Pancreatitis is the  inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas releases insulin, glucagon as well as digestive enzymes which are essential for the digestion of food.  Occasionally, these enzymes become active inside the pancreas, and digest the tissue of the pancreas. This causes swelling, bleeding (hemorrhaging), and damage to the pancreas and its blood vessels. This condition is known as: acute pancreatitis.  Acute pancreatitis affects men more often than women. Certain diseases, surgeries, and habits increase one’s susceptibility to the disease.  The condition is most often caused by alcoholism and alcohol abuse (70% of cases in the United States). Genetics are also a factor in some cases. Sometimes the cause is idiopathic. Researchers have been studying ways to reduce the incidence of this disease and most recently a very promising study was brought to the public. Below is a summary of the study as well as the links for more detailed information.

The effects of vegetable consumption and incidence of acute pancreatitis was studied by Mr Viktor Oskarsson et al. (Unit of Nutritional Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute) from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2009.   During the course of this time, a total of  80 019 women and men, aged 46–84 years, were monitored.  The subjects were given vegetables and fruits to eat.  In brief, the study concluded two main points- fruit had little if any effect on helping to reduce the incidence of acute pancreatitis; while only 4 servings of vegetables reduced the incidence of acute pancreatitis by 44%.  Furthermore, an additional two servings of fresh vegetables per day reduced the risk by an additional 17%.  For more complete information read the articles cited below and contact family chiropractor Dr. Eshanov at (973) 900-2660 or visit www.MontclairChiropracticCenter.com to schedule a consultation.

www.naturalnews.com/036454_pancreatitis_diet_vegetables.html

gut.bmj.com/content/early/2012/06/08/gutjnl-2012-302521.abstract

(Dr. Eshanov Chiropractic, is a family chiropractic center focusing on natural and holistic ways to help patients.  Dr. Eshanov, lectures and advises patients about chiropractic and clinical nutrition. The office is located at 50 Church Street, Suite 110, Montclair, N.J.)