Behind the stomach is an organ called the pancreas. It helps your body break down food by making hormones and enzymes. Sometimes the enzymes attack another part of the pancreas, which can cause pain and swelling. This is called pancreatitis.
Chronic pancreatitis may cause you to be in pain much of the time. You may be able to help the pain by avoiding alcohol and eating a low-fat diet.
Your doctor and dietitian can help you make an eating plan that does not irritate your digestive system. Always talk with your doctor or dietitian before you make changes in your diet.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. Also, it’s smart to keep track of the medicines you take and know the results of your tests.
Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen, causing severe abdominal pain and difficulty digesting food. The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion by producing enzymes that help break down fats proteins and carbs in the food we eat. However, when the pancreas is inflamed it struggles to produce enough enzymes leading to improper digestion.
Diet plays a major role in managing pancreatitis symptoms and preventing attacks. But with so many dietary restrictions, you may wonder – can you eat tuna with pancreatitis? Let’s find out.
Why Diet Matters for Pancreatitis
There are a few reasons why diet is important when you have pancreatitis:
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It reduces the workload for the already inflamed and stressed pancreas by limiting fat intake. Fatty foods require more enzymes to digest which the pancreas cannot sufficiently produce.
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It helps maintain healthy triglyceride levels. High triglycerides are a risk factor for pancreatitis flares. A diet low in fat, cholesterol and sugar aims to keep triglycerides in check.
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It provides key nutrients while avoiding foods that may worsen inflammation. Proper nutrition prevents malnutrition yet without aggravating the pancreas.
So paying close attention to your diet is critical for both managing symptoms as well as reducing the likelihood of painful pancreatitis attacks when you have this condition.
Evaluating Tuna for a Pancreatitis Diet
Now let’s look at whether tuna and other fish are suitable if you have pancreatitis
Benefits of Tuna
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High in protein, low in fat – Tuna provides important protein for energy and tissue repair without excessive fat that stresses the pancreas.
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Rich in omega-3 fatty acids – Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory fats that may help reduce pancreatitis symptoms.
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Lower in mercury – Compared to some fish, tuna is relatively low in mercury. Stick to recommended intake limits.
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Nutritious and versatile – Tuna offers an easy, affordable way to get lean protein in salads, sandwiches, pasta and more.
Potential Drawbacks of Tuna
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Sodium content – Canned tuna can be high in sodium which may worsen fluid retention issues.
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Fat content – Fresh tuna steaks do contain more fat than canned, so limit intake.
Overall, tuna and most fish provide valuable nutrition for a pancreatitis diet as long as you moderate fat and sodium content.
Best Fish Choices for Pancreatitis
Along with tuna, here are some other top fish options if you have pancreatitis:
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Salmon – Rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s, opt for baked or grilled.
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Cod – Flaky white fish with less than 1 gram fat per serving.
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Haddock – Similar low-fat nutrition profile as cod.
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Tilapia – Affordable, widely available freshwater fish.
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Trout – Provides vitamins D, B12 and selenium.
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Herring – More omega-3 fatty acids than salmon.
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Anchovies – Very high in omega-3s, a little goes a long way.
Aim for 8-12 ounces of low-mercury fish per week as part of a pancreatitis diet. Limit tuna to 2-3 servings monthly, choosing light tuna over albacore which has more mercury.
Fish to Avoid or Limit
On the flip side, these fish options may worsen pancreatitis:
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Fried fish – Frying adds unwanted fat, opt for baked or grilled.
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Fish canned in oil – The oil content is too high in fat, choose water-packed.
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Dried, salted fish – Higher in sodium that may cause fluid retention.
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Raw fish – Carries a higher risk of bacteria, parasites and infections.
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High mercury fish – Limit swordfish, tilefish, shark and mackerel.
So tuna and most fish are usually fine for pancreatitis in moderation, while fried versions or raw fish are best avoided. Check with your doctor about any particular fish species you are uncertain about.
Other Lean Protein Sources
While tuna and fish are great choices, be sure to also incorporate other lean proteins if you have pancreatitis:
- Skinless chicken and turkey
- Egg whites
- Beans and lentils
- Firm tofu
- Tempeh
- Lean pork and beef cuts
Vary your protein sources while focusing on options low in saturated fat to avoid overworking your pancreas.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
On the other hand, these foods often aggravate pancreatitis symptoms:
- Fatty meats like sausage, bacon, ribs
- Full-fat dairy products
- Fried foods
- Fast food
- Processed carbs like white bread, bagels, muffins
- Rich desserts
- Sugary foods and beverages
- Alcohol
Steering clear of greasy, fried fare and limiting sugar, saturated fat and alcohol intake goes a long way in preventing painful pancreatitis attacks.
