The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a complex and unique organ system designed to process food, release and break down nutrients, absorb them into the bloodstream, and eliminate leftovers that have not been digested. Each of its organs performs a separate function and is very important. Thus, the pancreas is the largest of all glands. It secretes digestive juice and enzymes that break down proteins, fats, starch and carbohydrates. In diseases of the pancreas, the diet is prescribed without fail.
Working principle
Each organ of the digestive tract has a unique structure and function. So, the pancreas is involved in the digestive processes. It performs two important functions. First, the pancreas releases inactive enzymes into the duodenum to help digest food.
These include:
- pancreatic lipase, which breaks down lipids into glycerol and fatty acids;
- chymotrypsin and trypsin, enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of proteins and peptides;
- amylase, which breaks down starch.
After the food enters the duodenum, these enzymes are activated and begin to digest food. This is the so-called exocrine function of the pancreas. The second is endocrine. Between the lobules of the pancreas there are numerous groups of cells that do not have excretory ducts. They are also called the islets of Langerhans. They perform the function of internal secretion and release glucagon and insulin into the bloodstream. These are hormones that are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates.
Diseases of the pancreas
Since this organ performs two functions, diseases can be divided into two groups. The first includes those associated with enzymes and digestion of food, and the second - with hormonal regulation of endocrine function. Pancreatitis is one of the most common diseases of the pancreas, and the diet in this case is mandatory. When the endocrine function is disturbed, diabetes mellitus appears. This disease requires the same diet as in pancreatitis, but all products containing glucose are excluded. It is important for people with diabetes to keep their blood sugar at an acceptable level.
As mentioned earlier, during the normal functioning of this organ, enzymes that break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates enter the duodenum only after food enters there. With inflammation of the pancreas, the following happens: lipase, trypsin and amylase are activated in the gland itself and destroy it. For them, there is no significant differencewhat exactly to digest, either the walls of the gland, or a lump of food. At the same time, of course, enzymes do not enter the duodenum, which causes symptoms such as nausea and vomiting of undigested food. The danger also lies in the fact that the toxins that are released as a result of this, through the bloodstream enter other important organs, destroying them.
Since pancreatitis is the main disease of the pancreas, a special diet has been developed for people suffering from this disease. However, a similar diet should be followed for any pathologies of the pancreas, especially since it is pancreatitis that leads to most complications and pathologies.
Reasons
Multiple studies in this area prove that many factors can influence diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:
- injuries;
- hereditary tendencies;
- taking certain medications;
- wrong diet;
- alcohol.
But, as statistics show, most pancreatic diseases occur precisely because of the consumption of fatty, fried and spicy foods and alcoholic beverages. The thing is that it is for these products that it releases the maximum amount of enzymes. In this case, there is a tremendous load on the entire gastrointestinal tract and, as a result, a delay in the release of lipase, trypsin and amylase. For this reason, in diseases of the pancreas, diet is a must.
What do you needdiet?
When diagnosing a disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), a diet is prescribed in order to reduce the load on the organ. It is very important to avoid foods that stimulate the strong production of enzymes and cause inflammation. For example, in the acute form of pancreatitis, a person is prescribed treatment in a hospital, as well as rest, hunger and cold. Since food will not enter the esophagus, enzymatic activity will decrease, and this will contribute to the regeneration of the gland.
Disease in children
Such a disease as pancreatitis occurs in babies older than one year. You should be very careful about the treatment process, because if you do not cure it in a timely manner, in the future the pathology will become chronic. Of course, the acute stage of pancreatitis requires mandatory inpatient care. The doctor will prescribe the right treatment and diet. In general, the diet for the pancreas in children and adults does not differ and consists of boiled and low-fat foods.
Sharp shape
The acute form of the disease occurs very suddenly. There is an attack of pain, localized in the left hypochondrium, the temperature rises. Characteristic symptoms will also be vomiting and lack of appetite. Of course, immediately need to call an ambulance. As a rule, with acute pancreatitis of the pancreas, the patient is hospitalized, since inflammation of this organ without the necessary treatment can be fatal. In addition, in the first few days, the patient is recommended therapeuticstarvation, that is, the complete exclusion of all food. It is allowed to drink Borjomi mineral water and rosehip broth. Intravenously put parenteral nutrition.
