4 Best Foods for Pancreatitis – Plus Which Foods to Avoid

Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that is important for digesting food and absorbing nutrients. People with pancreatitis are at risk for nutritional deficiencies (lack of proper nutrition). A balanced diet, focusing on specific nutrients, is key to managing pancreatitis.

Because pancreatitis can It negatively affects the process of digesting food and absorbing nutrients. Nutrient deficiencies can worsen the condition. Eating enough high-energy foods that are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help manage pancreatitis.

People with pancreatitis need more energy from food, so higher-calorie foods can be helpful. However, it is common for people with pancreatitis to have high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), so those higher-calorie foods should have a lower glycemic index, meaning the food does not raise blood sugar levels.

Foods with high energy and low or average glycemic index include:

• Foods that contain whole grains, such as whole-grain pasta, brown rice, quinoa, and oats
• Legumes such as Lentils, chickpeas and beans
• Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and chestnuts
• Seeds such as pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and sesame seeds
• Sweet potatoes
• Avocado

Inflammation from pancreatitis causes protein to break down, leading to muscle loss. You can help prevent this side effect by eating enough protein.

Foods high in protein include:

• Canned tuna
• Lentils
• Tofu
• salmon
• Chicken breast
• Skim Greek yogurt
• Quinoa
• Almonds
• egg
• Low-fat cheese

You can increase the protein content of commonly eaten foods by adding:

• Milk and cheese powder to vegetables, soups and sauces
• Cooking scrambled eggs with rice
• Spread cream cheese or peanut butter on bread
• Add yogurt or high-protein milk to cereal, milkshakes and smoothies

Low calcium levels and increased bone loss are common in people with pancreatitis. Getting enough energy and protein is Important for muscle and bone health. However, nutrients such as calcium are also essential for bone health.

Foods high in calcium include:

• Low-fat or fat-free yogurt
• Low-fat, regular kefir
• Low-fat or skim milk or yogurt
• Tofu
• Cooked leafy vegetables such as cabbage, kale, and bok choy

Antioxidants are nutrients that help prevent cell damage. They can also reduce inflammation caused by pancreatitis.

You can find antioxidants in the following foods:

• Kale
• broccoli
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Orange
• kiwi
• strawberry
• Low-fat or fat-free yogurt
• Almonds

People with pancreatitis do not need to follow a strict diet. However, depending on how your pancreas is currently working, you may need to avoid certain foods, such as high-fiber, fatty, greasy, or vegetarian foods.

Foods rich in fiber

In the case of pancreatitis, high-fiber foods such as brown rice and barley can interfere with pancreatic enzymes. Fiber is associated with a lower risk of pancreatitis. However, whether a low-fiber diet is more beneficial for managing pancreatitis is still a matter of debate.

Fiber has many benefits for digestive, metabolic and heart health. However, a high fiber intake can also worsen nutrient absorption and abdominal pain in people with pancreatitis. On the other hand, some people produce enough digestive enzymes but not enough insulin. In this case, increasing fiber intake can help control blood sugar.

Non-food compounds

Non-food compounds, or anti-nutrients, may disrupt digestion, which may prevent the body from being able to properly absorb nutrients and cause nutrient deficiencies.

Foods that contain antinutrients include:

• soybean
• Cereals
• Bean
• Peas
• Legumes
• tea

Some of these foods, such as legumes and beans, are recommended for a pancreatitis-friendly diet. Cooking, soaking or fermenting them can lower their levels of antinutrients, making them easier to digest.

Meals can change based on symptoms, appetite, and nutritional needs. You can continue to follow a balanced diet and adjust some meals according to your needs.

breakfast

Not skipping breakfast helps meet energy and protein needs. If you don’t have a huge appetite in the morning, try eating small portions of energy-dense foods to get some much-needed nutrients. Here are some options:

• Low-fat, high-protein option: Mix egg whites with spinach or vegetables of your choice. Green leafy vegetables provide both vitamin C and K and fiber.
• High-energy, high-protein option: Try a Greek yogurt parfait with granola, mixed berries, and nuts on top. It contains a good amount of calcium and antioxidant nutrients.
• Low-fiber option: Make a protein-rich breakfast pizza with tomatoes, cheese, or tofu.

lunch

Easy lunch recipes to try include:

• Low-fat, high-protein option: Eat turkey stew with carrots, potatoes, celery, onions and garlic. Turkey is considered a lean meat with less fat than red meat or poultry.
• High-energy, high-protein option: This Chickpea Curry Rice Bowl is a warming and energizing lunch. Chickpeas provide plant protein. You can also add raisins for extra calories and some sweetness.
• Low-fiber option: Citrus Tuna is an easy lunch with canned tuna, lemon juice, chopped vegetables, and fruits (such as tomatoes, apples, and celery) mixed with mayonnaise. We distribute the mixture on the bread.

dinner

You can keep dinner light, allowing enough time for digestion before bed. Some dinner options include:

• Low-fat, high-protein option: Eat grilled chicken salad with green leafy vegetables, tomatoes and vinaigrette.
• High-energy, high-protein option: One option is asta soup with vegetables and beans. You can add tofu for more protein.
• Low-fiber option: Prepare grilled fish with spices, such as salmon, with lots of spices. You can also add asparagus, which is a low-fiber vegetable.