Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process in the pancreas. The outflow of bile is disturbed, as a result, the enzymes of the gland do not penetrate into the duodenum and remain in it. The pancreas begins to gradually collapse, which even threatens death.
Every year, this type of disease is diagnosed in more and more people. Pathology even occurs in adolescents. There are many reasons for the development of pancreatitis, from alcohol abuse, excess weight, to gallstone disease. Therefore, it is very important to follow a diet during illness.

The importance of enzymes in food digestion

For normal digestion of food, it is the pancreatic juice that is produced by the pancreas is required. In addition, the juice protects against the harmful effects of hydrochloric acid. It contains enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats. If this does not happen, then most of the food received does not provide any benefit to the body.

The juice contains 4 enzymes. They stand out in 3 stages, the activation of which occurs approximately in the first 30-60 minutes after the ingestion of food. Then there is a gradual decrease in activity and literally in 3-4 hours everything returns to the initial level. If there are problems with the pancreas, then the activation of enzymes occurs too early, as a result of which an inflammatory process or pancreatitis begins. 

Fatty foods, consequences of abuse

Fats are found in all foods, even fruits, albeit in minimal quantities. But most of all the fat is in bacon and lard. For example, 70 g of fat covers the daily dose of fat that the body needs per day. It is clear that not a single person will limit himself to just a couple of pieces of bacon a day.

Some products have hidden surprises. For example, the Doctor’s sausage contains 40% fat, although it is considered dietary. These products include popcorn, sauces, yoghurts, and convenience foods.

Nutritionists advise to consume no more than 1 g of fat per 1 kg of human weight. If the norm is not respected, then obesity begins, which adversely affects absolutely all human organs, including the pancreas. Scientists have also been able to establish that fatty food excites the pleasure center in the brain, as a result, even if a person stops consuming fat, he cannot get enough of ordinary food.

Ways to get rid of pain

Pancreatitis is accompanied by pain in the hypochondrium. It starts after eating. This can be accompanied by weakness, belching, nausea, and even stool disturbance. The first step, if an attack has begun, is to take antispasmodic medications, if you know which ones. If the attack is severe, then it is better to call the doctors.

After that, it is best to stick to bed rest for 2 days for two days. Ice can be applied to the hypochondrium. Until the attack passes, you should not eat, only drink water, which should be warm.

If vomiting is present, then it is better to vomit, it will immediately become much easier. It is best to breathe shallowly, holding your breath periodically.

How long does the diet last for pancreatitis

Diet food for pancreatitis does not have a clear time. It all depends on the patient’s condition, how quickly he is recovering. In the chronic form, a person usually has to carefully monitor their diet for at least 1.5 years.

Allowed Products

In order not to harm the pancreas and “help” it to fulfill its functions more quickly, the following foods should be present in the diet:

• soups with noodles and vegetables;
• yesterday’s bread;
• baked or boiled fish;
• steamed meat, in the form of rolls, mashed potatoes, pates and cutlets;
• crackers;
• stewed and baked vegetables;
• dairy and sour milk products, but with a low percentage of fat;
• cereals;
• omelette;
• pasta;
• a small amount of butter and vegetable oil;
• baked unsweetened fruits;
• jelly;
• jelly and compotes.

However, such a limited set of products will not always be in the diet; gradually, as it improves, the number of products expands.

Fully or partially limited products

Alas, the list of prohibited foods for this type of disease is quite impressive. Invalid consumption:

• cabbage soup;
• okroshka;
• jam;
• broths based on meat, fish and mushrooms;
• beetroot;
• margarine;
• canned foods;
• fatty meats and fish;
• offal;
• sausages;
• any fried foods;
• lard;
• apples;
• boiled eggs;
• caviar;
• legumes;
• barley, corn and millet porridge;
• banned vegetables that cause flatulence and contain large dietary fiber, for example, radishes and cabbage;
• chocolate;
• fresh baked goods and bread;
• spicy dishes;
• citrus fruits.

You can not drink coffee, cocoa, strong tea. It is undesirable to drink juices. Strictly banned carbonated drinks

Diet for chronic pancreatitis

The purpose of dietary nutrition in the presence of pancreatitis is to relieve the inflammatory process and restore the normal functioning of the gland. In the chronic form, food should be fed into the body every 2-3 hours. You need to drink a lot of water, up to 3 liters. Before eating, it is recommended to drink a glass of warm clean water without gas for about 20 minutes.

The use of alcoholic beverages is unacceptable. You will have to reduce to a minimum the amount of sugar and salt in the diet. You can not overeat and drink food. It is best to grind all products thoroughly. Dishes should be at room temperature.

Diet for acute pancreatitis

After 2-3 days of fasting, you should follow a sparing diet. The menu can be structured as follows:

• 3 days after the symptoms of an attack have been removed, a weak tea is introduced, without sugar;
• on the 5th day, you can already eat mashed carrots or potatoes;
• from the 7th day, it is allowed to introduce fish, but not fried or seafood;
• from the 10th day, milk, curd puddings are already introduced.

It is permissible to consume light soups and beef from 7-10 days. However, they are administered carefully, depending on the state of health. If unpleasant symptoms appear after their use, then they are immediately removed from the diet.

Many doctors advise to drink oatmeal jelly, from 3 or 4 days. It has a low calorie content, but at the same time it is very satisfying. The drink allows you to normalize the stool and remove toxins.

Diet for pancreatitis in children

In fact, the diagnosis of pancreatitis is extremely rare in childhood. But more often you can face “reactive pancreatitis”. These are temporary problems with the pancreas associated with poor nutrition.

It usually takes just a couple of weeks to cope with the problem. However, during this period, you will have to keep the child on a strict diet.

Any products that contain chemical additives, flavors, dyes are unambiguously removed. No trips to McDonald’s or similar catering establishments.

However, fermented and salted foods, broths, natural sausages, pies, cakes and even ice cream are allowed. But they should not be familiar to the child and can be used after the symptoms of “reactive pancreatitis” have been removed.

Therapeutic diet Table number 5 p list of products

This diet is recommended for chronic pancreatitis, gout, cholecystitis and a number of other diseases. The main goal of diet number 5p is to restore the normal functioning of the pancreas, liver and gallbladder.

Table number 5p provides a rational approach to the amount of protein and carbohydrates. However, fats are almost completely reduced to zero. The menu should not contain products that contain cholesterol, oxalic acid, purines, essential oils, fat. Salt also decreases in quantity.

It is recommended to drink warm water on an empty stomach. Food should be thoroughly chopped and eaten in small portions. No alcohol. You need to eat on average 5 times throughout the day.

The energy value of the menu should not exceed 2800 kcal. During the diet, drug therapy should not be discontinued.

Approximate diet menu for pancreatitis for a week

You can create a menu for the week as follows:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Before going to bed, you can drink a glass of kefir. And those with a sweet tooth can even afford a couple of milk chocolates.

You should always strictly follow your doctor’s recommendations. Even after being discharged from the hospital, it is necessary to follow a diet for the specified time in order to improve the quality of one’s own life, to prevent relapse. And in order to prevent the development of the disease, one must monitor one’s own diet from an early age.