04 November 2016
Story at-a-glance
- Your pancreas plays an important role in your digestive system by producing enzymes that help break down food in your intestines
- This guide aims to educate you about pancreatitis: its causes and symptoms, treatment and prevention tips
What Does the Pancreas Look Like?
Located right behind your stomach in the abdominal area, the pancreas is a gland that measures 6 to 10 inches long and extends horizontally across your abdomen. Its shape has been often compared to a fish because it has a large head and a small tail,1 and is divided into four parts:2
•Head: It is located on the right side of the abdomen where your stomach meets the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.
•Neck: This is a thin section between the head and the body of the pancreas.
•Body: The middle part of the pancreas.
•Tail: This small tip is located on the left side of your abdomen, and sits very near the spleen.
The pancreas is actually comprised of two types of glands defined by their tissue names, the exocrine and endocrine tissues, but work together as one unit.3 The exocrine tissue comprises 95 percent of the pancreas and is responsible for producing the enzymes that help in food digestion.
The remaining 5 percent is comprised of endocrine cells called "islets of Langerhans," which perform the important function of releasing hormones that control the amount of pancreatic enzymes produced, as well as control blood sugar levels.
3 Pancreatic Enzymes That Aid in Food Digestion
Below are the three types of pancreatic enzymes responsible for digesting your food:4
•Lipase
Lipase works with bile to break down the fat in your food so it can be used by your body. If there is not enough of it in your system, you may experience diarrhea and fatty stools. Your body may not get the healthy fat it needs as well.
•Protease
Protease helps break down proteins in your food and keeps your intestines free from bacteria, yeast and protozoa. If you have insufficient protease, you may have a higher risk for intestinal infections.
•Amylase
Amylase helps convert the carbohydrates in your food into sugar. Shortage of this enzyme may result in diarrhea due to the undigested starch in your colon.
Your pancreas works hard to produce these three types of enzymes, and can generate up to 8 cups of these daily.5 However, if you're not careful with your dietary choices, your pancreas may suffer and you may develop pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis: A Serious Issue That You Should Be Aware Of
Basically, pancreatitis is a condition where your pancreas becomes swollen or inflamed, causing abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea. One of the common risk factors of pancreatitis is alcoholism. In fact, excessive alcohol intake accounts for 75 percent of chronic pancreatitis cases.6
Gallstones, solids typically formed from excess cholesterol in the gallbladder, are another common cause of pancreatitis. When the gallbladder empties itself, the gallstones will travel along the pancreatic duct and cause a blockage, thus leading to pancreatitis.7
Treatment for pancreatitis usually starts with fasting to help your pancreas rest from producing enzymes. Afterwards, an endoscope may be used to perform various tasks, such as placing a stent on your pancreatic duct or removing gallstones.8Surgery may be needed, especially if an abscess and decaying tissue have formed.9 Once you start recovering from treatment, healthy lifestyle changes should be adopted to help prevent your condition from becoming chronic.
This guide aims to educate you about pancreatitis: its causes and symptoms, treatment and prevention tips. However, the information presented here is not meant to help you treat pancreatitis alone. Pancreatitis is a serious matter that you must consult with your doctor.
What Is Pancreatitis and Its Symptoms?
Story at-a-glance
- Pancreatitis is a condition where your pancreas, a gland responsible for secreting digestive enzymes, becomes swollen or inflamed
- Giving up unhealthy habits such as drinking alcohol and cigarette smoking may not only help reduce your risk for pancreatitis, but other diseases as well
Pancreatitis is a condition where your pancreas, a gland responsible for secreting digestive enzymes, becomes swollen or inflamed. There are two types of pancreatitis:1
•Acute pancreatitis is where your pancreas suddenly experiences inflammation with very little warning.
•Chronic pancreatitis refers to an acute inflammation that keeps on returning, thus becoming a chronic condition.