When the patient gets a little better, a diet is prescribed for pancreatic pancreatitis. It is necessary to exclude fried, smoked, fresh pastries and s alt. Mucous soups, oatmeal, low-fat varieties of protein products (meat and fish) are allowed. It is necessary to get out of therapeutic starvation very slowly, increasing the number of calories consumed daily. On the first day, a maximum of 400 kcal should be received, on the second - 500 kcal, etc. In case of diseases of the pancreas, the diet is a fractional meal in small portions.
You should also take into account the fact that after an acute form of the disease, it is recommended to follow a diet for at least 3 months. Otherwise, an attack of acute pancreatitis may recur. In diseases of the pancreas, the diet and menu for each day can be compiled individually, taking into account the condition of other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. In general, it is recommended to give up fried and spicy foods, as well as bad habits.
Chronic form
This form of the disease is less noticeable. During periods of exacerbation, the patient suffers from heartburn, pain in the left side, nausea, and bloating. In the chronic form, any doctor will prescribe a diet for pancreatic pancreatitis. Sample menu includes cereals and protein products (meat and fish), vegetable soups. During an exacerbation it is allowed to use:
- slimy soups and vegetable puree soup;
- crackers;
- low-fat boiled dietary meat (chicken, turkey, veal, rabbit);
- omelette;
- lean fish (zander, perch, cod, hake, pollock);
- mashed boiled vegetables without oil;
- weak tea and mineral water.
Remission stage
When the aggravation passes, the diet can be adjusted a little: slightly increase the amount of fat and add some dishes to the diet. But at the same time, you should not overeat and you should avoid fried and smoked foods. In chronic diseases (out of exacerbation) of the pancreas, the diet and sample menu may consist of the following products:
- yesterday's bread and buns;
- boiled meat broths (from chicken or veal);
- soft-boiled or scrambled eggs;
- low-fat cottage cheese and kefir;
- cereals (buckwheat, bulgur, oatmeal, semolina, rice), you can add oil, but not more than 20 g per day;
- fruits, marshmallows, marmalade, biscuits;
- weak teas and compotes.
Forbidden foods
Very important and necessary diet for pancreatic pancreatitis. The menu should consist only of allowed products. In addition, there is a stop list. These dishes are forbidden to use, especially during periods of exacerbation. They can provoke complications, and in some cases even cause necrosis of the gland tissues. From the diet should be excluded:
- alcohol, sweet and sour juices, soda, coffee;
- pork,bacon, smoked meats, sausages, spicy, fried, fast food;
- fresh cabbage and legumes;
- fat creams, cakes, pastries, ice cream, chocolate;
- fried and hard boiled eggs;
- butter dough and fresh bread.
Such products, entering the esophagus, require a large amount of enzymes. But since during the disease there is a reflux of the contents of the stomach into the ducts of the gland, amylase, trypsin and lipase will begin to be processed in the ducts themselves. This will lead to an increase in the inflammatory process in the pancreas.
Proper nutrition
Sometimes it can be very difficult to come to terms with the fact that you have to stick to a diet for a while. But he alth is much more important. And if you follow all the prescribed rules, then the effectiveness of therapy can be significantly increased.
It is very important to organize proper nutrition so that it not only benefits your digestive tract, but does not worsen your mood. First, write a list of allowed products. From them you can cook a lot of tasty and he althy dishes that will not harm the pancreas. The entire diet should be divided into 5 meals, because you should eat in small portions and at the same time avoid large breaks in food. The pancreas "does not like" too hot and cold, so it is good if the food is at medium temperature.
Diet for diseases of the pancreas is a necessary measure that should not be neglected. Exactly the exceptionmany products from the diet helps to relieve inflammation in the gland and normalize the digestive tract.
