Managing Pancreatitis with Nutrition

Every year, more than 80,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, AKA, chronic inflammation of the pancreas—a condition closely linked with diabetes. The pancreas plays a key role in both blood sugar regulation and digestion by producing insulin, glucagon, and digestive enzymes, and because it plays such a key role in these important functions, it becomes a major problem when it no longer works right.

Pancreatitis Risk Factors

In addition to hereditary risk (such as hereditary pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis), there are several contributing factors to developing the disease, including:

·      Having diabetes, pre-diabetes, or metabolic syndrome

·      Alcohol abuse

·      Recurrent acute pancreatitis attacks

·      Gallstones

·      High triglycerides

·      Certain medications

The Value of Early Prevention/Intervention

If you are at risk of developing the disease, or have already been diagnosed, you can preserve your health by making key dietary and lifestyle changes now. Through targeted nutrition that focuses on key nutrients, proper fat intake, and whole foods, you can save yourself from chronic pain and deteriorating health as you age. One of the best ways to ensure you’re eating right is by working with a nutritionist to create an individualized plan based on your unique needs.

While chronic pancreatitis is very treatable, it is a long-term, progressive disease, and damage cannot be reversed. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including sepsis, necrosis of the pancreas, diabetes, pancreatic cancer, chronic pain, malnutrition, and in extreme cases, death. However, proper nutrition and lifestyle changes can slow the progression of the disease, prevent-flare-ups, and help manage symptoms.

Healing with Food

Effectively managing chronic pancreatitis is not only about WHAT you eat, but WHEN you eat and HOW MUCH you eat. The focus will always be on decreasing the load on your pancreas, decreasing symptoms, preventing flares and feeling better for the long haul. Anti-inflammatory foods and staying hydrated are the foundation of a healthy pancreas. Reducing and eliminating foods that irritate and potentially damage the pancreas is just as important.

According to the National Pancreas Foundation, those with pancreatitis patients should limit fat intake. Determining your individual fat intake limits is essential as well.

Every individual’s needs are different, depending on tolerance and existing damage, so it’s very important to work with someone to help you determine those needs. Without proper nutrition, you put yourself at risk of malnutrition and deficiencies which can worsen your health.

Healing with Enzymes

Over time, those with chronic pancreatitis may develop a condition called exocrine

pancreatitis insufficiency (EPI), meaning your pancreas no longer makes enough digestive enzymes for your body’s needs. You may need very specific pancreatic enzymes which can help your body better absorb protein and fat, and improve digestion. By working with a nutritionist, you may also be able to increase pancreatic enzymes with digestive enzymes and naturally through certain foods.

Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or know that you’re at risk, chronic pancreatitis can be challenging to manage on your own. However, I can provide you with the supportive, individualized approach you need to minimize damage and maintain your health for years to come. If you want to know more about how I can help, contact me for more information.