Pancreatitis – Herbs and foods that help

Pancreatitis is the painful inflammation of the pancreas; a large gland which is located right behind the stomach in human bodies and responsible for secretion of digestive enzymes. If not treated in time the condition may get life threatening. There are certain herbs and foods which prove to be useful during pancreatitis and thus, help a lot to make the patient recover fast.

Pancreas is the organ responsible to aid digestion. The organ helps the body to break down the carbohydrates and proteins into compounds which are easily absorbed by the body. During pancreatitis, the enzymes get into an auto-digestion mode. In this condition the enzymes of the pancreas begin to digest and dissolve the pancreatic tissue itself, instead of breaking down the food.

Pancretitis can be of two types – chronic and acute.

Chronic pancreatitis - Many people often live for years with chronic pancreatitis without any symptoms ever coming to the fore. However, this condition does permanent damage to the pancreas. Constant and mild stomach pain might be experienced by people with chronic pancreatitis on a daily basis, with digestive troubles.
 
Major causes of chronic pancreatitis are –

•    hereditary (governed by the gene trypsinogen)
•    excessive iron in the body
•    excessive and constant alcohol consumption over the years

Some symptoms of chronic pancretitis are –

•    Radiating intense abdominal pain.
•    Pain goes to the back and chest as well.
•    Malabsorption of nutrients in the small intestine
•    Foul and bulky stools
•    Fever accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
•    The abdomen appears swollen and the skin gets clammy.
•    Chronic pancreatitis often onsets diabetes.
•    The patient starts to loose weight.

Acute pancreatitis - happens all of a sudden and can be treated within 3-16 days. Some major causes of this type of pancreatitis –

•    Gallstones
•    Alcohol abuse
•    Increased triglyceride or calcium levels in the body
•    Infections  - viral or bacterial in nature
•    Strong medications including corticosteroids etc
•    Pancreatic injury or surgery
•    Peptic ulcers
•    Fibrosis or vasculitis

Here are the symptoms of acute pancreatitis –

•    Pain in upper abdomen, which appears to be swollen, lumpy or tender
•    Eating or drinking worsens pain
•    Oily and greasy foods make it worse
•    Nausea and vomiting
•    A high pulse rate
•    Jaundice and mild fever
•    Difficulty in breathing
•    Anxiety, weakness and excessive sweating
•    In severe cases there might be bleeding in the pancreas and this might get fatal

Ayurvedic treatments –

Hospitalization is a must in all cases of pancreatitis. However, once the condition stabilizes, the Ayurvedic treatment can be started to prevent re-occurrence of the attack.

•    Some major Ayurvedic medicines for pancreatitis are - Amalaki, Haritaki, Behada and Yashtimadhuk.
•    These are generally supported by medicines like - Shankh-Bhasma, Sutshekhar-Ras, Praval-Bhasma , Praval-Panchamrut-Ras, Shankh-Vati, Bhunimbadi-Qadha and Kamdudha-Ras.
•    Often when people suffer from gall stones and a pancreatitis attack is suspected to arise as a result, medicines like Trikatu, Tamra-Bhasma, Arogya-Vardhini, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Rohitakarishta, Medohar-Guggulu, Sharpunkha, Maha-Shankh-Vati, Swarjika-Kshar, Chitrak, Kutki and Rohitak etc, are used to treat these stones and prevent pancreatitis.
•    After the attack medicines like - Saarivadi-Churna, Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Kutaj, Manjishtha, Saariva, Patol, Patha and Musta are useful to heal the pancreas and repair the damage done.
•    In case of bleeding in the organ Sukshma-Triphala, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu and Laxadi-Guggulu are used. They help to prevent infection as well.
Foods that help deal with pancreatitis – 
In order to cure the problem and deal with it naturally some dietary changes are a must.
•    Alcohol needs to be eliminated from the life completely.
•    Fried and spicy foods are again a big no-no.
•    Introduction of probiotics helps to treat and manage the disease well. Therefore, yogurt/curd is a good dietary introduction. Fresh curd with live cultures is most beneficial. It helps to keep the digestive system healthy and enhances the immune system.
•    Blueberries – they are known for their high anti-oxidant content and are thus great for the body. They help fight the free radicals and prevent further deterioration of the body. Cherries, green tea are other good anti-oxidant sources.
•    Vegetable soup is light on the stomach and rich in all nutrients and anti-oxidants. Fresh vegetable soup is a good immunity builder.
•    Keep away from red meat and fatty foods, as they shall make the pancreas work harder to digest them and the burden might trigger another attack.
•    Tofu is a good protein source and a perfect replacement for meat and chicken.
•    Fresh vegetable juices rich in digestive enzymes are also good.
•    Keep sodas, coffee and carbonated drinks at bay.
•    Eat more of rice, cereals, oatmeal and bread and soy foods. They are light on the tummy.
•    Red Reishi Mushrooms have the capability of restoring the strength of the body and fighting inflammation.

Remember, that never take whole tummy filling meals after a pancreatic attack. Just go light and increase the frequency of meals. Have less after regular intervals. This shall heal you faster and better.