Pancreatitis Diet: Can You Drink Milk?

Pancreatitis is inflammation in the pancreas that is acute or chronic. In the last few years, the prevalence of the disease in the population has increased significantly. And a growing number of people are experiencing this condition at a young age. The first priority in treating pancreatic inflammation is diet. Below we will talk about the peculiarities of such a diet, tell about whether it is possible to drink milk with pancreatitis.

As we said, pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.

In 2018, scientists at the Medical Academy published a paper that concluded that the predominant etiological factor in the development of this disease is the nutritional factor, in particular, alcohol.

In addition, such a disease can develop in the context of various pathologies of the hepatobiliary system, abdominal injuries, toxic effects on the pancreas and so on.

The main symptoms of pancreatitis are

• Intense zoster pain, located in the upper abdomen;
• Nausea and vomiting
• Meteorism;
• Sometimes disorders of the stool
• Deterioration of the general condition of the sick person, etc.

Features of nutrition in pancreatitis

During the first 2 to 3 days of the acute period, the patient is treated with nutritional therapy or parenteral nutrition. In the future, the patient is recommended treatment table No. 5p.

The main goal of the #5p diet is to maximize pancreatic sparing. Limiting consumption of fats and carbohydrates is key to achieving this goal. It is also recommended to reduce the intake of extractive substances into the body, food containing coarse fiber.

Dishes are mostly served in grated or crushed form. Food can be cooked, steamed, and sometimes baked. Fried, oily, too cold or too hot food is prohibited.

The diet should be titrated (5 to 6 times/day in small portions), and sufficient fluid should be consumed.

Can I drink milk with pancreatitis?
Many people who have had pancreatitis ask whether a particular product, such as milk, can be eaten.

Both with acute inflammation and with an exacerbation of the chronic inflammatory process in the first 2-3 days, milk and any dairy products are strictly contraindicated.

Eventually, they can gradually introduce milk into their diet. At the same time, the whole product should be abandoned first and the milk should be diluted in a ratio of 1:1 with water. As the inflammatory events subside, this product can be used in the composition of other dishes, for example, to cook milk soups, omelets on milk and so on.

Whole milk is allowed to be consumed only 1.5-2 months after acute pancreatitis or in the stage of persistent remission of chronic inflammation. Importantly, only low-fat milk (preferably only 1%) can be used in the early stages and thereafter.

Let us emphasize that each case is different. This is why people with pancreatitis should consult a doctor before introducing milk into their diet.