Going Easy on your Pancreas

Most people with acute pancreatitis recover completely. But even if you experience no lingering symptoms, it's important to take steps to keep your pancreas as healthy as possible:

* Avoid alcohol. If you can't voluntarily stop drinking alcohol, get treatment for alcoholism. Abstaining may or may not reduce your pain, but it will reduce your risk of dying of your disease.

*Eat smaller meals. The more you eat, the greater the amount of digestive juices your pancreas must produce. Instead of large meals, eat smaller, more frequent meals.

* Limit fat in your diet. This will help reduce loose and oily stools that result from a lack of pancreatic enzymes. A healthy diet emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

* Follow a high-carbohydrate diet. Carbohydrates give you energy to help fight fatigue. Try to get most of your daily calories from complex carbohydrates found in grains, vegetables and legumes.

If you have diabetes, a dietitian can help you plan a appropriate diet.