Liquid Diet for Pancreatitis

According to information from MedlinePlus.com, pancreatitis is a condition characterized by infection or inflammation of the pancreas, the organ responsible for producing the digestive hormones insulin and glucagon. Pancreatitis includes symptoms such as localized pain, fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea, weight loss and overall weakness. Attacks of pancreatitits are commonly treated through medication and adherence to a liquid diet to help sooth the digestive tract and relieve some of the burden on the pancreas.

Liquid Diet Theory

Understand the theory behind treating pancreatitis with a liquid diet to better allow you to cope with the restrictive nature of the diet itself. According to the medical site FreeMD.com, there are two main types of liquid diets used to treat pancreatitis--a clear liquid diet and a full liquid diet. These diets are used in progressive fashion to assess the tolerance level of the patient--if they respond well to a clear liquid diet, they can move to a full liquid diet. In either case, a liquid diet will reduce the amount of digestive hormones that the pancreas must produce, allowing it to better focus its efforts on recovery.

Liquid Diet Plan

Consume a clear liquid diet to begin treating pancreatitis. A clear liquid diet is the more restrictive of the two liquid diets, offering the pancreas the greatest amount of rest from its ordinary function. While on a clear liquid diet, consume only liquids that you can see through fully. These include items such as water, broth, clear fruit juice (apple juice), jello, soft drinks, popsicles, tea, water and sports drinks. This diet is only designed to be used for very brief periods of time, as these foods cannot sustain the body's nutritional needs for more than a few days. Thus, as soon as you can "handle" a clear liquid diet for 24 hours without exacerbating symptoms, move to a full liquid diet.

A full liquid diet incorporates additional foods such as cream of wheat, jelly, honey, milk, ice cream, liquid meals replacements, soup, yogurt, pudding and pureed meats and vegetables. Although difficult, aim to consume as many calories while on a liquid diet as you would on a normal solid food diet. This will provide your body with additional energy to fight off the infection. Continue on a full liquid diet until the symptoms of pancreatitis abate or until advised by your physician.