A Healthy Pancreas: The Best Foods!

1. Every year, many people are hospitalized with a diseased pancreas in the form of an acute pancreatitis or, worse, chronic pancreatitis. Ultimately a very serious condition, because if not treated in time, it can in the worst case lead to death (1). All the more reason to strive for a healthy pancreas. A

2. Every year many people are hospitalized with a diseased pancreas in the form of an acute pancreatitis or, worse, chronic pancreatitis. Ultimately a very serious condition, because if not treated in time, it can in the worst case lead to death (1). All the more reason to strive for a healthy pancreas. A

1. But how do you do that?

1. Basically you just have to live a healthy life: Exercise and a healthy diet. But there are a number of specific things you should pay attention to. A

1. Read on to make and keep your pancreas healthy!

What does the pancreas do?

1. The pancreas is a fairly small organ located in the back of the abdomen. The pancreas is responsible for transforming food into fuel for the body. The pancreas also aids in the digestion process by producing essential enzymes capable of breaking down fats and carbohydrates. In addition, the pancreas also produces two vital hormones: Glucagon and insulin. (2)

What is pancreatitis?

1. An inflammation of the pancreas is also called pancreatitis. There are basically two types of pancreatitis:

1. As the name implies: The symptoms of acute pancreatitis come on very quickly. The enzymes, which are normally released, remain in the pancreas. So they are produced, but remain in this small organ. This causes the pancreas to swell and become infected. This slows down digestion, causes a stabbing pain, and is associated with some other complications, each of which can be life-threatening. (3)

2. As the name implies: The symptoms of acute pancreatitis come on very quickly. The enzymes, which are normally released, remain in the pancreas. So they are produced, but remain behind in this small organ. This causes the pancreas to swell and become infected. This slows down digestion, causes a stabbing pain, and is also associated with some other complications, each of which can be life-threatening. (3)

1. The symptoms of acute pancreatitis are:

1. This form of pancreatitis is incurable. The severity and frequency of associated symptoms vary from person to person. The symptoms often get worse after drinking alcohol or eating a high-fat meal. And as the chronic inflammation continues, scar tissue will also be formed. As a result, the pancreas will become more and more damaged, which will greatly increase the risk of other conditions, such as diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the body to process and absorb nutrients. This can eventually lead to significant vitamin deficiencies.

1. The symptoms of acute pancreatitis are:

1. Besides these two types of pancreatitis, there are two other forms. Although they are both quite rare, I would like to briefly discuss them:

1. This condition is already considered quite rare and is usually seen in children with cystic fibrosis or after physical trauma. Medication for epilepsy, certain antibiotics, and chemotherapy can be at the root of pancreatitis in children. But in more than 30% of cases, the cause is never determined. (4)

2. This condition is already considered quite rare and is usually seen in children with cystic fibrosis or after physical trauma. Medication for epilepsy, certain antibiotics, and chemotherapy can be the basis of pancreatitis in children. But in more than 30% of cases, the cause is never determined. (4)

1. In an autoimmune reaction, the symptoms are a combination of the acute form and the chronic form. In this case, the inflammation is caused by the body's immune system attacking the pancreas directly. There are two forms: Type 1 can affect multiple organs, and type 2 only affects the pancreas. Fortunately, autoimmune pancreatitis is very rare. Incidentally, there is a chance that this form is mistaken for pancreatic cancer, so a wrong diagnosis. (5)

Causes and risk factors of pancreatitis

1. Pancreatitis occurs when the produced digestive enzymes are activated while they are still in the pancreas. This irritates the cells, causing inflammation and scarring.

1. There are a number of causes for pancreatitis. To name a few:

Your diet is literally vital!

1. After a diagnosis of acute or chronic pancreatitis, diet should be the number one priority. The purpose of an adjusted diet is to prevent a deficiency of important nutrients and to keep blood sugar levels as stable as possible. The right diet will also protect you against kidney and liver problems, pancreatic cancer, and other (serious) conditions that can be the result of pancreatitis.

1. The pancreatic center at Columbia University has done extensive research on this. This recommends a diet high in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. On the other hand, fried food and alcohol are completely out of the question. The renowned university also recommends annual blood tests to determine possible deficiencies of important nutrients. Where necessary, supplements can be taken. (6)

1. The recommended diet is very similar to the well-known Mediterranean Diet. Numerous studies have now shown that this well-known diet helps to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, improve mood, protect against Alzheimer's disease, protect against cardiovascular disease, protection against a number of cancers. In addition, it is associated with a lower risk of pancreatic cancer. (7)

1. But for some people the traditional Mediterranean Diet may contain too much fat. This can cause problems especially for people with pancreatitis. Fortunately, the diet can be easily adjusted. Even the healthy fats from olive oil, coconut oil, fatty fish, and grass-fed meat can be too much for some people with pancreatic problems. Again, you must listen carefully to your body and learn to recognize the foods that make you feel your best.

1. The majority of any meal should at least focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Proteins and fats can play a supporting role in this.

1. As a basis you can think of, for example, the following daily diet:

1. And every week you can think of:

1. The ultimate goal is to provide the body with food that is easily digestible and that balances blood sugar levels. And all this, while also keeping yourself happy. In other words, it should be enough to make you feel satisfied, full. A

1. In any case, it is important to eat food to address any deficiencies in important nutrients that can cause pancreas problems.

1. By the way, don't forget that this is a guideline. If there is any food on the list that you know you are allergic or hypersensitive to, for example, it is of course important to avoid them and adjust your diet.

Foods to avoid

1. The foods you should avoid in any case are obvious in many cases, but I still want to mention them:

But what can you eat?

1. If you take a look at the above list of unwanted foods, then there will certainly be people wondering what you can eat. Just the fact that you think that says enough about your current diet.

1. Of course there is still enough left to eat tasty and nutritious, but if your old diet consisted mainly of the prohibited list, then I can imagine that you will scratch your head.

1. Rest assured! Read on for the most important foods that are not only good for a healthy pancreas, but also for your overall health:

Finally

1. A healthy pancreas is literally vital. Continuing with an unhealthy diet and a bad lifestyle is not only disastrous for your pancreas, with all its consequences, but also very bad for your general health. A

1. Take your first step towards a healthy diet today. Learn more about how to get started here!