Pancreatitis: Causes, And Food To Eat – healthytalk8

What is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is considered an inflammation of the pancreas (a gland located behind the abdomen, a role in converting food into energy)

It has 2 main functions 1st helps in the digestion of food, and 2nd controls the amount of sugar in the blood.

When the pancreas swells, it releases too many digestive enzymes (which can damage the pancreas tissue) resulting in pain and nausea.

However, if treatment is not done or left treatment in b/w then it becomes life-threatening.

Moreover, there are 2 types of pancreatitis – acute and chronic.

Acute: In this pancreatitis or any other disease it stays only for a few days or weeks, by proper treatment goes away.

Chronic: It is a long-term condition, where the pancreas is permanently damaged, and it is kept in control with the help of medicine.

However, chronic pancreatitis could be a serious issue if precautions are not taken, leading to other health issues like diabetes, etc

Who is at high risk of it?

According to the National Pancreas Foundation, it is more common in men, especially in those 45 to 55 years old (1)

It can occur at any age and in any person, however, these individuals are more at risk of pancreatitis include:

• Family history of pancreas issues
• smokers or tobacco users
• overweight person
• high triglycerides individuals
• a person who has been on medication for a long time
• infections
• autoimmune disease such as lupus
• injuries on the abdomen
• alcoholic person

If you fall into this category, then you should consult your doctor before it leads to serious health issues.

Causes of pancreatitis

Moreover, In about 20% to 30% of cases of pancreatitis reasons are unknown.

Gallstones are small but they are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis, solid masses that form bile, a fluid that helps with the digestive.

• Autoimmune disorder
• Drinking lots of alcohol
• Infections
• Gallstones
• Surgery
• Injury to the abdomen
• Some medicines have side effects or a heavy dose
• High triglyceride in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia)

Signs and Symptoms of pancreatitis

The common signs and symptoms of pancreatitis are:

• Diarrhea
• nausea and vomiting
• fever
• stomach side pain
• fast heartbeat
• tenderness in the upper stomach
• bloating
• urine colour changes like dark urine
• dizziness
• jaundice
• difficulty in breathing
• gas

But in severe cases, this becomes life-threatening conditions such as:

• Severe dehydration
• pancreas failure
• internal bleeding
• sepsis (a serious issue, where your immune system is highly reactive to infection)

If you notice any signs and symptoms of pancreatitis or any discomfort then you should consult your healthcare provider.

Food to Eat

Diet definitely helps in restoring and protecting your pancreas. some research has shown that it aids the pancreas to full recovery.

Sour Fruits

Sour fruits such as lemon, limes, and kiwi fruits help in it because they contain antioxidants that protect the pancreas again damage.

Remember, sour fruits are not able to cure it, it is a serious health concern, where proper medication, and sufficient protein help in it.

Horsetail

It is an herb that contains silica (a mineral that is able to heal inflammation and wounds).

Silica is able to repair damaged tissues and prompt the building of collagen, which is essential to healing wounds.

Garlic

Garlic not only aids pancreatitis but also decreases the amount of sugar in the blood.

It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which reduce inflammation, and keep the other organs healthy.

One study conducted on pancreatitis rats revealed that garlic extract can reduce inflammation and improve pancreatic work.

Dairy Products

It is a good source of several minerals, proteins, calcium, and other nutrients.

However dairy item is high in fat, so it can be a problem with pancreatitis patients, so make sure to avoid excessive amount.

Tips to choose dairy products if you have pancreatitis are:

• Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy items such as skim milk, low-fat Yogurt, and cheese.
• avoid dairy items like whole milk, cheese, paneer, etc
• avoid consuming it in excessive amounts such as ice cream, cheese foods, sandwiches, etc

Other Items

• Dark leafy vegetables
• fruits
• blue and red berries
• sweet potatoes
• carrot
• walnuts
• pomegranates
• avocado
• olive oil
• fatty fish
• nuts

People with chronic pancreatitis often experience nutrition deficiency due to their decreased pancreas function.

Pancreatitis patients focus on their diet plans that are rich in protein, low in animal fats and contain antioxidants.

To best achieve those goals, it is important for pancreatitis patients to eat high-protein, nutritious diets that include:

• whole grains
• oats
• low-fat dairy (50 grams or less per day)
• other lean protein sources

Stay hydrated throughout the day, which is also vital for the proper function of pancreas.

Food to Avoid

Here are some foods that you should avoid these days, otherwise it raises other health concerns.

Processed food

Make sure to avoid processed, fried, junk, and street food these days.

The pancreas helps with fat digestion, so food with more fatty, and oily makes the pancreas work harder.

Alcohol and Smoking

Smoking and excessive alcohol are worse discussed in this situation because they increase the chance of cancer and even death.

Chronic alcohol use can also a high risk of major diseases such as kidney failure, liver, autoimmune disorders, etc.

Red Meat

High fat in meat increases the cholesterol level in the body, which increases the chance of heart attack.

It contains saturated fat which attracts the digestive enzymes from the pancreas, which worsens the situation.

One study found that 120 g per/day of red meat is associated with the risk of pancreatitis.

Down Line

Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas is inflamed, caused by several reasons like unhealthy lifestyle, gallstones, etc.

Food and medication play a vital role in healing wounds, however, some foods should be avoided like red meat, alcohol, etc

Men are more at risk of it, especially 45 to 50 years older people, however, it can occur in anyone.

if you face any discomfort on the stomach side, then you should consult your doctor, it may be some other health issues.