is inflamed, as they have a positive effect on the condition of the organ.

1. Brown riceBy replacing regular white rice with this, you can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by up to 15% or more.These grains are rich in fiber and manganese and are high in calories, so portion size should be controlled when consumed.
2. buckwheat.Buckwheat is rich in protein, antioxidants and fiber and is easy to digest.Recommended as part of the dietary diet, including for pancreatitis.
3. Corn grits.Fine corn semolina (polenta) sets well.Gluten free.
4. Millet.Rich in fiber and gluten free.Well absorbed.Contains a range of nutrients including B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, zinc, iodine, magnesium as well as proteins and starch.
5. Tef.It is a common cereal crop in Ethiopia and is rich in iron.Helps reduce body weight, improve immune defense and digestion.You can use teff flour to prepare flatbreads, porridge and other dishes as part of a pancreatitis diet.
6. Amaranth.Rich in fiber, proteins and microelements.Gluten free.Helps improve digestion, reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.It is recommended to replace oatmeal, white rice and pasta made from premium flour with amaranth.

The 5 Best Nuts and Seeds for the Pancreatitis Diet

1. Almonds.Nuts are rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals and help control blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.However, you should consider the calorie content and not consume more than one serving per day.
2. Walnuts.They contain beneficial omega-3 acids and help maintain healthy blood vessels, heart and brain.They are high in calories.
3. Sunflower seeds.A source of B vitamins, vitamin E as well as magnesium and the famous antioxidant selenium.Provide the body with essential fatty acids and amino acids.In addition, like the previous two products, they have a high calorie content.
4. Pumpkin seeds.Contains unsaturated healthy fats and fiber.As part of a diet for pancreatitis, it can be used in salads or simply mixed with low-fat yogurt.
5. Pistachios.Helps lower “bad” cholesterol levels and reduce body weight.Due to the high calorie content, consumption in small quantities is recommended.

Top 4 Protein Sources

1. Bird.Chicken and turkey are among the best sources of protein.In order not to increase the calorie content of this dietary meat, it is better to steam, bake or boil it.

2. Fish and seafood.The most valuable are red fish - salmon, pink salmon, trout, which are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system and brain.
3. Eggs.Rich in proteins and amino acids.As part of a diet for pancreatitis, it is recommended to use it for dietary baking (for example, pancakes), as well as for preparing omelets.
4. legumes.Protein sources, plant fibers.Due to their low fat content, they are suitable for use in the diet for pancreatitis.Help control blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.Some legumes, such as lentils, contain an enzyme that the pancreas produces to break down fats - lipase.

Product List: Top 3 Fat Sources for Pancreatitis

1. Greek yogurt.It is advisable to choose low-fat or fat-free varieties that do not contain sugar or sweeteners.Thanks to the content of beneficial bacteria, it contributes to normalizing intestinal function and strengthening the immune response.
2. Cottage cheese.A source of calcium, B vitamins and low-fat cottage cheese is an invariable part of the diet for pancreatitis.Can be consumed with nuts and fruits.

3. Kefir.It has a high content of lactobacteria and bifidobacteria, helps improve intestinal function, normalizes the immune response, and also replenishes calcium and protein reserves.It is recommended to use low-fat kefir.

Vitamins and minerals

Chronic pancreatitis can lead to impaired nutrient absorption in the intestine and activation of metabolic processes, leading to an increased risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.To monitor the patient's condition, the doctor may order regular laboratory tests to determine the levels of vital nutrients.Based on their results, in addition to a special diet for chronic pancreatitis, multivitamins and minerals in medications can be recommended.