How to deal with pancreatitis?

Question

I have serious problem with my pankreatit. It start some month ago, I feel pain in my belly, very bad pain, and I go to hospital. Doctor say it is pankreatit. I try many things, like special diet and take some medicine, but nothing help. I stop eat fat food, I eat only rice and boiled chicken, but still I feel not good. I want to know what more I can do? Maybe some herbal medicine or special treatments in Ayurveda can help? I need to know what specific practices can help my pankreatit.  Please help me find answer!

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Dear Rajesh,
Have you done the necessary blood investigations and scans? Pancreatitis can be serious if ignored for long time.
Ayurvedic treatment for pancreatitis focuses on reducing inflammation, promoting digestion, and restoring balance in the body. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Dietary Recommendations
Light and Easily Digestible Foods: Start with a bland diet of soft, cooked foods like rice, khichdi (a mix of rice and lentils), and steamed vegetables.
Avoid Fatty and Spicy Foods: Steer clear of fried foods, spicy dishes, and heavy meals to reduce strain on the pancreas.
Frequent Small Meals: Consume smaller, more frequent meals to ease the digestive process.
Avoid non vegetarian food completely until symptoms subside completely.

2. Herbal Remedies
Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can be consumed as a spice in food or as a supplement.
Ginger: Helps improve digestion and can be consumed as tea or added to meals.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it helps support pancreatic health.
Bitter Gourd (Karela): Consuming bitter gourd juice may help regulate blood sugar and support the pancreas.
3. Hydration
Warm Water: Drink warm water throughout the day to aid digestion and detoxification.
Herbal Teas: Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can soothe the digestive tract.
4. Lifestyle Modifications
Rest: Ensure adequate rest to support recovery.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Both can exacerbate pancreatitis and hinder recovery.
Stress Management: Engage in stress-reducing practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
5. Panchakarma
Consider detoxification therapies under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner, such as Virechana (therapeutic purging) to eliminate toxins and promote healing. Panchakarma should be avoided in acute attacks.
6. Consultation
Work with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized treatment tailored to your specific condition and constitution.
Final Note
If symptoms persist or worsen, seek immediate medical attention. Managing pancreatitis requires a holistic approach, combining dietary changes, herbal support, and lifestyle adjustments for optimal health.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, pancreatitis can be linked to an imbalance in Pitta dosha, which governs the body's metabolic and digestive processes. The inflammation and pain associated with pancreatitis reflect the excess heat and intensity of Pitta. To manage this condition, Ayurvedic treatment focuses on cooling and soothing the digestive system. Herbal remedies like katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa) and guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) are known for their ability to balance Pitta and support liver and pancreatic function. Katuki helps detoxify and reduce inflammation, while guduchi is known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Another helpful herb is amalaki (Indian gooseberry), which has strong antioxidant effects and helps rejuvenate the digestive system. Along with these herbs, following a Pitta-pacifying diet is essential. This involves consuming cooling, light foods like moong dal, barley, and non-spicy, non-greasy preparations. Avoiding sour, salty, and spicy foods, as well as caffeinated beverages, is crucial. You should also include more fruits and vegetables that are cooling in nature, like cucumbers, leafy greens, and pomegranates. Ayurvedic treatments like virechana (purgation therapy) can help detoxify and restore balance to the digestive organs if performed under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. In addition to diet and herbs, lifestyle adjustments such as regular meditation, pranayama, and gentle yoga are recommended to reduce stress, which can aggravate Pitta and worsen symptoms. Regular head and body massages with cooling oils like coconut or sandalwood oil may also help soothe the body and mind.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Pancreatitis, for sure, is a challenging condition and tricky to manage sometimes. It’s crucial to blend the best of Ayurved with the advice given by your medical doctor. Sounds like you're already on a diet, great start, but there's more we can look into from Ayurved. Focusing on calming Pitta and balancing Kapha doshas might just give a bit more relief.

First thing, let’s talk diet. While you've cut out most fats, which is good, we can tweak it a tad more. Try incorporating moong dal khichdi. It’s easier on the digestion, light, and supports agni, the digestive fire. Also add some vegetables, like squash or carrots, which are also soothing. Spices can be your allies—use a bit of turmeric, cumin, and fennel. They help with inflammation and support digestion.

Next up, we gotta explore some herbs, right? Amalaki (Indian gooseberry) is renowned in Ayurveda for its ability to soothe the digestive tract and support liver and pancreas health. Try it as a juice or a supplement, but be careful not to overdo it! Guduchi, another wonder herb, is also known for its rejuvenating properties on the pancreas, you might want to try it too.

Don't overlook the lifestyle part. Stress can aggravate conditions like pancreatitis. Simple breathing exercises, like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), can calm the mind and reduce stress. Try it for 5-10 minutes in the morning and before bed.

Yoga, too, my friend, could lend a hand—gentle poses like Pawanmuktasana or child's pose, should be enough, but remember, soft and gentle is key here.

Keep taking any prescribed medications, okay? And of course, if symptoms get worse or if you're in severe pain, don't waste a second, go see a doctor. Ayurveda’s great and all, but your health and safety comes first, always.

How to deal with pancreatitis? - #37

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