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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

Once you leave the hospital, you can take steps to continue your recovery from pancreatitis, such as:

  • Stop drinking alcohol. If you're unable to stop drinking alcohol on your own, ask your doctor for help. Your doctor may refer you to local programs to help you stop drinking.
  • Stop smoking. If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you can't quit on your own, ask your doctor for help. Medications and counseling can help you quit smoking.
  • Choose a low-fat diet. Choose a diet that emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and that limits fats.
  • Drink more water. Pancreatitis can cause dehydration, so keep a water bottle or glass of water with you during the day to help you remember to drink more water.
References
  1. Gachago C, et al. Pain management in chronic pancreatitis. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008;14:3137.
  2. Nair RJ, et al. Chronic pancreatitis. American Family Physician. 2007;16:1679.
  3. Frossard JL, et al. Acute pancreatitis. Lancet. 2008;371:143.
  4. Treiber M, et al. Genetics of pancreatitis: A guide for clinicians. Current Gastroenterology Reports. 2008;10:122.
  5. Twedell D. Acute pancreatitis. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing. 2008;39:341.
  6. Cappell MS. Acute pancreatitis: Etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and therapy. Medical Clinics of North America. 2008;92:889.
  7. Pancreatitis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/pancreatitis/. Accessed Dec. 5, 2008.
  8. Pancreatitis. American Gastroenterological Association. http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=855. Accessed Dec. 5, 2008.
  9. Sareen S, et al. Yoga: A tool for improving the quality of life in chronic pancreatitis. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2007;13:391.
  10. Bhardwaj P, et al. A randomized controlled trial of antioxidant supplementation for pain relief in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Gastroenterology. In Press. Accessed Dec. 8, 2008.

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Jan. 17, 2009

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