What Is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. Located in the abdomen, the pancreas is an organ that is responsible for secreting digestive juices. In pancreatitis, not only the pancreas but even the surrounding blood vessels may get inflamed leading to possible bleeding and infection. There are broadly two types of pancreatitis:
1. Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis begins suddenly and may last for a few days. It maybe life-threatening and needs to be treated right away. It most often presents as severe pain in the upper abdomen area that spreads towards the back. Other symptoms of acute pancreatitis include tenderness on the abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, and rapid pulse (1).
2. Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis on the other hand is a slowly progressing disease that may continue for years and occur intermittently. Untreated chronic pancreatitis may result in serious health conditions like diabetes, pancreatic infection, respiratory problems, kidney failure, and may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Symptoms associated with this form of pancreatitis include unintended weight loss, upper abdominal pain that is worse after eating, and oily and smelly feces (2). As you can see, the most common symptom of pancreatitis is abdominal pain. If you experience severe pain that does not subside or makes it difficult to sit still or be comfortable, contact your healthcare provider as early as possible. Is there a way to know that you have pancreatitis before you visit your doctor? Let’s find out.
How To Test For Pancreatitis At Home
You cannot self-diagnose pancreatitis at home as it requires multiple laboratory tests like a blood test, a CT scan, and sometimes, an ultrasound scan. Your doctor may also prescribe you a stool test to check for chronic pancreatitis. The best way to be aware of whether your pancreas is inflamed is to touch your abdomen for tenderness on experiencing upper abdominal pain. The next step is to contact your doctor, as untreated pancreatitis can prove to be fatal. Like similar symptoms, both acute and chronic pancreatitis have some common underlying causes. Let us take a closer look at them.
What Causes Pancreatitis?
There are many probable reasons why you may develop pancreatitis, including (3):
Excessive drinking of alcohol Gallstones Certain medications Cystic fibrosis Abdominal surgery High levels of triglycerides in the blood High levels of calcium in the blood Abdominal injury Pancreatic cancer Infections Genetic disorders of the pancreas
The most common reason behind acute pancreatitis is the formation of gallstones, whereas genetics and lifestyle factors play a more important role in the development of chronic pancreatitis. Some of these risk factors include (3):
Heavy alcohol use Obesity Smoking Genetics
Acute pancreatitis generally requires hospitalization and depending on what has caused it, its treatment course is decided. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, maybe managed at home if it is recurrent and not severe. In either case, there are certain home remedies for pancreatitis that may support your recovery and alleviate some of its symptoms. Let us see what they involve.
Natural Remedies For Pancreatitis Relief
1. Make Dietary Changes
Medical professionals recommend that you avoid any food during an episode of pancreatic inflammation. This restriction may last from a few hours to a few days. You should stay hydrated with fluids during that time. In case you are required to go without food for a long period of time, you may have to be intravenously fed to get your supply of essential nutrients. When you are allowed to eat again, you should take several small meals throughout the day. Avoid food with high-fat content. In addition, incorporate plenty of fluids in your diet and limit your caffeine intake (5), (6).
2. Make Lifestyle Changes
Smoking, heavy drinking, and lack of an active lifestyle are closely linked to the development and worsening of pancreatitis (8). Completely stop consuming alcohol to lower the risk of triggering inflammation. Adopt a routine for exercise to help you manage your weight. Smoking cigarettes also puts you under oxidative stress and toxin load so quit it as early as possible (9), (10).
3. Lose Weight
Obesity has been linked to a higher risk of gallstones and pancreatitis. It also makes the severity of symptoms related to pancreatitis worse. Therefore, doctors routinely recommend those with pancreatitis to lose weight and manage it around a healthy BMI. Increased fat deposits in the abdominal area are linked to an increased risk of inflammation (11). To lose weight sustainably, you may need to:
Control portion sizes Substitute simple and processed carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates and whole grains Limit added sugar and exclude sweetened carbonated drinks Limit fat intake Choose healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and seeds
4. Take Glutamine Supplements
According to research, glutamine supplements may support treatment for pancreatitis by reducing the risk of associated complications and infections (12), (13). Glutamine is an amino acid that helps to break down food and gives a boost to the immune system. However, larger studies are warranted to establish the efficacy of glutamine supplementation for pancreatitis. These home remedies for pancreatitis maybe supplemented with foods that can help with the condition. Let’s explore what makes up a pancreatitis diet.
