The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a complex and unique organ system that is designed to process food, isolate and break down nutrients, absorb them into the bloodstream, and also to remove residues that are not digested. Each of its organs performs a separate function and is very important. So, the pancreas is the largest of all glands. It secretes digestive juice and enzymes that break down proteins, fats, starch and carbohydrates. In diseases of the pancreas, a diet is prescribed without fail.
Principle of operation
Each organ of the digestive tract has a unique structure and function. So, the pancreas is involved in digestive processes. It performs two important functions. First, the pancreas secretes inactive enzymes into the duodenum, which are necessary for the digestion of food.
These include:
- pancreatic lipase that breaks down lipids into glycerol and fatty acids;
- chymotrypsin and trypsin, enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of proteins and peptides;
- amylase that breaks down starch.
After food enters the duodenum, these enzymes are activated and begin to digest food. This is the so-called exocrine pancreatic function. The second is endocrine. Between the lobules of the pancreas, there are numerous groups of cells that do not have excretory ducts. They are also called islets of Langerhans. They perform the function of internal secretion and secrete glucagon and insulin into the bloodstream. These are hormones that are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates.
Pancreatic disease
Since this body performs two functions, diseases can be divided into two groups. The first includes those associated with enzymes and the digestion of food, and the second - with hormonal regulation of endocrine function. Pancreatitis - is one of the most common diseases of the pancreas, and the diet in this case is mandatory. In violation of endocrine function, diabetes mellitus appears. This disease requires the same diet as with pancreatitis, but all products containing glucose are excluded. It’s important for people with diabetes to keep their blood sugar at an acceptable level.
As mentioned earlier, during normal functioning of this organ, enzymes that break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates enter the duodenum only after food enters. With inflammation of the pancreas, the following occurs: lipase, trypsin and amylase are activated in the gland itself and destroy it. There is no significant difference for them what to digest, either the walls of the gland, or a lump of food. In this case, of course, no enzymes enter the duodenum, which causes symptoms such as nausea and vomiting of undigested food. The danger also lies in the fact that the toxins that are released as a result of this, enter the other important organs through the bloodstream, destroying them.
Since pancreatitis is the main disease of the pancreas, a special diet has been developed for people suffering from this disease. However, a similar diet should be followed for any pathologies of the pancreas, especially since it is pancreatitis that leads to most complications and pathologies.
Causes
Numerous studies in this area prove that many factors can affect the diseases of the digestive tract:
- injuries
- hereditary tendencies;
- taking certain medications;
- wrong diet;
- alcohol.
But, as statistics show, most often pancreatic diseases arise precisely because of the consumption of fatty, fried and spicy foods and alcohol. The thing is that it is for these products that it allocates the maximum number of enzymes. In this case, a tremendous load on the entire gastrointestinal tract and, as a result, a delay in the release of lipase, trypsin and amylase. For this reason, for diseases of the pancreas, diet is a mandatory prescription.
What is a diet for?
When diagnosing a pancreatic disease (pancreatitis), a diet is prescribed in order to reduce the burden on the organ. It is very important to abandon products that stimulate the strong production of enzymes and cause inflammatory processes. For example, in the acute form of pancreatitis, a person is prescribed treatment in a hospital, as well as rest, hunger and cold. Since food will not enter the esophagus, the enzymatic activity will decrease, and this will contribute to the regeneration of the gland.
Disease in children
A disease such as pancreatitis occurs in babies older than one year. You should be very careful about the treatment process, because if you do not cure it in a timely manner, in the future the pathology will become chronic. Of course, the acute stage of pancreatitis requires mandatory inpatient care. The doctor will prescribe the correct treatment and diet. In general, the diet for the pancreas in children and adults does not differ and consists of boiled and low-fat products.
