Publisher's Synopsis
Pancreatitis is a serious condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is an organ that produces insulin and digestive enzymes. The same enzymes that help with digestion can sometimes injure the pancreas and cause irritation. This irritation can be short-term or long-term. Certain foods may make abdominal pain caused by pancreatitis worse. It is important to choose foods that will not make symptoms worse and cause discomfort while recovering from pancreatitis. Your pancreas helps you regulate the way that your body processes sugar. It also serves an important function in releasing enzymes and helping you digest food. When your pancreas becomes swollen or inflamed, it cannot perform its function. This condition is called pancreatitis. Because the pancreas is so closely tied to your digestive process, it's affected by what you choose to eat. In cases of acute pancreatitis, pancreas inflammation is often triggered by gallstones. But in cases of chronic pancreatitis, in which flare-ups recur over time, your diet might have a lot to do with the problem. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, acute pancreatitis typically resolves after a few days of treatment. However, some cases of acute pancreatitis can be more serious and involve a long hospital admission. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term illness that can permanently damage the pancreas.
