Apancreatitisdiet that is low in fact and contains lean protein and nutritionally dense fruits, vegetables, and grains can help you manage the symptoms of pancreatitis. Eating several small meals and snacks a day instead of having big meals can also help. A pancreatitis diet limits alcohol and fatty foods like fried foods and butter.
A pancreatitis diet can help eliminate chronic stomach pain, reduce the risk of malnourishment, and support healthy blood sugar.
Verywell / Joshua Seong
Foods to Eat on a Pancreatitis Diet
The pancreatitis diet’s promotion of nutrient-dense foods can also help you reduce the possibility ofmalnourishment. This can happen because several key vitamins (A, D, and E) arefat-soluble, and issues with fat digestion can make it difficult to properly absorb these nutrients.
Being deficient in one or more fat-soluble vitamins comes with its own set of symptoms and health risks. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness andvitamin D deficiencyhas been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis, especially aftermenopause.
Lean Protein
Look for low-fat sources of protein to include in your pancreatitis diet, such as:
Nuts and nut butters are rich plant-based proteins that contain vitamin E, but the high fat content may trigger pancreatitis symptoms.
Egg yolks are high in fat, which can be hard for your body to digest when you have pancreatitis. Instead of eating a whole egg, opt for egg whites. They’re low in fat and high in protein.
Dairy
Choose low-fat or fat-free options such as:
Lower-fat cheese options like cottage cheese may not worsen your symptoms and can be a good source of protein. Fortified milk can also be a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D.
Grains
For the most part, you should build your pancreatitis diet around fiber-rich whole grains. Whole grains are also a good source of vitamin E.
Good whole-grain foods to eat on a pancreatitis diet include:
Pasta is usually okay on a pancreatitis diet but stick to whole wheat varieties.
Check LabelsCheck the ingredients list carefully on cereal and granola. These products often contain added sugar. And those with nuts may be too high in fat if you have pancreatitis.
Check Labels
Check the ingredients list carefully on cereal and granola. These products often contain added sugar. And those with nuts may be too high in fat if you have pancreatitis.
Fruits and Vegetables
Choose produce with plenty of fiber, whether fresh or frozen. Canned fruits and vegetables can also work well. However, you’ll want to drain and rinse them to reduce the sugar/salt content. High-fat produce like avocados may be too rich for you to digest if you have pancreatitis.
Look for vegetables high in important vitamins, including:
Ripe bananas are easy to digest and have a good amount of fiber, reducing your risk of gallstones and high triglycerides, which can sometimes cause acute pancreatitis.
Err on the Light SideAvoid cooking produce with butter and oils, or topping it with creamy sauces.
Err on the Light Side
Avoid cooking produce with butter and oils, or topping it with creamy sauces.
Fiber is an essential component of a healthy diet, but you may need to adjust your intake according to how you feel. If you’re having acute pancreatitis symptoms, your healthcare provider may advise you to eat a bland diet, during which time you may find white rice, plain noodles, and white bread toast easier to digest.
Beverages
Unless you have been put on restricted fluids due to kidney, heart, or liver disease, try to stay hydrated. Avoid drinking certain beverages like whole milk and milk-based coffee drinks. Instead, choose:
What Should You Eat During an Attack?After a pancreatitis attack, healthcare providers usually recommend sticking to clear fluids such as broth or gelatin until your symptoms improve.When symptoms of pancreatitis are severe or there are complications, a feeding tube or other methods of artificial nutrition may be necessary.
What Should You Eat During an Attack?
After a pancreatitis attack, healthcare providers usually recommend sticking to clear fluids such as broth or gelatin until your symptoms improve.When symptoms of pancreatitis are severe or there are complications, a feeding tube or other methods of artificial nutrition may be necessary.
After a pancreatitis attack, healthcare providers usually recommend sticking to clear fluids such as broth or gelatin until your symptoms improve.
When symptoms of pancreatitis are severe or there are complications, a feeding tube or other methods of artificial nutrition may be necessary.
Depending on how your body reacts to certain foods, it may be fine to add small amounts of certain foods to your diet but you’ll need to discuss this with your doctor.
Spices and Cooking Methods
A pancreatitis diet can include spices and fresh herbs as tolerated. Certain spices may be irritating, butturmericand ginger are tasty and have digestive benefits.
Choose low-fat cooking methods such as baking, grilling, roasting, boiling, and steaming. Tomato-based sauces such as salsa or marinara sauce are good choices for sauces and garnishes.
Desserts and Snacks
Look for sweet treats that are low in sugar and fat, such as:
Recommended TimingTry eating several small meals and snacks throughout the day instead of three large ones.If you tend to feel full quickly, it can be helpful to avoid eating and drinking at the same time. You may also feel better if you avoid combining certain foods or ingredients; take note of how you feel after meals and make adjustments as needed.
Recommended Timing
Try eating several small meals and snacks throughout the day instead of three large ones.If you tend to feel full quickly, it can be helpful to avoid eating and drinking at the same time. You may also feel better if you avoid combining certain foods or ingredients; take note of how you feel after meals and make adjustments as needed.