The Cause of Pancreatitis Is Unknown, but Several Factors May Increase Your Risk
In the case of acute pancreatitis, the most common factor for increasing your risk of is the accumulation of gallstones in the common bile duct. Gallstones are formed from excess cholesterol or bilirubin, or when your gallbladder doesn't empty properly.2
It is not known how gallstones exactly cause pancreatitis (since they do come from the gallbladder after all), but the connection between gallstones and the development of pancreatitis is clear.3
The causes of chronic pancreatitis are also unknown. However, several factors that contribute to the development of this condition have been identified. One of the top causes is heavy alcohol consumption.4
Experts are not sure how alcohol damages your pancreas over time, but there is clear evidence that large amounts of it contributes to chronic pancreatitis. Autoimmune conditions like lupus may aggravate your pancreas, thus causing chronic pancreatitis as well.5
Other documented causes of pancreatitis include smoking, surgery, abdominal trauma, medication and having high calcium levels in the blood.6
The Different Symptoms of Pancreatitis
One symptom present in both acute and chronic pancreatitis is abdominal pain. In chronic pancreatitis particularly, the pain can be debilitating, and is usually felt on the upper middle portion of the abdomen that may radiate below the ribs. More than half of the time, the pain can be felt on the back as well.7
The next prominent symptom of chronic pancreatitis is gradual weight loss, which stems from the need to reduce food intake because it worsens the pain. Weight loss may also come from malabsorption, a condition where your stomach isn't able to digest food properly, because your pancreas isn't able to produce the necessary enzymes to absorb the food in your intestines. As a side effect, malabsorption may cause bulky and fatty stools as well.8
In acute pancreatitis, you may experience nausea and vomiting. A tender abdomen, along with fever and an increased heart rate, may also develop.9
Diagnostic Methods for Pancreatitis
There are several ways a doctor can diagnose your condition:10
•Transabdominal ultrasound: a doctor glides a handheld device over your abdomen, sending sound waves that bounce back and forth to create an image on a monitor. The doctor will examine the inflammation and if gallstones are present, it will show up on the monitor as well.
•Endoscopic ultrasound: a thin, flexible tube is inserted down your throat, passing through the stomach to reach the small intestine. Once there, an ultrasound device is turned on to create images of your pancreatic and bile ducts.
•Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): this method uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce cross-section images of your body. You may be injected with a dye that helps show your pancreas, gallbladder and pancreatic and bile ducts to produce more accurate results.
•Computerized tomography (CT): this method works like an x-ray machine, only it produces 3D images of your body parts. It is usually done when initial treatments don't work and you're not recovering as expected.
Treatment and Prevention Methods for Pancreatitis
On the onset of pancreatitis, you will be required to fast for a couple of days to help your pancreas rest from producing digestive enzymes.11 While recuperating, you will only be allowed to drink water to keep yourself hydrated.12 Once you feel better, there several options available to help treat your condition, depending on the situation.
If gallstones are the cause of your pancreatic inflammation, they will have to be removed. A doctor may place an endoscope through your mouth to remove the stones blocking your pancreatic ducts. If a duct has narrowed, a stent may be placed to widen the opening.13 In life-threatening cases such as the formation of pancreatic abscess or necrotizing pancreatitis, surgery will be required to remove the infection.14
After treatment, you will need to adopt healthy dietary and lifestyle changes to lower your chances of another attack. Eating organic fruits and vegetables and grass-fed meats will help you to get the nourishment your body needs. Sugar must also be limited or eliminated from your diet, as it is a major cause of inflammation throughout your body.
Regular exercise is also recommended, as obesity has been linked to pancreatitis.15 You may want to increase your consumption of foods rich in omega-3 from fatty fish as well. Omega-3 has been found to be effective in treating inflammation, so getting adequate amounts of it may help with your condition.
Lastly, giving up unhealthy habits such as drinking alcohol and cigarette smoking may not only help reduce your risk for pancreatitis, but other diseases as well.
http://articles.mercola.com/pancreatitis/what-is-pancreatitis.aspxThe Different Types of Pancreatitis and Their Subtypes
Story at-a-glance
- There are two main types of pancreatitis: acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis
- Always consult with your doctor to learn the possible side effects and discuss healthy alternatives before taking any medication
There are two main types of pancreatitis: acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. The information below will help you distinguish their similarities and differences.
