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Low Protein Diet for Pancreatitis

The pancreas' main function is to produce enzymes to breakdown food into nutrients for the body to use. Low amounts of these enzymes can cause pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that causes nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. To be able to manage the health of a malfunctioning pancreas, it is important to make dietary changes. The Mayo Clinic recommends low-fat food options and lean protein for pancreatic health.

  1. Pancreatic Enzymes

    • During digestion the pancreas produces enzymes to break down protein, carbohydrates and fat. Three of the major enzymes are lipase, amylase and protease. Lipase with bile breaks down fats to create fatty acids and glycerol for the body. A low amount of lipase results in problems absorbing fat. Amylase enzymes are found in both the saliva glands and pancreas. This enzyme is used to breakdown carbohydrates and sugars. Protease digests proteins to produce amino acids and peptides. When proteins are not digested completely by this enzyme complications arise like the buildup of toxins and allergies. Low amounts of protease elevate the risk of the body getting an infection causing pancreatitis. By adopting a low protein diet for pancreatitis, you can reduce the risk of further complications associated with too few pancreatic enzymes.

      To begin this diet, avoid foods like beef, lamb, pork, and sausage. Replace with healthier alternatives that give you the protein you need for restoring muscle tissue, yet do not cause more damage to the pancreas.

    Meat Alternatives

    • The University of Maryland recommends eating fewer meat products and incorporating in the diet soy, legumes and vegetables for protein. Try out such products like tofu, tempeh and soy veggie burgers. One half cup of tofu has roughly 20 grams of protein while six ounces of steak has 42 grams. Tofu is also low in cholesterol and fat. Check out different veggie burgers. Many are made from a combination of beans or lentils with soy. Fish is also very low in protein and fat. A four-ounce fillet of tilapia has 20 grams of protein. In addition, eggs have 7 grams of protein per three ounces. When cooking a low protein food, use unsaturated oils like olive oil. Prepare food in methods that use little or no oil like steaming, grilling, poaching or boiling.

    Vegetarian Diet

    • Adopt a mainly vegetarian diet for foods low in protein. According to the USDA, vegetarian diets can meet the requirements for nutrients. Four of the most fundamental nutrients we need are calcium, iron, vitamin B12 and zinc. Calcium maintains bone strength and reduces the depletion of bone in old age. Get calcium by drinking calcium fortified orange juice, soy milk, almond cheese and green leafy vegetables. Obtain iron to aid in getting oxygen in blood. Iron rich foods include lentils, whole wheat breads, peas and dried fruits. You can get B12 by eating cereal, soy products and veggie burgers. Zinc must be consumed for biochemical reactions and immune support. Foods high in zinc include legumes, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds and milk. Experiment with traditional meat-based meals and try them out with vegetable substitutes. Vegetarian recipes in the link provided in the references.

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