Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is an organ in your abdomen that is important for food digestion and nutrient absorption. People with pancreatitis are at risk for undernutrition (a lack of proper nutrition). A balanced diet, with a focus on specific nutrients, is key to managing pancreatitis.
Because pancreatitis can negatively affect food digestion and nutrient absorption. These nutrient deficiencies can worsen the condition. Consuming enough high-energy foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help manage pancreatitis.
People with pancreatitis need more energy from food, so high-calorie foods can be good. However, it’s common for people with pancreatitis to have high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), so those high-calorie foods should have a lower glycemic index, meaning the food doesn’t raise blood sugar levels.
Foods with high energy and a low or moderate glycemic index include:
- Foods with whole grains, like whole-grain pasta, brown rice, quinoa, and oats
- Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans
- Nuts like walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and chestnuts
- Seeds like pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and sesame seeds
- Sweet potatoes
- Avocado
Inflammation from pancreatitis causes protein breakdown, 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
- Non-fat Greek yogurt
- Quinoa
- Almonds
- Eggs
- Low-fat cottage cheese
You can increase the protein content of commonly eaten foods by adding:
- Milk powder and cheese to vegetables, soups, and sauces
- Cooking whisked eggs with rice
- Spreading cream cheese or peanut butter on bread
- Adding yogurt or high-protein milk to cereals, 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 like calcium are also critical for bone health.
Foods high in calcium include:
- Low-fat or fat-free yogurt
- Low-fat, plain Kefir
- Low-fat or fat-free milk or buttermilk
- Tofu
- Cooked leafy greens like collard greens, kale, and bok choy
Antioxidants are nutrients that help prevent cell damage. They can also reduce inflammation from pancreatitis.
You can find antioxidants in the following foods:
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Oranges
- Kiwi
- Strawberries
- Low-fat or fat-free yogurt
- Almonds
People with pancreatitis don’t need a strict diet. However, depending on how your pancreas is currently functioning, you may need to avoid certain foods, such as those high in fiber, fatty or greasy, or plant-based.
High-Fiber Foods
In the case of pancreatitis, high-fiber foods like brown rice and barley can interfere with pancreatic enzymes. Fiber is associated with a reduced risk of pancreatitis. However, whether a low-fiber diet is more beneficial for managing pancreatitis is still debated.
Fiber has many benefits for digestive, metabolic, and heart health. However, 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, increased fiber intake can benefit blood sugar control.
Non-Nutritive Compounds
Non-nutritive compounds, or anti-nutrients, may disrupt digestion, which can stop the body from being able to absorb nutrients properly and cause nutrient deficiencies.
Foods that have anti-nutrients include:
- Soybeans
- Grains
- Beans
- Peas
- Legumes
- Tea
Some of these foods, like legumes and beans, are recommended for a pancreatitis-friendly diet. Cooking, soaking, or fermenting these can lower their anti-nutrient levels, making them easier to digest.
Meals can change based on your symptoms, appetite, and nutritional needs. You can continue following a balanced diet and tweak some meals according to your needs.
Breakfast
Not skipping breakfast helps reach energy and protein needs. If you don’t have much 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: Scramble 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 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 you can try include:
- Low-fat, high-protein option: Eat a turkey stew with carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic. Turkey is a lean meat with less fat than red meat or poultry.
- High-energy, high-protein option: A curried chickpea rice bowl is a warm, energy-dense lunch. Chickpeas provide plant-based protein. You can also add raisins for extra calories and some sweetness.
- Low-fiber option: Citrus tuna melt is an easy lunch with canned tuna, lemon juice, diced vegetables, and fruits (such as tomatoes, apples, and celery) mixed with mayonnaise. Spread the mixture on the bread.
Dinner
You can keep dinner light, allowing enough time for digestion before sleeping. Some dinner options include:
- Low-fat, high-protein option: Have a grilled chicken salad with green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, and vinaigrette sauce.
- High-energy, high-protein option: One choice is aasta soup with veggies and beans. You can add tofu for more protein.
- Low-fiber option: Prepare spicy baked fish, such as salmon, with lots of spices. You can also add asparagus, a low-fiber vegetable.