Acute Pancreatitis Can Occur Unexpectedly
The onset of acute pancreatitis can be very sudden. Abdominal pain may be mild, or it may be so severe that you need hospitalization right away. Defining symptoms of this condition include:1
Vomiting
|
Nausea
|
Diarrhea
|
Loss of appetite
|
Coughing, movement and breathing may be painful
|
Tender abdomen
|
Fever
|
Jaundice
|
The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct that leads to your small intestine.2 Gallstones are hardened materials that typically form from excess cholesterol. In fact, 80 percent of gallstone cases come from cholesterol.3
The remaining percentage usually comes from excess bilirubin and concentrated bile. Bilirubin is a chemical byproduct of your liver that destroys old red blood cells, which form into stones when there is an excess of it.
Bile on the other hand, may form stones if the gallbladder fails to empty properly and the bile becomes concentrated in one location.4
Treatment for acute pancreatitis depends on the severity. If it is mild, it may go away on its own through healthy dietary and lifestyle practices.5 But for severe cases, you may need to undergo surgery. For example, necrotizing pancreatitis, a severe type of acute pancreatitis, surgery may be needed to remove the infected tissue. If an abscess has formed, it will need to be drained as well.6
Chronic Pancreatitis May Get Worse Over Time
When your pancreas becomes inflamed repeatedly, it is referred to as chronic pancreatitis. The condition may get worse over time, and may eventually impair your ability to digest food and produce pancreatic enzymes. Chronic pancreatitis typically develops between the ages of 30 and 40 years old, and is more common among men than women.7
Symptoms of this condition are often very similar to acute pancreatitis, which may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, unintentional weight loss and oily or fatty stools.8 The cause of chronic pancreatitis is largely attributed to alcoholism, which is actually responsible for 75 percent of recorded cases in the U.S.9
Treatment requires different approaches, such as dietary and lifestyle changes. These include avoiding alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, while increasing the intake of organic fruits and vegetables and grass-fed meats, which may help lower your chances of inflammation. Surgery may be considered as well, especially if pancreatic tissue has become infected.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis: A Special Subtype of Chronic Pancreatitis
As the name implies, the cause of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an autoimmune inflammation that targets your pancreas. Although it is a subtype of chronic pancreatitis, AIP can be further classified into two subtypes, type 1 and type 2.10
The first type, also called IgG4-related pancreatitis, affects your pancreas plus several other organs, such as the liver, kidneys, lymph nodes and salivary glands. The second type only affects the pancreas, though a small group has reported to have experienced inflammatory bowel disease as well. Not surprisingly, the symptoms of AIP are practically the same as chronic pancreatitis. These include jaundice, weight loss and abdominal pain.11
Due to the unique nature of the disease, certain medications may be needed to treat your condition, aside from a healthy diet and regular exercise. If your pancreas has been producing insufficient amounts of enzymes, your doctor may also advise taking enzyme supplements to compensate.12
Before taking any medication though, always consult with your doctor to learn the possible side effects and discuss healthy alternatives.
http://articles.mercola.com/pancreatitis/types.aspxThe Various Causes of Pancreatitis
Story at-a-glance
- Most cases of pancreatitis are linked to alcohol consumption and the accumulation of gallstones in the pancreatic duct
- Medication, abdominal trauma or an illness may cause pancreatic inflammation as well
Most cases of pancreatitis are linked to alcohol consumption and the accumulation of gallstones in the pancreatic duct. Medication, abdominal trauma or an illness may cause pancreatic inflammation as well. Below are the most common identified causes of pancreatitis.
If It's Your First Time Experiencing Pancreatitis, Gallstones May Be the Most Probable Cause
If you've never experienced any symptom of pancreatitis before, one of the first things doctors will suspect is the accumulation of gallstones in your pancreatic duct. There are three types of gallstones according to the material they're made from:1
•Cholesterol: Excess cholesterol solidifies into stones when the liver produces more cholesterol than your bile can digest.
