Recently, pancreatitis has been in the news recently with Travid Barker’s  hospitalization, so what is it? Pancreatitis is an inflamation of the pancreas that can be extremely painful. The pancreas is located in the upper abdomen behind the stomach. The pancreas has two main functions: It makes digestive enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase) and releases them into the small intestines to break down sugars, fats and carbohydrates and it produces and releases hormones into the blood such as insulin and glycogen. It can be chronic  (ongoing) or acute (sudden). You will need medical tests to confirm this diagnosis such as an Xray, ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound, ERCP, CT, and/or MRCP. Common triggers of pancreatitis include overconsumption of alcohol, heavy high fat meals , injury of the abdomen, certain medications, infections, smoking, stress and gallstones. I am going to focus on acute pancreatitis. Signs of acute pancreatitis are: Abdominal pain radiating to the back, fever, nausea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. Mild acute pancreatitis usually goes away on its own with the appropiate care, but may need surgery if it becomes severe.  Possible complications of pancreatitis include infection, kidney failure, diabetes,  breathing issues, malnutrition and pancreatic cancer. How do you care for yourself if you have acute pancreatitis (once you have sought out medical care!):

• Go on a clear liquid diet and consume only very bland, light foods. The BRAT diet (bread, rice, applesauce, tea and toast) are perfect bland foods.
• Immedeatly stop consuming alcohol and smoking.
• Rest as much as possible-Don’t push yourself at the gym while healing.
• Talk to your doctor before taking any pain medications.

You cannot prevent pancreatitis, but reducing alcohol consumption, smoking cessation and reducing fat in the diet are helpful. There are other things you can do to reduce your risk: Stay at a healthy weight. This allows the pancreas to function better. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise and consume a lof fat diet. Both obesity and diabetes are risk factors for developing pancreatitis.

It is imperetive to seek medical care if you suspect you have pancreatitis. Once diagnosed, your RD can help with your diet and creating a program to help reduce risk of future events. This condition is not something to ignore, so pay attention to your body!

 

Recipe Summary

Active: 15 mins

Total: 15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
   
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
   
• 1 medium shallot, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
   
• 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
   
• 2 tablespoons white wine
   
• 2 tablespoons unsalted chicken stock
   
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
   
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
   
• ⅞ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
   
• 1 cup multicolored cherry tomatoes, halved
   
• 6 cups spiralized zucchini (from 2 [10.7-oz.] pkgs.)
   
• 4 tablespoons pregrated Parmesan cheese, divided
   
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
   

 

 

 

Directions

Instructions Checklist

• Step 1

  Heat butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high until butter melts, about 1 minute. Add shallot; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add wine and stock; cook, undisturbed, until liquid reduces by half, about 2 minutes. Add shrimp, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt; cook until shrimp are just cooked through, about 3 minutes, turning shrimp once halfway through cook time. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside. (Reserve shallot sauce in skillet.)

• Step 2

  Add tomatoes and remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet. Cook over medium-high, undisturbed, until tomatoes just soften, about 1 minute. Add zucchini and remaining 3/8 teaspoon salt; toss to combine. Return shrimp to skillet; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is heated through, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; add 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan and toss to combine. Divide mixture evenly among 4 bowls; sprinkle with parsley and remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups

Per Serving: 349 calories; protein 19g; carbohydrates 6g; dietary fiber 1g; sugars 3g; fat 27g; saturated fat 7g; sodium 620mg.