
1. Red Sauces
That spaghetti recipe your grandmother made that you adore- sadly that may have to come to a halt if you suffer from pancreatitis. Sauces such as marinara or a thick Bolognese may be your worst nightmare. Water them down or use very small portions if you need to, I find that using low fat butter or a white sauce isn’t as harsh on my pancreas.
2. Sugar
It’s quite a challenge to find foods that do not contain sugar, especially if you eat a lot on the run. Processed foods contain a ton of sugar, as well as juices, coffees, and even pasta sauces. They increase your triglycerides and make life difficult for the pancreas, which is exactly what you don’t want!
3. Fattening Meats
There aren’t many people that don’t like bacon and other meaty treats, but the fact of the matter is they are not easily processed by the pancreas. Avoid them for a number of reasons, aside from being problematic for the pancreas- they are also bad for your cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
4. Whole Milk
A lot of folks prefer the taste of whole milk over milk that is less fattening, the issue is the fat in whole milk when it gets to the pancreas. It becomes a process for the body to decompose when living with pancreatitis. Use low fat milks, and be cautious of other dairy products with high fat such a yogurts and cheeses.
5. Prepackaged Foods
If you grab anything to eat in a hurry from a local fuel station, odds are it isn’t good for your pancreas. Foods that have been prepared, frozen or compartmentalized for storing for months (frozen dinners, snack bars, candies, donuts, muffins) can easy annoy the pancreas. Look for healthier alternatives if you must choose your meal options from a shop in a hurry.
6. Snacks
Brownies, chips, nachos, pretzels, ice cream, nuts, and pretty much any other snack food you can imagine that has been premade in a package is not ideal for pancreatitis patients. Snacking doesn’t have to be an impossible feat though, just plan ahead for the week and make small snack bag servings of fruits, vegetables, and healthier alternatives.
7. Spicy Foods
Most gastrointestinal providers will ask you to avoid spicy foods of all types because they tend to work up the pancreas and can send you straight to the emergency room. Personally, I avoid them entirely and never eat them because I know they give me attacks within 30 minutes. If I have eaten something spicy by accident I immediately flush it out with water.
8. White Flour
Most yummy treats are constructed with white flour as a base ingredient. Breads, cereals, pastas and so forth are all usually made with it, but you can find some substitutes for most of them that are made with wheat instead to avoid any pancreatic issues. Whole wheat pastas for example are making a ton of fans, and are inexpensive to try.
9. Chinese Food
Millions of people across the globe adore their Chinese meals, but they can be a struggle for the pancreas to digest peacefully. They can be loaded with fat, grease, and spices that your body just shouldn’t be eating. I always suggest if you have to eat these meal choices, to drink lots of water to help balance out the work that the pancreas needs to do and start the flushing process.
10. Fast Foods
Everyone now knows that fast food is never a great idea for your waistline or your internal body. Don’t ruin your week with an attack by eating on the go, try to plan ahead for your work week and meals for the family so that this can be avoided. Eating at home can save you money and a trip to the doctor after eating some cheeseburgers while out and about.