Pancreatitis Liquid Diet Plan

• Part 2: Pancreatitis and diet – the 5 most important changes you need to make

Pancreatitis is a condition that entails inflammation or infection of the pancreas, which is the organ that produces digestive hormones such as glucagon and insulin. Some pancreatitis symptoms include jaundice (which makes the eyes and skin yellow), fever, weight loss, localized pain, weakness, and nausea. Pancreatitis treatment often involves medication, but you can also help yourself by following a pancreatitis liquid diet plan, as it will assist in soothing the digestive tract and take a lot of pressure and workload off the pancreas.

It is important to understand the theory behind pancreatitis treatment and why the pancreatitis liquid diet plan is right to follow. There are two main pancreatitis diet plans. These are the clear liquid- and the full liquid diet plan. The two plans are used progressively, one after the other, so that the patient’s tolerance level can be tested. If the patient has a good response to the clear liquid diet, then it is possible to continue on to the full liquid one.

To begin the pancreatitis treatment, you should first consume only clear liquids. This diet plan is much more restrictive than the full liquid one, but it is one that allows the pancreas to have the most rest from its daily work. The diet with only clear liquids also helps keep the body hydrated and it supplies it with electrolytes that are important, like potassium and sodium. In addition, the clear liquid diet plan provides energy for the body when a full diet plan is not possible to adhere to.

The clear liquid diet plan means that you should consume liquids that you can only see through completely. Such liquids include plain water, clear fruit juices without pulp (like apple, grape, or cranberry), broth, jello, tea, clear sports drinks or sodas, and popsicles. This diet should be adhered to only for a short time, because these liquids cannot possibly sustain the nutritional needs of the body for more than a few days. So, if you get through it for 24 hours without a pancreas attack, then it is time to move on to the full liquid diet.

The full liquid diet is much more inclusive than the clear liquid one. Other foods may be included in the full liquid diet, like milk, jelly, honey, soup, ice cream, yogurt, pureed vegetables and meats, and pudding. Try to take in as many calories with this full liquid diet plan as you would with a normal diet that entails solid foods, even though this might be difficult. That way your body will be supplied with the necessary energy that will help to combat the infection. You should stick to the full liquid diet plan until your pancreatitis symptoms dissipate or until your doctor advises you to do so.

For more information on pancreatitis, go to:
en.wikipedia.org,
betterhealth.vic.gov.au

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.