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Eating After Acute Pancreatitis:
What to Avoid and What
to Embrace

Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed by illness or injury. Most people with this condition make a full recovery, usually over the course of a few days. However, doctors often recommend an adjusted diet in the aftermath to ensure a smooth healing process.

Foods to Eat After a Bout of Pancreatitis

Along with releasing insulin, the pancreas also helps break down the foods you eat. As a result, diet is a major consideration after an episode of acute pancreatitis, as the wrong food can aggravate symptoms. In this case, doctors usually recommend the following adjustments:

  • Limiting intake of fat to less than 30 grams per day
  • Focusing on high-protein foods
  • Avoiding alcohol and tobacco products
  • Eating smaller, more frequent meals

If you are overweight or obese, consider a diet and exercise regimen to help maintain a healthier weight, as carrying extra weight can increase the risk and severity of acute pancreatitis.

What to Avoid During Your Recovery

When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the digestion of fat is disrupted. That is why physicians recommend avoiding fatty foods for a time after pancreatitis. This includes:

  • High-fat meats, such as beef
  • Nuts and nut butters
  • Cheese, butter, and other forms of dairy
  • Cooking oils

Your doctor can tell you when you can resume eating fattier foods again. When you do return to your standard diet, eating fatting foods in moderation is best to prevent future bouts of pancreatitis.

 
 
 

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