Staying Away from Foods That Cause Pancreatitis
Avoid excessive alcohol. There is a very clear link between excessive drinking and pancreatitis. Reducing your alcohol intake is one of the most important things you can do for your body if you are prone to pancreatitis. About seven out of 10 cases of chronic pancreatitis are the result of long-term, heavy drinking. Alcohol and biliary disease are the number one and number two causes of pancreatitis. Try to eliminate all alcohol from your diet. Cigarettes increase the negative effects of alcohol on the pancreas, so it’s also important to stop smoking. If you or someone you know drinks excessively, it may be time to seek help. Seek help from a rehab facility or a recovery group such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Learn the connection between gallstones and pancreatitis. Gallstones are one of the major reasons that acute pancreatitis occurs. They occur when too much cholesterol builds up in your bile (the stuff in your liver that helps digest fats). You can eliminate gallstones by taking medication or by having your gallbladder removed. Gall bladder surgery is commonplace and carries the risk of infection and bleeding, but otherwise it is safe procedure.
Educate yourself on hypercalcemia and its causes. If you have hypercalcemia, this means that the calcium level in your blood is higher than normal. It's most common in women over 50, and can be caused by overactive parathyroid glands, some cancers, and severe dehydration among other things. Hypercalcemia rarely causes pancreatitis, but when it does, the pancreatitis is typically severe. Hypercalcemia rarely comes with symptoms, but they could include bone pain or muscle weakness, excessive thirst, nausea, or heart problems among others. Ask your doctor for a blood test if you suspect you might have hypercalcemia and be vigilant for signs of pancreatitis as well.
Avoid fatty or fried foods. Anything high in saturated or trans fats is a no-no if you are prone to pancreatitis. Particularly if you are recovering from one attack, fatty foods can cause another bout of pancreatitis. Try to skip foods such as these: Fatty meats, such as organ meat, bacon, pepperoni, and salami Greasy foods, such as burgers and french fries Foods high in trans fats, such as packaged baked goods, fast food, and frozen pizza Full-fat milk, yogurt, or cheese
Limit foods with lots of simple sugar. Foods high in simple sugars increase you triglyceride levels (the amount of fat carried in your blood), which can lead to gallstones and pancreatitis. These include sugary sweets and high-calorie beverages. Some big ones to skip include Soda Cakes, cookies, and pies Candy Processed foods like jams and some condiments
Don’t crash diet. If you’re trying to lose weight, you should do so gradually, or your body will freak out. Rapid weight loss can cause your liver to overproduce cholesterol, which will increase your risk of gallstones.
Choosing Foods That Improve Pancreatic Health
Eat lots of whole grains. White flour can send your triglyceride levels (the amount of fat carried in your blood) through the roof, which can lead to pancreatitis attacks. Skip white bread and any cereal, rice, or pasta made with refined white flour. Opt for whole grain versions of these foods instead.
Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. In particular, look for foods high in vitamin B and iron (like leafy greens). Most fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants, which help prevent pancreatitis attacks. In particular, try to eat Greens Berries and cherries Tomatoes Squash Bell peppers
Drink water. The National Pancreas Foundation recommends that anyone who has ever been diagnosed with pancreatitis keep a water bottle with them at all times to avoid dehydration (which causes flare ups). Gatorade and other sports drinks are also okay, but watch out for high sugar content.
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