Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces several enzymes which helps in the digestion of food as well as the hormone insulin which controls glucose level in the blood. When the pancreas is inflamed, the body is not able to absorb all the nutrients.
Pancreatitis may be either acute or chronic. Both types of pancreatitis can cause bleeding and tissue death in or around the pancreas . Long term damage to the pancreas leading to malnutrition and diabetes.
Causes of pancreatitis –
• Gall stones
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• High level of triglycerides in the blood.
• Injury to the abdomen.
• Abnormality in the structure of the pancreas or bile duct .
• Infection with mumps, hepatitis virus, rubella, Epstein Barr virus.
•Hereditary diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
• Certain drugs like azathioprine, corticosteroids, NSAID and antibiotic.
• Cigarette smoking.
• Abdominal surgery.
• Family history of pancreatitis
• High calcium level in the blood.
• High level of parathyroid hormone in the blood.
• Infection.
Symptoms –
• Sharp pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to back or chest.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Sweating
• Abdominal tenderness.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Rapid breathing
• Oily stools.
• Weight loss.
• Clammy skin
• Abdominal swelling.
Tips to reduce the risk of pancreatitis
• Avoid refined foods such as white bread, pastas and sugar.
• Eat foods which are high in vitamin –B and iron such as whole grains, dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), and sea vegetables.
• Eat anti oxidant foods such as blueberries, cherries, tomatoes and vegetables such as bell pepper. • Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, beans for protein.
• Use healthy oils for cooking such as olive oil, vegetable oil.
• Eliminate all the suspected food allergens including dairy (milk, cheese, eggs and ice cream), wheat, soy corn, chemical food additives.
• Reduce Trans –fatty acids which are found in baked goods such as cookies, cakes.
• Avoid french fries, onion rings, processed foods and margarine.
• Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily
• Exercise moderately for 30 minutes daily.
• Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol and tobacco.