Try eating several small meals and snacks throughout the day instead of three large ones.
If you tend to feel full quickly, it can be helpful to avoid eating and drinking at the same time. You may also feel better if you avoid combining certain foods or ingredients; take note of how you feel after meals and make adjustments as needed.
Foods to Avoid on a Pancreatitis Diet
High Fat Foods
A 2018 study found that people with pancreatitis who ate a high-fat, meat-rich diet were more likely to have more severe pancreatitis symptoms.
The National Pancreas Foundation recommends that people with chronic pancreatitis limit their fat intake to 50 grams per day.Some people may have to reduce it further—to between 30 and 50 grams, depending on their height, weight, and tolerance.
This is because your pancreas has to work harder in order to digest high-fat foods such as:
Fat is still an important part of a balanced diet. You may need to start paying more attention to the kind of fat you eat and adjusting your intake.
High Sugar Foods
Foods that are high in sugar can cause your pancreas to overproduce insulin.Some examples of these types of food include:
Sugary foods can also raise triglycerides, which is a significant risk factor for pancreatitis.
Refined Carbohydrates
Avoid refined carbohydrates. These foods cause your pancreas to release larger amounts of insulin than whole grain/complex carbohydrates, which can lead to worsening symptoms.Refined carbohydrates include:
Alcoholic Beverages
Heavy alcohol consumption can raise your triglyceride levels, leading to chronic pancreatitis.It can also make pancreatitis worse, especially if you drink during an attack.
The most common causes of pancreatitis are related to alcohol abuse or are due togallstones, These are stones of crystallized cholesterol that form in the gallbladder and block needed enzymes from leaving the pancreas.
Avoid fried, sautéed, or stir-fried foods. Fats like butter, lard, and oils are best avoided although you may tolerate small amounts for cooking.Avoid store-bought salad dressing, mayonnaise, creamy pasta sauces (alfredo), and tahini.
Should I Take Supplements?
If you developexocrinepancreatic insufficiency(a condition in which your small intestine can’t digest food fully), your healthcare provider may want you to start pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT).
Much like nutritional and vitamin supplements, you may be able to find PERT capsules at most pharmacies and health food stores. The product you’ll need to purchase will depend on the combination of enzymes and the amount (in units) your healthcare provider wants you to take with each meal.
A multivitamin can also help you make up for nutrients lost due to pancreatitis digestive issues.Look for one with vitamins A, B12, D, E, K, folic acid, and zinc.
Summary
Diet does not directly cause pancreatitis, but it can contribute to gallstones and increase lipid levels, both of which can lead to the condition. A pancreatitis diet can soothe symptoms and prevent future attacks.
With the assistance of a healthcare provider or nutritionist, it’s important to design a diet that excludes fat, alcohol, sugar, and processed foods. Along the way, expect to make tweaks and changes to your diet, from how you prepare your food to the number of times you eat per day.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ito T, Ishiguro H, Ohara H, et al.Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for chronic pancreatitis 2015.J Gastroenterol. 2016;51(2):85-92. doi:10.1007/s00535-015-1149-xPerbtani Y, Forsmark CE.Update on the diagnosis and management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.F1000Res. 2019;8:F1000. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20779.1World Health Organization.Vitamin A deficiency.Lips P, van Schoor NM.The effect of vitamin D on bone and osteoporosis.Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2011;25(4):585-591. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2011.05.002Harvard Health Publishing.The best foods for vitamins and minerals.Mount Sinai.Pancreatitis - discharge.Forsmark CE, Vege SS, Wilcox CM.Acute pancreatitis.N Engl J Med. 2016;375(20):1972-1981. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1505202Columbia University Irving Medical Center.The ins and outs of holistic nutrition for pancreatic health.MyHealth Alberta.Diet for chronic pancreatitis: care instructions.Dugum M, Gougol A, Paragomi P, et al.Association of dietary habits with severity of acute pancreatitis.Curr Dev Nutr. 2018;2(12):nzy075. doi:10.1093/cdn/nzy075National Pancreas Foundation.Eat healthy, live better. A guide for those with pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Carbohydrates and blood sugar.Columbia Surgery.Help take pain out of pancreatitis with your diet.National Library of Medicine.Alcoholic pancreatitis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Pancreatitis.Brennan GT, Saif MW.Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy: a concise review.JOP. 2019;20(5):121-125.Masri OA, Chalhoub JM, Sharara AI.Role of vitamins in gastrointestinal diseases.World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(17):5191-5209. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i17.5191Additional ReadingConwell DL, Lee LS, Yadav D, et al.American Pancreatic Association practice guidelines in chronic pancreatitis: evidence-based report on diagnostic guidelines.Pancreas. 2014;43(8):1143-1162. doi:10.1097/MPA.0000000000000237
