Is Honey Good For Pancreatitis | Honey For Pancreatitis

Learn whether is honey good for pancreatitis or not in this detailed article and ease down your pancreas-related problems with home remedies.

Pancreatitis is a health condition related to acute inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is tucked just behind the stomach and aids in the digestion process. The primary function of the pancreas is to break down the glucose and releasing insulin onto the bloodstream to control the blood sugar levels. It releases digestive enzymes into the small intestine, helping in the breakdown of food and improved digestion. Inflammation in the pancreas can affect the digestion process, causing nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, or fever. Pancreatitis can be of two kinds.

1. Acute Pancreatitis: It lasts for a short time and can give sudden shooting pain.
2. Chronic Pancreatitis: In contrast, chronic pancreatitis lasts for a long time and can trigger other illnesses.

While it is essential to get proper medical treatment if you are suffering from pancreatitis, specific home remedies can help ease the symptoms and aid in the healing process. If left unchecked, pancreatitis can cause scarring on the pancreas and lead to other health issues such as diabetes. Honey is one such ingredient known to be a helpful addition to the diet if you suffer from pancreatitis. Find out whether is honey good for pancreatitis or not in the further stages of the article.

Is Honey Good For Pancreatitis?

Honey is a powerful food known for its numerous medicinal and health benefits. One of these benefits includes aiding in treating the symptoms of pancreatitis. Even though you are prohibited from eating sugar if you have pancreatitis, honey might still be allowed because of its other significant benefits, which include: 

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Honey can help in soothing the inflammation of the pancreas due to its anti-inflammatory properties. A teaspoon honey a day can prevent or soothe the inflammation of pancreatitis.

2. May Prevent Infection

Honey’s anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties may prevent the development of infections over the scars or wounds. These scars are caused to the pancreas because of acute inflammation. 

3. Boosts Immunity

Any disease can take a toll on your immunity, affecting your overall health. Honey can help in boosting immunity and protect you from other health conditions. 

4. Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants in honey help get rid of the free radicals and reduce the oxidative stress on the digestive system. 

How to Consume?

1. Eating a tablespoon of honey in the morning and night about half an hour before the meal and medicines, provides the maximum benefit. Make sure you consume raw honey and not the pasteurized versions, which are devoid of the essential nutrients. 
2. Mix one tablespoon of honey with a cup of milk and drink in the morning on an empty stomach. 
3. Make a juice by mixing 500 ml honey, 500 ml olive oil, and juice from two lemons. Store in the refrigerator and take a spoon of the mixture about half an hour before a meal. 

Other Remedies For Pancreatitis

1. Turmeric

Known for its antiseptic properties, turmeric can also stimulate insulin production in the pancreas and prevent diabetes. Add a pinch of turmeric in the food items you cook or take it raw with a glass of water in the morning.

2. Spinach

One of the most nutritious green leafy vegetables, the iron content of spinach helps prevent inflammation of the pancreas. Drink spinach juice or stir fry them with other vegetables to reap its benefits.

3. Cruciferous Vegetables

Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, kale may help in fighting cancer cells. Also, they are extremely helpful in keeping gut health in check. 

4. Red grapes

Red grapes contain resveratrol, a phenolic substance that is a powerful antioxidant. It helps to reduce pancreatic inflammation and may destroy pancreatic cancer cells as well.

5. Vegetables

Dark-leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, carrots can be a great addition to your diet for relieving the symptoms of pancreatitis. 

6. Berries

Berries are rich in antioxidants and can be beneficial for boosting immunity as well. You can eat raw berries or add them to baked goods to include it in your diet.

It is also essential to follow a strict low-fat diet during any medication process. One should continue having a balanced diet after treatment to avoid any recurrence. Alcohol consumption and smoking are strictly prohibited if you suffer from pancreatitis. Try to avoid these kinds of food:

1. Fried food

2. Red meat

3. Caffeine

4. Desserts

5. Full-fat dairy

6. Egg yolk

7. Sugary beverages

Have a high protein diet and food rich in antioxidants to reduce the body’s stress and accelerate the healing process. It is also essential to hydrate your body.

Causes of Pancreatitis

The most common cause of pancreatitis is alcohol consumption. High amounts of alcohol can affect the pancreas health. Also, gallstones can affect the proper functioning of the pancreas. Other causes of pancreatitis include:

1. Regular smoking
2. Abdominal surgery
3. High triglyceride levels. It can also cause fatty liver disease. 
4. Genetic reasons are also a common cause of the development of pancreatitis. 
5. Cystic Fibrosis, which causes damage to the respiratory system, can also lead to inflammation in the pancreas. 

Advisory

• If you already have diabetes or high blood sugar levels, honey might not be the best option. 
• Even though honey can help with the symptoms of pancreatitis, always consult a doctor before you use any of the home remedies. 
• Keep an eye on how your body is reacting with the use of honey, as home remedies can work quite differently for different people. 
• If you have an exacerbation of pancreatitis, then avoid consuming honey during that period and only consume after it has eased down to supplement the healing process.