The Takeaway
Overall, tuna and most fish can be part of a pancreatitis diet in moderation. Focus on lean, low mercury fish options that provide protein without excess fat. Balance fish with other non-meat proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid fried fish and raw seafood. Check with your doctor or dietitian about specific foods you are uncertain about. With careful dietary management, you can help control pancreatitis symptoms and enjoy a nutritious diet.
Where can you learn more?
Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter S950 in the search box to learn more about “Diet for Chronic Pancreatitis: Care Instructions”.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all of the treatments or services listed are covered by Kaiser Permanente or are provided by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider. SHARE THIS ARTICLE.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Do not drink alcohol. It may make your pain worse and cause other problems. Tell your doctor if you need help to quit. Getting help, going to support groups, and sometimes taking medicine can help you stay Clean.
- Talk to your doctor about whether you need to take pancreatic enzyme pills to help your body break down protein and fat.
- Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and need to limit how much water you drink, talk to your doctor before you drink more water.
Eat a low-fat diet
- Instead of three big meals a day, eat a lot of small meals and snacks.
- Choose lean meats. Every day, don’t eat more than 5 to 6½ ounces of meat. Cut off all fat you can see. Eat chicken and turkey without the skin. Many kinds of fish, like salmon, lake trout, tuna, and herring, have omega-3 fats that are good for you. But stay away from fish canned in oil, like sardines in olive oil. Meat, poultry, and fish should not be fried in butter or fat. Instead, bake, broil, or grill them.
- Every day, drink or eat milk, yogurt, cheese, or other milk products that are low in fat or no fat. Pick cheeses that have less than 5 grams of fat per ounce by reading the labels. Try fat-free sour cream, cream cheese, or yogurt. Avoid cream soups and cream sauces on pasta. Eat low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet. Avoid regular ice cream.
- Eat whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta. Stay away from high-fat foods like waffles, doughnuts, muffins, granola, croissants, scones, and high-fat breads.
- To make food taste better, use fat-free sauces, herbs and spices (like mint, tarragon, or basil), or lemon juice instead of butter. You could also use something other than butter, like fat-free mayonnaise or fat-free dressing.
- You can bake with applesauce, prune puree, or mashed bananas instead of some or all of the fat.
- One tablespoon of butter, margarine, mayonnaise, or salad dressing is all the fat and oil you should eat at a meal.
- Don’t eat chocolate, whole milk, ice cream, processed cheese, egg yolks, or other high-fat foods. Fried or buttered foods. Sausage, salami, and bacon. Cinnamon rolls, cakes, pies, cookies, and other pastries. ready-to-eat snacks, like mixed nuts, potato chips, and nut and granola bars Coconut and avocado.
- Find out how to read food labels to find out how much to eat and what’s in it. Fast-food and convenience-food meals often have lots of fat.
Making A Safe Pancreatitis Diet Tuna Fish Lunch
FAQ
What fish is good for pancreatitis?
Can I eat scrambled eggs with pancreatitis?
Can I eat steak with pancreatitis?
Can you eat a soft food diet if you have pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis can lead to various complications such as new infections, pancreatic tissue death, fluid-filled cysts, or organ failure. If you have mild to moderate pancreatitis, you may receive intravenous (IV) fluids, pain medication, and a low-fat, soft food diet once it’s safe for you to eat.
What can one eat if they have pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer patients can follow this diet. They have to monitor and maintain their weight. Staying hydrated Eating small and frequently Eating high protein rich food like egg, nuts beans, soy, etc Choosing food that is easily digested and avoiding food like red meat, pork, raw vegetables, etc. Eating healthy with wholegrain meals, colouful fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, etc Lookout for any bowel changes
What to eat if you have pancreatitis?
A pancreatitis diet limits fatty foods, like fried foods and butter, and adds foods like beans, poultry, and other low-fat, high-protein foods. Changing how you eat, either temporarily or for the long term, can help you prevent attacks. This article will help you understand what to eat and what to avoid if you have pancreatitis.
Can you eat pasta if you have pancreatitis?
Pasta is usually okay on a pancreatitis diet but stick to whole wheat varieties. Check the ingredients list carefully on cereal and granola. These products often contain added sugar. And those with nuts may be too high in fat if you have pancreatitis.