Suggested Diet for Acute Pancreatitis in Humans

Acute pancreatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation or swelling of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that produces a number of substances, such as insulin, that are used in digestion. According to the Mayo Clinic, acute pancreatitis differs from chronic pancreatitis in that attacks emerge without warning and generally only last for several days. Following the onset of an attack, a change in diet is recommended to minimize the severity of symptoms.

Pancreatitis Diet

• A low-fat diet is the way to treat pancreatitis, according to information from the University of Maryland Medical Center. This means consuming no more than 20 to 25 percent of your total daily calories from fat and sticking to low-fat options whenever possible. This low-fat approach helps to minimize the pancreas' involvement in the digestive process, relieving strain on the organ and providing it with time to relax and heal. Unless you are actively trying to lose weight, be sure to replace the calories "lost" by reducing your fat intake with other calories from either protein or carbohydrates. Stick to a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein sources such as poultry and seafood.

Recommended Foods

• According to the NutraLegacy, eating to reduce the severity of an attack of acute pancreatitis involves consuming foods that are rich in probiotics (helpful bacteria that assist in the digestion of food) and antioxidants (chemicals that prevent cell damage). Focus the carbohydrate portion of your diet around consumption of nutrient-dense foods such as low-fat yogurt, berries, spinach, mushrooms, red wine (a glass or two), and tofu. Aiming to consume at least one or two servings of food from this list per day will help to stifle the intensity of acute pancreatitis.