Manage pancreatitis symptoms with lifestyle changes and natural remedies
Pancreatitis is swelling or inflammation of the pancreas.
It’s very painful and can be fatal in severe cases.
If your pain starts suddenly and lasts for a few days, you have an acute form of pancreatitis.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
Acute pancreatitis requires immediate hospital attention, and should not be treated at home.
If your pain is long-lasting and occurs over many years, you have the chronic form.
What Causes Pancreatitis?
Your pancreas is located behind your stomach in the upper part of your belly.
When you eat, it makes juices containing enzymes that break down food.
When your pancreas gets swollen or inflamed, the enzymes mistakenly attack the very tissues that make them.
There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic.
Treatment often involves intravenous (IV) fluids.
Healthcare providers deliver antibiotics, liquids, and painkillers directly into a vein through the IV in your arm.
This includes eating right, watching your weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol.
How Is Pancreatitis Diagnosed?
Pancreatitis is diagnosed using your medical history, a physical exam, and lab and imaging tests.
Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and family history.
No, you cannot test for pancreatitis at home.
Many needtotal parenteral nutrition(intravenous feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract).
Fasting for several hours or days may relieve pain due to a chronic pancreatitis flare-up.
The National Pancreas Foundation recommends patients with pancreatitis limit their fat intake to 30 to 50 grams per day.
Patients should eat four to six small meals each day.
Weight Loss
Acute pancreatitis is becoming more common in the United States.
Studies have also shown that being obese can worsen the severity of acute pancreatitis.
Fat in and around the pancreas can cause inflammation.
In severe cases, this can damage cells and tissue within your pancreas.
If you’re obese, your healthcare provider will likely recommend losing weight to prevent flare-ups.
Losing weight requires behavior and lifestyle changes like exercising more and limiting your portion sizes.
Natural Remedies for Pancreatitis
Research on the use of natural remedies for pancreatitis relief is limited.
There is some evidence that certain supplements may ease symptoms.
Some took antioxidants; some didn’t.
The participants rated their pain on a scale of one to 10.
The researchers found that one-third of the people who took the antioxidants reported having less pain after six months.
However, the number of pain-free patients at the end of the study was the same in both groups.
The people who took the supplements also reported having more side effects, like headaches or upset stomachs.
Other studies have found no benefit to treatment with antioxidants.
Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid.
It helps break down food and boosts your immune system.
In one study, researchers reviewed 12 clinical trials with a total of 505 patients with acute pancreatitis.
Healthcare providers treated some with glutamine.
Others didn’t get the supplements.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These are nutrients you might get by eating salmon, tuna, and flaxseeds.
Some small studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation from pancreatitis and repair damaged tissue.
Researchers reviewed eight clinical trials involving 364 participants with severe acute pancreatitis.
Some were treated with omega-3 fatty acids.
Patients fed through feeding tubes benefitted more than those who could eat normally.
Summary
Pancreatitis is painful swelling or inflammation of the pancreas that can be acute or chronic.
In severe cases, it can be fatal.
With chronic inflammation, making specific lifestyle changes can help ease pain and lessen the risk of future attacks.
These changes include avoiding alcohol, limiting caffeine, following a low-fat diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.
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