Introduction
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a small organ located behind the stomach. It can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. While there is no cure for pancreatitis, fasting is often suggested as a way to reduce the symptoms. In this article, we will discuss the evidence supporting the use of fasting to treat pancreatitis.
What is Fasting?
Fasting is defined as abstaining from food and/or drink for a certain period of time. It can range from a few hours to several days. Fasting has been used for centuries as a way to treat various ailments. There are three main types of fasting: intermittent, alternate-day, and water-only. Intermittent fasting involves eating only during certain periods of the day, typically between 8-12 hours. Alternate-day fasting involves alternating between days of eating and days of fasting. Water-only fasting involves only drinking water for the duration of the fast.
Does Fasting Help Pancreatitis?
There is limited scientific evidence to support the use of fasting to treat pancreatitis. One study conducted in 2017 found that intermittent fasting reduced the amount of inflammation in mice with pancreatitis. However, the study failed to show any improvement in symptoms.
Another study published in 2018 looked at the effects of alternate-day fasting on pancreatitis. The study found that the fasting group had lower levels of inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity compared to the group that did not fast. However, the study did not look at the effect of fasting on symptoms.
Conclusion
While there is some evidence to suggest that fasting may reduce inflammation in people with pancreatitis, the evidence is still very limited. Further research is needed to determine whether fasting can help reduce symptoms or improve overall outcomes for people with pancreatitis.