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ito T, Ishiguro H, Ohara H, et al.Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for chronic pancreatitis 2015.J Gastroenterol. 2016;51(2):85-92. doi:10.1007/s00535-015-1149-xPerbtani Y, Forsmark CE.Update on the diagnosis and management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.F1000Res. 2019;8:F1000. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20779.1World Health Organization.Vitamin A deficiency.Lips P, van Schoor NM.The effect of vitamin D on bone and osteoporosis.Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2011;25(4):585-591. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2011.05.002Harvard Health Publishing.The best foods for vitamins and minerals.Mount Sinai.Pancreatitis - discharge.Forsmark CE, Vege SS, Wilcox CM.Acute pancreatitis.N Engl J Med. 2016;375(20):1972-1981. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1505202Columbia University Irving Medical Center.The ins and outs of holistic nutrition for pancreatic health.MyHealth Alberta.Diet for chronic pancreatitis: care instructions.Dugum M, Gougol A, Paragomi P, et al.Association of dietary habits with severity of acute pancreatitis.Curr Dev Nutr. 2018;2(12):nzy075. doi:10.1093/cdn/nzy075National Pancreas Foundation.Eat healthy, live better. A guide for those with pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Carbohydrates and blood sugar.Columbia Surgery.Help take pain out of pancreatitis with your diet.National Library of Medicine.Alcoholic pancreatitis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Pancreatitis.Brennan GT, Saif MW.Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy: a concise review.JOP. 2019;20(5):121-125.Masri OA, Chalhoub JM, Sharara AI.Role of vitamins in gastrointestinal diseases.World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(17):5191-5209. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i17.5191Additional ReadingConwell DL, Lee LS, Yadav D, et al.American Pancreatic Association practice guidelines in chronic pancreatitis: evidence-based report on diagnostic guidelines.Pancreas. 2014;43(8):1143-1162. doi:10.1097/MPA.0000000000000237
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ito T, Ishiguro H, Ohara H, et al.Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for chronic pancreatitis 2015.J Gastroenterol. 2016;51(2):85-92. doi:10.1007/s00535-015-1149-xPerbtani Y, Forsmark CE.Update on the diagnosis and management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.F1000Res. 2019;8:F1000. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20779.1World Health Organization.Vitamin A deficiency.Lips P, van Schoor NM.The effect of vitamin D on bone and osteoporosis.Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2011;25(4):585-591. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2011.05.002Harvard Health Publishing.The best foods for vitamins and minerals.Mount Sinai.Pancreatitis - discharge.Forsmark CE, Vege SS, Wilcox CM.Acute pancreatitis.N Engl J Med. 2016;375(20):1972-1981. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1505202Columbia University Irving Medical Center.The ins and outs of holistic nutrition for pancreatic health.MyHealth Alberta.Diet for chronic pancreatitis: care instructions.Dugum M, Gougol A, Paragomi P, et al.Association of dietary habits with severity of acute pancreatitis.Curr Dev Nutr. 2018;2(12):nzy075. doi:10.1093/cdn/nzy075National Pancreas Foundation.Eat healthy, live better. A guide for those with pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Carbohydrates and blood sugar.Columbia Surgery.Help take pain out of pancreatitis with your diet.National Library of Medicine.Alcoholic pancreatitis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Pancreatitis.Brennan GT, Saif MW.Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy: a concise review.JOP. 2019;20(5):121-125.Masri OA, Chalhoub JM, Sharara AI.Role of vitamins in gastrointestinal diseases.World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(17):5191-5209. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i17.5191
Ito T, Ishiguro H, Ohara H, et al.Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for chronic pancreatitis 2015.J Gastroenterol. 2016;51(2):85-92. doi:10.1007/s00535-015-1149-x
Perbtani Y, Forsmark CE.Update on the diagnosis and management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.F1000Res. 2019;8:F1000. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20779.1
World Health Organization.Vitamin A deficiency.
Lips P, van Schoor NM.The effect of vitamin D on bone and osteoporosis.Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2011;25(4):585-591. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2011.05.002
Harvard Health Publishing.The best foods for vitamins and minerals.
Mount Sinai.Pancreatitis - discharge.
Forsmark CE, Vege SS, Wilcox CM.Acute pancreatitis.N Engl J Med. 2016;375(20):1972-1981. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1505202
Columbia University Irving Medical Center.The ins and outs of holistic nutrition for pancreatic health.
MyHealth Alberta.Diet for chronic pancreatitis: care instructions.
Dugum M, Gougol A, Paragomi P, et al.Association of dietary habits with severity of acute pancreatitis.Curr Dev Nutr. 2018;2(12):nzy075. doi:10.1093/cdn/nzy075
National Pancreas Foundation.Eat healthy, live better. A guide for those with pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Carbohydrates and blood sugar.
Columbia Surgery.Help take pain out of pancreatitis with your diet.
National Library of Medicine.Alcoholic pancreatitis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Pancreatitis.
Brennan GT, Saif MW.Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy: a concise review.JOP. 2019;20(5):121-125.
Masri OA, Chalhoub JM, Sharara AI.Role of vitamins in gastrointestinal diseases.World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(17):5191-5209. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i17.5191
Conwell DL, Lee LS, Yadav D, et al.American Pancreatic Association practice guidelines in chronic pancreatitis: evidence-based report on diagnostic guidelines.Pancreas. 2014;43(8):1143-1162. doi:10.1097/MPA.0000000000000237
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