What Should You Eat Every Day If You Have Pancreatitis?

When dealing with acute pancreatitis, it's typically recommended to avoid both food and water during the first week of the illness. This fasting period allows the pancreas to rest and begin the healing process. However, if recovery progresses well and blood tests show that amylase and lipase levels are returning to normal, you can start introducing clear fluids like water or rice broth around the third to fifth day.

If no discomfort occurs, you can gradually transition to bland, easily digestible liquids such as rice porridge or thin gruel. At this stage, it's crucial to keep meals completely free from oil, although a small amount of salt may be added for flavor. For the first one to two weeks, the diet should mainly consist of soft, liquid-based foods to reduce strain on the digestive system.

After approximately two weeks, assuming enzyme levels have stabilized, imaging scans show improvement, and bowel movements and gas expulsion have returned to normal, patients can begin incorporating more solid foods into their meals. Suitable options include soft-cooked rice, noodles, steamed buns, and well-cooked vegetables. Vegetables should either be lightly sautéed with salt or served raw in a salad form—always avoiding any oily dressings or cooking methods.

During this recovery phase, high-fat and high-protein animal products should still be avoided to prevent putting unnecessary stress on the pancreas. Instead, mild fruits such as apples, bananas, and pears can be consumed to provide essential nutrients and support digestion.

Maintaining a low-fat, non-irritating diet is key to managing pancreatitis and supporting long-term pancreatic health.