•Bilirubin: A chemical byproduct created when your liver destroys old red blood cells, bilirubin accumulates and causes stones to form when your gallbladder cannot break down excessive amounts of it.
•Bile: When your gallbladder fails to empty the stored bile, it may become overly concentrated and form stones.
Risk factors for gallstones include obesity, a high-cholesterol diet and a family history of gallstones. If you're trying to induce rapid weight loss through a crash diet, you're also at risk since your liver will produce higher amounts of cholesterol than usual.2
The Next Top Cause Is Alcohol Abuse
Apart from gallstones, alcoholism is one of the top causes of pancreatitis, and actually accounts for 75 percent of all cases of chronic pancreatitis in the U.S. Doctors are not certain how alcohol affects your pancreas, but one theory is that alcohol interferes with the pancreatic cells' ability to function correctly.3
Acute pancreatitis may develop after a night of binge drinking, especially if you’re an alcoholic. By then, your pancreas may have already suffered permanent damage. Abdominal pain and fatty stool are also common indicators of alcohol-induced pancreatitis. Weight loss may also occur since food intake may exacerbate the pain, thus forcing you to eat smaller amounts.4
Your Immune System May Turn Against You and Cause Pancreatitis
Your immune system is responsible for protecting your body from pathogens that can make you sick. But in some cases, it may develop a complication that attacks your body instead. In the case of autoimmune pancreatitis, there are two types:5
•Type 1: Aside from the pancreas, other internal organs such as the liver, bile ducts, kidneys and lymph nodes are attacked by your immune system.
•Type 2: Only the pancreas is affected, but you may experience inflammatory bowel disease as well.
Where You Live May Play a Role in Your Risk for Pancreatitis
If you live in a tropical country, there’s a chance that you may develop tropical pancreatitis. It typically occurs among young people, and it generally affects the main pancreatic duct due to calcification.
The exact cause of tropical pancreatitis is not known, but it is believed that a mutation in the SPINK1 gene and environmental factors contribute to the condition. Ninety percent of tropical pancreatitis cases exhibit abdominal pain, and there's a chance you may develop diabetes as well.6
In Some Instances, Doctors Cannot Determine the Cause
Even with all the recent advances in medical technology, pancreatic inflammation may sometimes have no apparent cause, which is a condition called idiopathic pancreatitis. It's a subtype of chronic pancreatitis that affects around 10 to 30 percent of all known chronic pancreatitis cases.7
Idiopathic pancreatitis may develop in your early childhood, manifesting as severe abdominal pain. If the condition appears in late adulthood, the pain is usually minimal coupled with insufficient production of pancreatic enzymes.8
http://articles.mercola.com/pancreatitis/causes.aspxThe Major Symptoms for Each Type of Pancreatitis
Story at-a-glance
- Abdominal pain is a distinguishing symptom present in both acute and chronic pancreatitis
- Once the pain sets in, it usually lasts for several days if not treated right away
Abdominal pain is a distinguishing symptom present in both acute and chronic pancreatitis. When the inflammation is acute, the pain can begin gradually or develop immediately in the upper area of your abdomen. Once the pain sets in, it usually lasts for several days if not treated right away.1
In chronic pancreatitis, the abdominal pain is similar to acute pancreatitis, but it becomes persistent and may radiate to your back.2 In some cases, it may become so severe that it affects your day-to-day activities, and may require immediate medical attention.
The Similarities and Differences of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
| Acute | Chronic |
|---|---|
| Upper abdominal pain that radiates into the back | Constant abdominal pain that becomes disabling |
| Swollen and tender abdomen | Nausea |
| Nausea | Vomiting |
| Vomiting | Weight loss |
| Fever | Diarrhea |
| Increased heart rate | Oily or fatty stools |
| Pale stools |
Weight loss occurs because the intake of food exacerbates the abdominal pain further, thus forcing you to cut back on food consumption. Fatty stools may indicate that your pancreas isn't producing enough enzymes to digest the fat in your food. A diet high in cholesterol may also increase your risk of forming gallstones.
