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Vegetables prevent the development of pancreatitis
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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American scientists from the Karolinska University have summed up the results of an 11-year study. During this time, they observed the health of 80,000 people. The specialists were investigating the causes of pancreatitis not associated with gallstone disease (the most common factor affecting the condition of the pancreas). As it turned out, in order to avoid stomach problems, you need to eat at least 4 different vegetables a day.
According to scientists, everyone needs garden produce, but vegetables are most beneficial for people who drink alcohol or are obese when pancreatitis occurs. Such food is absorbed in their bodies even better than in the stomachs of slim teetotalers, and, accordingly, brings the greatest benefit.
Researchers believe that the greatest help in combating the development of pancreatitis is provided by an assortment of at least four vegetables. It reduces the likelihood of the disease progressing almost twice. A smaller variety of products is not as effective.
The scientists made this discovery based on an analysis of the daily diet of the participants in their experiment. The volunteers regularly reported what they ate, and as a result, the researchers discovered a connection between the patients' diet and the occurrence of stomach problems.
Experts believe that antioxidants in vegetables reduce the adverse effects of fructose on the pancreas. However, although a link was found between reduced risk of pancreatitis and vegetable consumption, researchers were unable to prove it 100%.
The nature of the problem
The pancreas produces juice containing enzymes for digesting food. When food enters the duodenum, juice is sprayed here from the pancreas. Initially, this liquid substance contains inactive enzymes, and they are activated only after arriving at the site. If the pancreatic ducts are narrowed (due to periodic alcohol consumption, overeating, stones or a tumor), the inactive enzymes cannot enter the duodenum, get stuck in the pancreas... And they are activated! The gland begins to digest itself. This causes severe inflammation, which must be treated in a hospital setting for at least three weeks.
Important:
The symptoms of pancreatitis are very vague. This disease can manifest itself in periodic pain in the upper abdomen or left hypochondrium, bloating and gas formation, sometimes constipation or diarrhea can be observed, and in rare cases nausea is felt after eating.