Is There A Specific Diet For Pancreatitis?
Your healthcare provider may work with you and design a specific diet based on the severity of your condition. As such, there is no one-size-fits-all diet specifically designed for pancreatitis. Having said that, there are definitely certain foods that can benefit you if you are recovering from an attack of acute pancreatitis or living with chronic pancreatitis. There are also a few foods that you are better off without. Some of them are listed below:
Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants which can help reduce the number of free radicals in your body and lower inflammation. Free radicals in the body can aggravate or play a part in the development of pancreatitis (14). Adding blueberries to your diet may help you improve your condition and prevent severe flare-ups (15), (16).
Tofu
Tofu is a good alternative to meat for people with chronic pancreatitis. Red meat consumption is a risk factor for gallstones that can trigger an inflammation of the pancreas. The high-fat content in red meat may also exacerbate the condition (17). You can incorporate tofu-based meals in your diet to get your source of meaty, low-fat protein.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a probiotic that can help you regulate the microbiome in your gut and strengthen your immune system (18). A strong immune system can lower inflammation in and around your pancreas and also reduce the risk of infection, which is one of the most common causes of death associated with acute pancreatitis (19), (1).
Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is densely packed with antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Additionally, it has antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties (20). There is some evidence to suggest that reishi mushrooms may protect pancreatic cells from damage when used in the diet for managing pancreatitis (21).
Coconut Oil
Doctors often recommend a very low-fat diet for those with acute or chronic pancreatitis. Coconut oil, however, is one of the few cooking fats that maybe added to your diet. Coconut oil has a good balance of omega fatty acids and contains medium-chain-triglycerides or MCTs which may help fight inflammation in the pancreas. Coconut oil may also help in better absorption of nutrients (22).
Turmeric
Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant that may have a protective effect on the pancreas. It may also help reduce inflammation in the body (23). You can add turmeric to your diet by adding it to low-fat milk, making turmeric pepper tea, or using it in stir-fries or in one-pot meals as a spice.
Spinach
Leafy greens, especially spinach, are a great source of micronutrients (24). Pancreatitis may lead to poor absorption of nutrients. For instance, deficiency in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium have been linked with worsening conditions in pancreatitis (25), (26). Adding spinach to your diet is a good way of replenishing these nutrients. The foods and natural ways to manage symptoms of pancreatitis should only be used in a supportive role as you go along with your prescribed treatment and work closely with your healthcare provider. Many of the natural remedies available for managing pancreatitis are aimed at the prevention of further inflammatory attacks on the pancreas. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Prevention Tips
You may lower your risk of pancreatitis by taking a few steps for a healthy lifestyle, like:
Stop drinking alcohol. Stop smoking. Lose weight. Avoid added sugar. Engage in physical activities like walking, swimming, cycling, or strength training for 30 minutes at least 3 days a week. Certain medications/supplements can also increase your risk, so discuss with your doctor all supplements you are on. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods.
In short, pancreatitis refers to the inflammation of the pancreas that maybe either acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis may last up to a few days, after which you need to focus on recovery. Chronic pancreatitis can last over years and is characterized by recurrent inflammations. Management of this condition using home remedies for pancreatitis involves lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments. To prevent your risk of developing pancreatitis, quit smoking and stop drinking. Is lemon water good for pancreatitis? Lemon may have an antiinflammatory effect on the body, which can help with pancreatitis (27). However, research is limited in regards to the safety of lemon juice intake in different stages of pancreatitis and hence it should not be consumed without medical guidance. Is ginger good for pancreatitis? Ginger may have a protective effect against pancreatic cancer and reduce pancreatic damage (28). However, more research is warranted in this regard and ginger should not be consumed by individuals with pancreatitis without medical guidance. Which tea is good for pancreas? Green tea is rich in antioxidants and may help fight inflammation. However, it may also cause dehydration and lead to acute pancreatitis (29), (30). Therefore, individuals with pancreatic damage or pancreatitis are recommended to consult their healthcare provider before consuming green tea or any other tea. What spices are good for pancreatitis? Basil, mint, and tarragon are good spices for pancreatitis. Is Honey OK for pancreatitis? A little amount of honey is okay for pancreatitis, depending on the body’s ability to manage blood sugar levels.