Your risk for chronic pancreatitis increases when you excessively drink alcohol regularly. If you have a relative who has had pancreatitis before, that may contribute to your risk as well.5
If You Live in a Tropical Country, You May Develop the Symptoms of Tropical Pancreatitis
Tropical pancreatitis is a special subtype of chronic pancreatitis that causes pancreatic inflammation depending on the country you live. As the name implies, this phenomenon is more prevalent in tropical countries.
The condition typically affects 10 to 15 out of 100,000 people in Western countries, but in Japan, the figure goes higher to 45 out of 100,000 people. Symptoms of this type are similar to chronic pancreatitis, but its defining indicators include diabetes mellitus and calcification of the pancreatic duct.6 A mutation in the SPINK1 gene may also increase your risk of getting tropical pancreatitis.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis May Exhibit Any of the Following Symptoms
As mentioned in the previous page, autoimmune pancreatitis occurs when your immune system targets your pancreas and possibly the other internal organs. The condition may not exhibit symptoms outright, but when they do show, they may be any of the following:7
Dark urine
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Jaundice
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Weakness or fatigue
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Pale stools
|
Floating stools
|
Weight loss for no apparent reason
|
Abdominal pain
|
Visit Your Doctor Immediately If These Symptoms Appear
Should you experience any symptoms that can be noticed right away, such as sharp abdominal pain, jaundice and fatty stools, don't hesitate to visit your doctor right away. You may already be experiencing the early signs of pancreatitis. Consult your doctor immediately also if you experience a sudden loss in weight without doing any dietary or lifestyle changes. This may indicate that you have autoimmune pancreatitis.
http://articles.mercola.com/pancreatitis/symptoms.aspxDiagnosis and Treatment Methods for Pancreatitis
Story at-a-glance
- Doctors can use different methods to diagnose for pancreatitis
- If you have just been diagnosed with pancreatitis, your doctor will require you to fast for a couple of days
Doctors can use different methods to diagnose for pancreatitis. Below are the commonly used approaches:
•Blood tests
A marked increase in amylase and lipase (digestive enzymes produced by your pancreas) in your bloodstream typically signifies an inflamed pancreas.1,2
•Stool tests
Doctors may need a stool sample to check for the percentage of fat absorbed by your intestines. If there is an abnormally high rate, it may indicate that not enough pancreatic enzymes are being produced to absorb the fat into your body.3
•Imaging tests
Doctors typically perform an abdominal ultrasound first to check for gallstones because they can be detected right away.
For a more thorough view of your pancreas, an endoscope may be inserted into your mouth to reach your small intestine, which will then take ultrasound images. A computerized tomography (CT) scan may be taken as well.4
Fasting Is the First Step of Treatment
If you have just been diagnosed with pancreatitis, your doctor will require you to fast for a couple of days to help your pancreas rest and recover from the inflammation. You'll only be allowed to drink water to keep yourself hydrated, and an IV filled with nutrients may be administered to make up for your lack of food.5
When you start to feel better, you may resume eating normally again. This time though, you will need to start making positive lifestyle choices to help prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
Treatment for Pancreatitis May Require Invasive Procedures
Mild pancreatitis may go away on its own6 through healthy dietary changes. But if your situation requires immediate treatment, your doctor will most likely perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). ERCP uses an endoscope that is inserted through your mouth to reach your small intestine. From there, the endoscope can perform a variety of tasks depending on the circumstances. Below are the common ERCP procedures:7
•Sphincterotomy: The endoscope makes a tiny cut on the muscle that surrounds the affected duct to widen the path. If a pseudocyst is present, it will need to be drained as well.
•Gallstone removal: Using a tiny basket, the endoscope will be able to remove gallstones blocking the pancreatic or bile ducts.
•Stent placement: A stent is a tiny piece of plastic or metal inserted in a narrowed pancreatic or bile duct to help keep the pathway open.
