What to Eat During the Recovery Phase of Acute Pancreatitis

During the recovery phase of acute pancreatitis, the digestive system remains sensitive due to an extended period of fasting. As a result, reintroducing food into the diet should be done gradually and with care. Initially, patients are advised to start with small sips of plain water. If no adverse symptoms such as nausea or abdominal discomfort occur, the next step typically involves consuming rice water or clear broth on the following day.

After tolerating rice water for several days without complications, patients can transition to soft, easily digestible foods like congee or rice porridge. At this stage, bland options such as noodles or dumpling soup may also be introduced alongside the congee. These semi-liquid meals help ease the digestive process while providing essential nutrients.

Once these foods are well tolerated, steamed or boiled vegetables—without added oil—can be included in the diet. These vegetables can be mixed with congee or served with noodles for added nutrition and fiber. Over time, as the body continues to heal, more solid foods like rice, bread, and even light meat dishes can be cautiously incorporated. Fatty foods, including those cooked with oil, should be reintroduced slowly and only after confirming tolerance to simpler meals.

It's crucial that the dietary progression remains gradual throughout the recovery process. Eating too much at once or introducing multiple new foods simultaneously can increase the risk of relapse. Patients should also remain attentive to any signs of intolerance, such as abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea. If any of these symptoms arise, eating should be paused immediately, and medical evaluation is recommended to rule out a recurrence of pancreatitis or other gastrointestinal issues before resuming dietary advancement.