Pain And Discomfort – What Foods Irritate The Pancreas?

The pancreas is a vital organ that helps your body process sugar and aids digestion. Its health depends in large measure on your diet. To protect your pancreas, it’s worth knowing about the foods that irritate the pancreas. There are certain foods you should keep to a minimum, namely, fat, oil and sugar.

Fairview Adult Day Care Center in Brooklyn NY is aware of the huge importance of diet for overall health. We educate clients on the dangers of eating fatty, overly sweet, or other foods that irritate the pancreas. We offer low fat, low sugar dietary options, and never add salt to the meals and snacks that we offer – vegetables, staples, or meat.

If you have digestion problems or experience pain and discomfort after a meal, seek medical advice. Doctors can ascertain if there is a problem with the pancreas and then advise on diet as necessary.

Food That Irritate The Pancreas

Diet includes drinks, so it’s a good idea to give up sodas, which contain a lot of sugar and salt. Alcohol is also something that should be avoided if you want your liver and pancreas to stay healthy.

For beverages, stick to sugar-free lemon tea, herbal teas, or dairy alternatives such as oat milk.

Common foods that irritate the pancreas include liver, red meat, hamburgers, French fries, and potato chips. Full-fat milk or cheese, margarine, and butter, along with pastries and mayonnaise are other foods to avoid.

Partial view of woman with paper made food irritated pancreas on tshirt on grey backdrop

For a healthy pancreas it’s best to stick to protein-rich foods very low in animal fats and containing antioxidants. Vegetables and pulses such as beans and lentils are good for the pancreas, as are clear soups. You may choose a plant-based diet, as it might be the safest. However, fish, white meat in moderation can be good too. Non-fat dairy such as oat milk or almond milk are also a beneficial option if you are seeking to avoid foods that irritate the pancreas.

If you’re craving sugary food, reach for some fruit. Blueberries, oranges, cherries, grapes, pineapple, or papaya in moderation are always a great snack option.

Why these foods should be avoided

Pancreatitis occurs when your body can’t generate sufficient digestive enzymes to absorb nutrients in your food. Eating plenty of pancreas-friendly fruits, vegetables, and whole grains lifts the pressure on this vital organ.

Such foods also limit your cholesterol intake, reducing your risk of gallstones, a leading cause of acute pancreatitis. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as pecans and strawberries, combat free radicals and help reduce pancreatic inflammation.

How often and how much you eat is also an important consideration. Doctors treating chronic pancreatitis generally recommend several light meals or snacks per day, rather than two or three heavy meals. Note that foods that irritate the pancreas also tend to be bad for your heart, blood sugar, digestion, and sleep.

Fairview ADC educates and nudges clients with abdominal inflammation or pain to avoid foods that are not good for your health. Contact us for more information about our center for adults and seniors and the services we offer.

This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.