•Balloon dilatation: If a duct has completely closed, a balloon is inflated at the site of the blockage to open the passageway again. A stent is placed afterwards for support.8
Ironically, ERCP may result in pancreatitis, probably due to the endoscope moving around your digestive system. Before you undergo ERCP, discuss your concerns with your doctor and look for other alternatives.9
In life-threatening situations, surgery may be the only way to help you recover. In necrotizing pancreatitis, for example, pancreatic tissue slowly dies and may become infected. To make things worse, an abscess may form at the site of the necrotizing tissue. In this case, your doctor may need to surgically remove the necrotic tissue and drain the abscess.10
Once you've gone through ERCP or surgery and have started recovering, it's important to take the necessary steps to lower your risk for pancreatitis in the long run. The next page in this guide contains different methods to help you manage your condition and live a healthy lifestyle.
http://articles.mercola.com/pancreatitis/treatment.aspxSteps You Can Take to Help Prevent Another Pancreatitis Attack
Story at-a-glance
- One of the best things you can do for your pancreas (and the rest of your body) is to eat nutritious fruits and vegetables purchased from certified organic providers
- Substantial research has found that omega-3 may be a good way to fight inflammation throughout your body
If your pancreas becomes swollen several times, it may result in chronic pancreatitis, which may require more drastic forms of treatment like surgery. To avoid this predicament, it's highly recommended that you adopt the following practices to lower your risk and prevent your pancreas from becoming inflamed again.
Eat a Healthy Diet Comprised of Organically Grown Fruits, Vegetables and Meat
One of the best things you can do for your pancreas (and the rest of your body) is to eat nutritious fruits and vegetables purchased from certified organic providers. This is important because commercially grown produce typically contain pesticides and other harmful substances that may exacerbate your condition in the long run.
When it comes to purchasing meat, make sure that it is pasture-raised (for chicken) or grass-fed (for beef). This ensures that you don't ingest any of the antibiotics injected into commercially raised animals.
Adding Omega-3 to Your Diet May Help Treat Your Inflamed Pancreas
Substantial research has found that omega-3 may be a good way to fight inflammation throughout your body. Aside from pancreatitis, it may also lower your risk of other inflammation-related ailments such as colon cancer, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and osteoporosis.1
Ideally, you should obtain omega-3 from natural sources of fatty fish like wild-caught Alaskan salmon, anchovies and sardines, not from commercially harvested fish that are contaminated with pollutants. If you're having difficulty obtaining natural sources of fish, you can take a high-quality krill oil supplement.
In one study, patients with chronic inflammation were given a 300-milligram krill oil supplement (a rich source of omega-3s) daily and were monitored for seven, 14 and 30 days.2
What's astounding is that in just a week, the participants already experienced a reduction in chronic inflammation and arthritissymptoms by 19.3 percent. After 30 days of treatment, more improvement was seen, with symptoms being reduced by 30.9 percent.3
Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Sugar has been known to cause inflammation in your cytokines, which can damage your pancreas. Cytokines play an important part in sending cells to sites of inflammation itself, helping wounds heal. But ironically, too much sugar can subject cytokines to inflammation.4 In light of this finding, it's important that you drastically cut back on your sugar consumption. Again, eating real, organic food is the key to provide your body the nourishment it needs.
Give Up Alcohol Consumption
Giving up alcohol (or limiting your consumption at the very least) may significantly reduce your risk for pancreatitis. Not only will it help your pancreas heal, but it may also lower your risk of developing other alcohol-related diseases, like liver cancer.5 If you think you're having problems with controlling yourself from drinking alcohol, don't hesitate to ask for help. Visit a counselor or join a self-help group so they can help you control your drinking urges.6
Avoid Crash Diets to Achieve Your Weight Goals
In an attempt to lose weight quickly, you may be drawn to the idea of going on a crash diet. The downside is that sudden weight loss makes your liver ramp up its cholesterol production. As a result, excess cholesterol may crystallize, forming gallstones that may block the ducts leading to your small intestine, which will most likely increase your risk for pancreatitis.7
In addition, increased LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease8 and a higher risk of forming aggressive cancers.9 Instead, focus on eating healthy, organic fat-burning foods such as coconut oil and getting regular high-quality exercise to reach your weight goals.
http://articles.mercola.com/pancreatitis/prevention.aspxA Healthy Diet Can Help You Avoid Pancreatitis
Story at-a-glance
- The onset of pancreatitis signals that you should make healthy modifications to your diet
- Once your doctor confirms that you have pancreatitis, you'll be asked not to eat anything for a couple of days
The onset of pancreatitis signals that you should make healthy modifications to your diet. One reason is that it may help reduce your chances of having pancreatic inflammation again, as repeat attacks may permanently damage your pancreatic cells.
