Pancreatitis is effectively treated and improved by a diet rich in plant-based foods.

Pancreatitis is a term that refers to the inflammation of the pancreas.

The pancreas is a small organ that is completely surrounded by the stomach and small intestine and found in the upper part of the abdomen.

The pancreas has two key functions. It is responsible for producing digestive enzymes for the small intestine and also for producing the hormones insulin and glucagons that help to regulate blood sugar.

There are two main types of pancreatitis ? chronic and acute, although it has also been found that some cases of pancreatitis are hereditary.

Someone suffering from chronic pancreatitis exhibit abdominal pain, malabsoprtion, and acute flare-ups. Usually, this is caused by alcoholism and can result in scarring and destruction of the pancreatic tissues. Chronic pancreatitis can also lead to more severe digestive problems and diabetes.

Acute pancreatitis involves severe abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Additionally, fever, increased heart rate, abdominal distension, affected blood pressure, and abnormal stools may accompany these symptoms.

Usually, gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, viral infection, certain drugs, or pancreatic cancer causes acute pancreatitis.

Depending on the type and severity of the pancreatitis will determine the best route for treatment. General treatments include pain relief medications, proper hydration and salt levels, monitoring symptoms, and modification of the diet.

A diet rich in vegetables is an effective tool in fighting pancreatitis. Vegetables are an important source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants that are especially beneficial to the pancreas.

While eating steamed or cooked vegetables is acceptable, the best way to get the most from them is to eat them raw. In fact, for those suffering from acute pancreatitis, doctors limit the diet to fluids and broths only to reduce pancreatic inflammation.

For this route, juicing for pancreatitis is ideal. Fresh vegetable juice draws out the enzymes and antioxidants essential for pancreatic health in its raw, most absorbable state.

Many holistic doctors and internists will recommend that a pancreatitis patient modify his or her diet through the act of vegetable juicing. Pancreatitis improves with an increase of raw vegetables in the diet.

It is known that vegetables are extremely beneficial for the pancreas. For example, string beans are rich in potassium, which helps to restore a deficient or tired pancreas and Brussels sprouts contain alkalizing elements that are particularly good for the pancreas.

One pint of each juice daily is a step in the right direction for a healthier pancreas. Typically, our bodies absorb only about 10% of the nutritional value of the food we eat.

If the food is ingested as a juice, the absorption level increases up to 92%. Because of this increase in absorption, doctors highly recommend juicing. Pancreatitis sufferers will get more benefits from vegetables in the form of a juice this way.

When juicing vegetables, it is important to do so properly and safely and this starts at the store. Always purchase produce that is as fresh as possible and not bruised.

Always bag your produce separately from meats, poultry, and fish. When you arrive home with your groceries be sure to always store them properly in clean receptacles.

Right before juicing, always make sure that you thoroughly wash your hands as well as each and every vegetable before juicing it, even if you plan on peeling it. Harmful bacteria could be in the same soil in which those vegetables were grown.

Extracted juices should always be ingested immediately and always refrigerated. Safe practices of juicing for pancreatitis will ensure an improved condition as well as diverting any food borne illnesses.