Some foods that may help people with pancreatitis are whole grains, lean meats, fish, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats like medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
Certain foods may make abdominal pain caused by pancreatitis worse. When you are getting better from pancreatitis, it is important to eat foods that won’t make your symptoms worse or make you feel worse.
Find out more about the best foods to eat and the ones you should stay away from when you have pancreatitis by reading on.
People who have pancreatitis may have to stop all food and liquids for hours or even days as part of their first treatment.
There may be other ways for some people to get nutrition if they can’t eat the right amounts for their bodies to work right. This can involve specialized oral nutritional supplements, liquid nutrients administered though an IV, or a combination of methods.
If a doctor lets a person eat again, they will probably tell them to eat small meals often and stay away from fast food, fried foods, and foods that have been processed a lot.
People who have pancreatitis should eat these foods because they tend to be naturally low in fat. This makes it easier for the pancreas to help digestion.
Fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and whole grains are also beneficial because of their fiber content. Eating more fiber may lower the chances of developing gallstones and acute pancreatitis.
In addition to fiber, the foods listed above also provide antioxidants. Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition, and antioxidants may help reduce inflammation.
Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for releasing enzymes that help digest food and regulating blood sugar levels. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea vomiting and other digestive issues. Diet plays a major role in managing pancreatitis symptoms. Knowing which foods to eat and avoid can help reduce pain and discomfort. One common question for those with pancreatitis is whether foods like salmon are safe to eat.
How Diet Impacts Pancreatitis
With pancreatitis, the pancreas has difficulty producing enough digestive enzymes to properly break down foods. Eating foods that are high in fat forces the pancreas to work harder to release more enzymes. This puts extra strain on the already inflamed organ. High-fat foods also increase triglyceride levels in the blood, which can raise the risk of experiencing another acute pancreatitis attack.
To help ease the burden on the pancreas it is recommended to follow a low-fat diet. This means limiting total fat intake to no more than 30 grams per day and avoiding saturated fats completely. Simple sugars should also be minimized as they can negatively impact triglyceride levels.
Instead, the focus should be on eating lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, and low-fat dairy. Foods with antioxidants like berries, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens are beneficial as they help reduce inflammation.
Is Salmon Safe to Eat with Pancreatitis?
Salmon is a type of fatty fish that is considered a healthy source of protein. It provides omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation in the body. However, with pancreatitis, the focus needs to be on limiting fats.
Salmon does contain more overall fat compared to other types of fish and meat:
- A 3 ounce serving of salmon contains about 8 grams of fat
- A 3 ounce serving of chicken breast contains about 1 gram of fat
- A 3 ounce serving of tuna contains about 1 gram of fat
So, while salmon can be part of a healthy diet for most people, for those with pancreatitis, it may be best to avoid it. The high fat content can put extra strain on the pancreas.
Better Fish Options for Pancreatitis
While salmon may need to be limited, some types of fish can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a pancreatitis diet. Some better options include:
- Tuna
- Cod
- Halibut
- Snapper
- Sole
- Trout
These types of fish are lower in fat, containing 1-3 grams of fat per 3 ounce serving. They can be a good way to get protein while keeping fat intake low. When possible, opt for fresh or frozen fish rather than canned versions, as the canning process can add extra fat and sodium.
Other Tips for Eating Fish with Pancreatitis
If you do choose to incorporate fish like tuna, trout, or cod into your pancreatitis diet, keep these tips in mind:
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Stick to a 3-4 ounce portion size. This limits overall fat intake.
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Bake, broil, grill, or poach the fish instead of frying. Avoid adding butter, oil, or fatty sauces.
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Be mindful of sodium content if using canned fish. Rinsing the fish before eating can help reduce the sodium.
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Avoid fish canned in oil, like sardines in olive oil, to limit fat intake.
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Eat fish a couple times a week at most. Focus on lean meats like chicken or turkey more often.
The Takeaway
While salmon does provide some nutritional benefits, for those with chronic or acute pancreatitis, it is usually best to avoid. The high fat content can overwork the already inflamed pancreas. There are other types of fish like tuna, cod, and trout that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a low-fat pancreatitis diet. Just be mindful of portion sizes and preparation methods. Consulting with a doctor or dietitian can help determine the best diet to manage individual pancreatitis symptoms and improve overall health. With the right modifications, it is possible to find nutritional balance with this condition.
Lean meats and fish
Lean meats can help people with pancreatitis meet their protein needs. Some examples include:
- skinless chicken or turkey
- lean or extra-lean ground chicken or turkey
- 95% lean ground beef
- loin or round cuts of beef or pork
Certain types of fish are also lower in fat while providing plenty of protein. These include white fish, such as cod or haddock, and canned fish packed in water (not oil). Some research suggests that eating approximately 2 to 3 servings of fish per week may even help to prevent non-gallstone-related acute pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis that lasts for a long time can make it harder for the body to take in nutrients from food. If a person isn’t able to absorb enough nutrients from their food and medications, their doctor may prescribe oral nutritional supplements to help them gain weight and get the nutrients they need.
According to the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), oral nutritional supplements containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) may be helpful for some people with chronic pancreatitis.
On the other hand, these supplements are not the same as MCT oil products that people buy to lose weight or get fit.
MCT oil is a type of fat, and it may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, people who are recovering from acute pancreatitis may be told to stick to a low-fat diet that doesn’t include a lot of added fats.
With pancreatitis, a person should only consume supplements containing MCTs under a doctor’s advice.
Drinking alcohol during an acute pancreatitis attack can worsen the condition or contribute to chronic pancreatitis.
Chronic alcohol use can also cause high triglyceride levels, a major risk factor for pancreatitis.
People whose chronic pancreatitis is caused by drinking can have serious health problems or even die if they keep drinking.
13 Best Foods To Keep Your Pancreas Healthy For Longer
FAQ
Is salmon good for acute pancreatitis?
What fish is good for pancreas?
What is a friendly dinner for pancreatitis?
What are good snacks for pancreatitis?
Can you eat smoked salmon if you have pancreatitis?
It’s important for patients with pancreatitis to avoid fatty foods, including smoked salmon, as it can worsen their condition. However, some types of salmon may be safe to eat in moderation, such as trout and pink salmon. Delicacy is contraindicated in salting, drying, or smoking, and it’s better to use baking, boiling, or quenching for cooking.
What to eat if you have pancreatitis?
A pancreatitis diet limits fatty foods, like fried foods and butter, and adds foods like beans, poultry, and other low-fat, high-protein foods. Changing how you eat, either temporarily or for the long term, can help you prevent attacks. This article will help you understand what to eat and what to avoid if you have pancreatitis.
What foods should people with pancreatitis avoid?
Fried foods and high-fat foods, such as burgers and french fries, can be problematic for people with pancreatitis. The pancreas helps with fat digestion, so foods with more fat make the pancreas work harder. Other examples of high-fat foods to avoid include: Eating these types of processed, high-fat foods can also lead to heart disease.
Is fish good for pancreatitis?
Certain types of fish are also lower in fat while providing plenty of protein. These include white fish, such as cod or haddock, and canned fish packed in water (not oil). Some research suggests that eating approximately 2 to 3 servings of fish per week may even help to prevent non-gallstone-related acute pancreatitis.