The other one is to ensure that you receive the proper nutrition not just to keep your pancreas healthy, but for the rest of your body as well.
What Your Diet Will Look Like After Your First Episode of Pancreatitis
Once your doctor confirms that you have pancreatitis, you'll be asked not to eat anything for a couple of days. This will allow your pancreas to rest from producing digestive enzymes, which can help the inflammation subside.
During this period of fasting, your doctor may only ask you to drink water and some soup. You may be injected with fluids containing various nutrients to compensate for the lack of food as well. After two or three days of fasting, you may be able to resume eating normally again.1
Once Your Pancreatitis Subsides, Nourish Yourself With Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Once you start to feel better, you should give up your old diet and start eating healthy, organic food that can help your pancreas heal.
The world has no shortage of amazing foods that can help nourish you. In the case of pancreatitis, it's important to nourish yourself with foods that may help reduce inflammation, such as:
•Animal-based omega-3 fats
Omega-3 is a healthy fatty acid mostly found in fish such as wild Alaskan salmon, sardines and anchovies. It's highly recommended that you purchase fish from organic providers, because commercially grown fish is usually contaminated with pollutants. If that's not possible, you can take a high-quality krill oil supplement.
•Leafy greens
Dark, leafy greens like kale, collard greens and Swiss chard are filled with powerful antioxidants, flavonoids and vitamin C, all of which may help protect your pancreas from cellular damage. Preferably, your vegetables should be certified organic, so you don't ingest pesticides and other harmful chemicals that may damage your pancreas further.
•Garlic
Garlic has long been known for its various health benefits, such as calcium absorption, healthy formation of bones and connective tissues and proper thyroid function. But new research has shown that the allicin found in garlic may help not only with inflammation, but oxidative stress and cardiovascular dysfunction as well.2
•Probiotic-rich foods
It's important that you don't forget to nourish your gut flora, because most inflammatory ailments start in the gut. By increasing your intake of probiotics, you will ensure proper balance in your gut microbiome, which may help reduce your chances of chronic inflammation. Fermented foods like kefir, natto, miso, sauerkraut and yogurt made from raw milk are typically the best sources of probiotics.
•Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms contain ergothioneine, a compound that has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory properties that can provide cellular protection.3
Avoid These Unhealthy Habits to Lower Your Chances of Another Pancreatitis Attack
Aside from eating healthy, organic food to help manage your condition, it's equally important to avoid habits that have been harming your pancreas in the first place. Follow these lifestyle tips to help keep pancreatitis at bay:4
•Avoid alcohol consumption
If alcohol consumption is the primary reason for your pancreatitis, then it makes sense to give up drinking alcohol. Continuing this habit may permanently damage your pancreas and lead to chronic pancreatitis. If you're having trouble controlling your alcohol consumption, consider getting treatment by visiting a therapist or joining a support group.
•Don't go on a crash diet
Many people believe that losing weight simply entails starving yourselves until you get thinner, but this not recommended. When you induce quick weight loss on your body, your liver produces more cholesterol as a response. Excess cholesterol can accumulate and form gallstones that will most likely cause pancreatitis. Instead, consume healthy fat-burning foods and follow a regular exercise routine to achieve your weight goals.
•Stop smoking
Not only is smoking harmful for your lungs, but it's also linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis. In a wide-scale study in Sweden comprised of 84,667 participants, researchers concluded that those who smoked the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years had twice the risk of developing non-gallstone-related pancreatitis compared to non-smokers.5Similar to alcohol addiction, consider visiting a counselor to help you curb your smoking habit.