Acute form
The acute form of the disease occurs very unexpectedly. An attack of pain appears, localized in the left hypochondrium, the temperature rises. Vomiting and lack of appetite will also be characteristic symptoms. Of course, you must immediately call an ambulance. As a rule, with acute pancreatitis of the pancreas, the patient is hospitalized, since inflammation of this organ without the necessary treatment can lead to death. In addition, in the first few days the patient is recommended therapeutic fasting, that is, the complete exclusion of all food products. It is allowed to drink Borjomi mineral water and a rosehip broth. Parenteral nutrition is given intravenously.
When the patient becomes a little easier, a diet is prescribed for pancreatic pancreatitis. It is necessary to exclude fried, smoked, fresh baked goods and salt. Mucous soups, oatmeal, low-fat varieties of protein products (meat and fish) are allowed. It is necessary to get out of fasting very slowly, increasing the number of calories consumed daily. The first day should receive a maximum of 400 kcal, the second - 500 kcal, etc. For diseases of the pancreas, the diet is a fractional diet in small portions.
It should also take into account the fact that after an acute form of the disease it is recommended to adhere to a diet for at least 3 months. Otherwise, an attack of acute pancreatitis may recur. In diseases of the pancreas, the diet and menu for each day can be compiled individually, taking into account the condition of other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. In general, it is recommended to abandon fried and spicy foods, as well as bad habits.
Chronic form
This form of the disease is less noticeable. During periods of exacerbation, the patient is tormented by heartburn, pain in the left side, nausea, bloating. In the chronic form, any doctor will prescribe a diet for pancreatic pancreatitis. A sample menu includes cereals and protein foods (meat and fish), vegetable soups. During an exacerbation, it is allowed to use:
- mucous soups and vegetable puree soup;
- crackers;
- low-fat boiled dietary meat (chicken, turkey, veal, rabbit);
- omelette;
- low-fat fish (zander, perch, cod, hake, pollock);
- boiled vegetable puree without oil;
- weak tea and mineral water.
Remission stage
When the exacerbation goes away, the diet can be slightly corrected: slightly increase the amount of fat and add some dishes to the diet. But you can not overeat and you need to avoid fried and smoked food. In chronic diseases (without exacerbation) of the pancreas, the diet and the sample menu may consist of the following products:
- yesterday’s bread and rolls;
- boiled meat broths (from chicken or veal);
- soft-boiled eggs or as an omelet;
- low-fat cottage cheese and kefir;
- cereals (buckwheat, bulgur, oat, semolina, rice), it is possible with the addition of oil, but not more than 20 g per day;
- fruits, marshmallows, marmalade, biscuit cookies;
- weak teas and compotes.
Prohibited Products
A very important and necessary diet for pancreatic pancreatitis. The menu should consist only of permitted products. In addition, there is a stop list. These dishes are forbidden to eat, especially during periods of exacerbation. They can provoke complications, and in some cases even cause necrosis of the gland tissue. From the diet should be excluded:
- alcohol, sweet and sour juices, soda, coffee;
- pork, lard, smoked meats, sausages, spicy, fried, fast food;
- fresh cabbage and legumes;
- fatty creams, cakes, pastries, ice cream, chocolate;
- fried and hard-boiled eggs;
- pastry and fresh bread.
Such products, entering the esophagus, require a large number of enzymes. But since during the disease, the contents of the stomach are thrown into the ducts of the gland, amylase, trypsin and lipase will begin to be processed in the ducts themselves. This will lead to an increase in the inflammatory process in the pancreas.
Organization of proper nutrition
Sometimes it is very difficult to come to terms with the fact that for some time you have to stick to a diet. But health is much more important. And if you follow all the prescribed rules, then the effectiveness of therapy can be significantly increased.
It is very important to organize proper nutrition so that it not only benefits your digestive tract organs, but does not worsen your mood. To get started, write a list of allowed products. From them you can cook a lot of delicious and healthy dishes that will not harm the pancreas. The whole diet must be divided into 5 meals, because you should eat in small portions and at the same time avoid large breaks in food. The pancreas “does not like” is too hot and cold, so it is good if the food is of average temperature.
A diet for pancreatic diseases is a necessary measure that should not be neglected. It is the exclusion of many products from the diet that helps relieve inflammation in the gland and normalize the digestive tract.