Causes and Course of Treatment
Pancreatitis may be caused by chronic alcoholism, gallstones, a diet high in transfats and unknown factors. Overweight women over 40 are most at risk. Unless there is life-threatening infection or immediate need for major surgery , doctors most often adopt a "wait and see" policy. Healing from pancreatitis, if all goes well, may take up to a year. Appetite loss, feeling full after a few bites (early satiety), and painful digestion lead to victims becoming skeletal. Some require hospitalization for tube feeding, especially if vomiting cannot be controlled.
Rest the Pancreas During Bouts of Pancreatitis.
A diet of only gelatin desserts and broth is fine for a few days, but nutrition will suffer with extended fasting. Hydration is essential for healing the pancreas, so drink at least ten glasses of water every day. Using vitamin-and-mineral enhanced bottled water will add nutrients.
Take the enzymes your doctor prescribed every time you eat. If your doctor did not prescribe enzymes, buy porcine pancreatic enzymes at your health food store and use them liberally. Try small frequent meals of bland foods. Avoid alcohol, coffee, spices, fatty, and high fiber foods. Plain rice milk with ripe bananas is a good example. Individual tolerance varies widely. A food that works for one person may not work for another, and may not work for the same person every time!
Get Important Nutrients
Puree foods or chew them very thoroughly. Dark leafy greens provide antioxidants essential to healing, but they must be juiced and the fiber removed. Wheatgrass or spirulina supplements are a good alternative. Kefir is a probiotic drink similar to yogurt that helps maintain a healthy bowel; use small servings two or three times a day. Include some orange vegetables such as yams, winter squash, or carrots in your diet. These should be steamed and mashed. A very small amount of flax or olive oil and salt may make them more palatable.
Nutritional drinks that provide a balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in a small volume can be used as meal substitutes over the long haul. Look for those that provide 250 or 300 calories per serving. Gluten free options, Omega 3 essential fatty acids, DHEA and prebiotics come with the brand names--they are worth the price.
Liquid vitamins are a good choice. Vitamin B12 in sublingual form or transdermal cream will give energy a boost.
Manage Pain
Adequate pain control allows people with pancreatitis to eat. Take medications as directed and inform your doctor if they do not work. Ask for referral to a pain management team for expert advice. A different approach may be needed and the results may surprise you. Later, you can wean off any narcotic medications. Right now, you need them.
Antioxidants such as grape seed extract and vitamin C with bioflavanoids have been shown to alleviate pain and help healing. Licorice root, ginger root and asian ginseng and cats' claw are herbs that reduce inflammation. Consult a holistic health professional for an individualized regimen of these substances.
Most pancreatitis sufferers get their health back. Adequate nutrition is the best way to prevent further complications.
Mary Earhart - Mary Earhart, RN, BSN, is a Licensed Midwife. She has written articles for professional journals and grants for non-profit agencies as ...
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