What and How to Eat When You Have Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition in which the pancreas doesn't make enough enzymes to digest food. This can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and other digestive problems. If you have EPI, you may need to take pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to help you digest food.

Here are some tips on what and how to eat when you have EPI:

Choose foods that are easy to digest. Some foods are more difficult to digest than others. Here are some examples of foods that are easy to digest:

* Cooked fruits and vegetables

* Lean meats, such as chicken, fish, and tofu

* Eggs

* Dairy products

* Whole grains

* Simple sugars, such as honey and maple syrup

Avoid foods that are high in fat or fiber. These foods can be difficult to digest and can cause symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Here are some examples of foods that are high in fat or fiber:

* Fatty meats, such as pork and beef

* Fried foods

* Nuts and seeds

* Whole wheat bread and pasta

* Beans and lentils

Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day. Eating small meals more frequently can help reduce symptoms of EPI. This will also help prevent you from feeling full too quickly.

Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated is important for overall health and can help reduce the risk of dehydration, which can worsen EPI symptoms.

Take your PERT with meals. PERT is a medication that helps you digest food. You will need to take it with each meal. The dose is based on the amount of fat in your meals and may be adjusted as needed.

Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can provide you with more detailed guidance on what and how to eat when you have EPI. Eating regular meals and snacks, staying hydrated, and avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms may also be helpful.