4 Best Foods for Pancreatitis—Plus Foods To Avoid

Pancreatitis is a disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is an organ in your abdomen that is important for digesting food and absorbing nutrients. People with pancreatitis are at risk of undernutrition (lack of adequate nutrition). A balanced diet, focusing on specific nutrients, is essential for managing pancreatitis.

Because pancreatitis can negatively affect food digestion and nutrient absorption. These nutritional deficiencies can make the situation worse. Consuming enough energy-dense foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals can help manage pancreatitis.

People with pancreatitis need more energy from food, so high-calorie foods may be good. However, it is common for people with pancreatitis to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), so high-calorie foods should have a lower glycemic index, meaning the food does not raise blood sugar.

Foods with high energy value and a low or moderate glycemic index include:

• Foods containing whole grains, such as whole-grain pasta, brown rice, quinoa, and oats
• Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas and beans
• Nuts like walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts and chestnuts
• Seeds like pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds and sesame seeds
• Sweet potatoes
• Lawyer

The inflammation caused by pancreatitis causes protein breakdown, leading to muscle loss. You can help prevent this side effect by eating enough protein.

Protein-rich foods include:

• Canned tuna
• Lenses
• Tofu
• Salmon
• Chicken breast
• Fat-free Greek yogurt
• Quinoa
• Almonds
• Eggs
• Low-fat cottage cheese

You can increase the protein content of commonly eaten foods by adding:

• Powdered milk and cheese for vegetables, soups and sauces
• Cooking beaten eggs with rice
• Spread cream cheese or peanut butter on bread
• Add yogurt or high-protein milk to cereal, milkshakes, and smoothies

Low calcium levels and increased bone loss are common in people with pancreatitis. Getting enough energy and protein is important for muscle and bone health. However, nutrients like calcium are also essential for bone health.

Foods rich in calcium include:

• Low-fat or fat-free yogurt
• Plain low-fat kefir
• Low-fat or fat-free milk or buttermilk
• Tofu
• Cooked leafy vegetables like collard greens, kale, and bok choy

Antioxidants are nutrients that help prevent cell damage. They can also reduce inflammation caused by pancreatitis.

You can find antioxidants in the following foods:

• Kale
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Oranges
• Kiwi
• Strawberries
• Low-fat or fat-free yogurt
• Almonds

People with pancreatitis do not need a strict diet. However, depending on how your pancreas is currently functioning, you may need to avoid certain foods, such as those high in fiber, fatty, or plant-based.

Foods rich in fiber

In the case of pancreatitis, high-fiber foods like brown rice and barley can interfere with pancreatic enzymes. Fiber is associated with a reduced risk of pancreatitis. However, whether a low-fiber diet is more beneficial for managing pancreatitis is still debated.

Fiber has many benefits for digestive, metabolic, and heart health. However, high fiber intake may also worsen nutrient absorption and abdominal pain in people with pancreatitis. On the other hand, some people produce enough digestive enzymes but not enough insulin. In this case, increased fiber consumption may benefit blood sugar control.

Non-nutritive compounds

Non-nutritive compounds, or antinutrients, can disrupt digestion, which can prevent the body from properly absorbing nutrients and cause nutritional deficiencies.

Foods that contain antinutrients include:

• Soy
• Grains
• Beans
• Peas
• Legumes
• Tea

Some of these foods, like legumes and beans, are recommended for a pancreatitis-friendly diet. Cooking, soaking, or fermenting them can reduce their antinutrient levels, making them easier to digest.

Meals may change depending on your symptoms, appetite and nutritional needs. You can continue to follow a balanced diet and adapt certain meals according to your needs.

Breakfast

Not skipping breakfast helps you meet your energy and protein needs. If you don’t have much of an appetite in the morning, try eating small portions of energy-dense foods to get some much-needed nutrients. Here are some options:

• Low fat, high protein option: Scramble the egg whites with the spinach or vegetables of your choice. Leafy green vegetables provide both vitamins C and K and fiber.
• High energy and protein option: Try the Greek yogurt parfait with granola, a mixture of berries and nuts. It contains a good amount of calcium and antioxidant nutrients.
• Low fiber option: Make a protein-rich breakfast pizza with tomatoes, cheese, or tofu.

Lunch

Easy lunch recipes you can try include:

• Low fat, high protein option: Eat turkey stew with carrots, potatoes, celery, onion and garlic. Turkey is a lean meat, with less fat than red meat or poultry.
• High energy and protein option: A bowl of curried chickpea rice is a hot, energy-packed lunch. Chickpeas provide plant-based protein. You can also add raisins for more calories and a little sweetness.
• Low fiber option: Citrus Tuna Melt is an easy lunch with canned tuna, lemon juice, diced vegetables, and fruit (like tomatoes, apples, and celery) tossed with mayonnaise. Spread the mixture on the bread.

Dinner

You can keep dinner light, allowing plenty of time for digestion before bed. Some dinner options include:

• Low fat, high protein option: Prepare a grilled chicken salad with green leafy vegetables, tomatoes and vinaigrette dressing.
• High energy and protein option: One choice is aasta soup with vegetables and beans. You can add tofu for more protein.
• Low fiber option: Prepare spicy baked fish, such as salmon, with lots of spices. You can also add asparagus, a low-fiber vegetable.