What is the best thing to do nutritionally if you have abdominal pain?
Sometimes it is best to rest the pancreas and limit your food intake. If you are experiencing a flare, your doctor may even recommend no food for a day or two. If you can tolerate food, low fat, low protein foods may be better tolerated as they tend to stimulate the pancreas the least. Avoid high fat and heavily spiced foods. If you notice a particular food causes pain, avoid it. A diet of only clear liquids can be followed when pain is severe. Clear liquids include apple, cranberry and grape juice, gelatin and broth. The clear liquid diet, however, is not nutritionally complete and the diet should be advanced as soon as additional food is tolerated.
What can be done for nutrition when there is nausea and vomiting?
The following suggestions may help you maintain or increase your intake while minimizing nausea and vomiting:
- Avoid foods with high fat content (such as greasy or fried foods).
- Avoid coffee, tea, and alcohol. Cool, clear liquids are often better tolerated. Try broth, flavored gelatin, carbonated beverages, popsicles, or apple juice. Drink small amounts every hour, especially if you are vomiting.
- Eat smaller portions more often during the day. Eating small amounts every 1-2 hours may be helpful.
- Don't drink liquids with your meals. It is best to drink fluids 45-60 minutes before or after meals.
- Avoid spicy foods. Bland foods may be better tolerated.
- Foods that are cold or warm may be easier to tolerate than hot foods.
- Let someone else do the cooking. The odor of foods may make you feel worse.
How can someone with pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases go out to a restaurant?
Most restaurants are more than willing to accomodate special requests. When ordering in a restaurant, request a very low fat meal and explain to the server that there is a medical reason for the request. Most restaurants will steam fish and vegetables or grill a piece of chicken. Many restaurants are happy to take on the challenge and will produce a truly delicious meal for you.
