Rainy Season Diet Cautions for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Recognizing the Fragility of the Pancreas 

In the case of patients with pancreatic cancer, diet is no longer simply for nutritional value; it is a matter of how they will survive and be comfortable. The pancreas is responsible for the digestion of fat. It aids the body in breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into smaller molecules of useable nutrients. The pancreas  becomes less able to function effectively if damaged from cancer or therapies that have stressed it. Therefore, certain foods and nutrients may become much more challenging to digest when the pancreas is compromised. 

The rainy season is welcomed by many, but along with the refreshing weather and atmosphere are some challenges for diabetic diets and the increased risks of food-borne infections. The rainy season gives rise to greater humidity, which slows metabolism. The potential for food contamination is greater, which can increase waterborne infections. Therefore, planning meals carefully is especially indicated when the rainy season is approaching for a patient with pancreatic cancer. 

 Important Dietary Restrictions for those with pancreatic cancer 

1. Eliminate fried and high-fat foods - Your pancreas greatly assists in the digestion of fats, since it requires enzymes to break stable fat molecules down so they can be digested.

The pancreas is often compromised in its ability to secrete the right enzymes and fat-digesting variables, i.e. bile. As a result, eating foods that are greasy, oily, or fried can lead nausea, aching stomach upset, diarrhea and bloating. These foods may include but are not limited to, fried savory foods (samosas, pakoras, chips), creamy gravies, butter, cheese and fast foods. 

Select down the preparation of your food to boiled, grilled, or steamed foods with little oil.

Cooikng tips: Use healthy oils such as olive oil or canola oil. Make sure to drain off excess oil or fat to serve once completed.   

2. Limit sugar and refined carbohydrates - The pancreas is also required for maintaining blood sugar levels. Therefore, destruction or surgical removal of the pancreas, when it is functioning improperly, the insulin levels can fluctuate and/or variable levels of blood sugars can occur. Those with pancreatic destruction due to disease or treatment will want to avoid the foods such as pastries and sweets, sweetened drinks, and white bread. Also, you may include brown rice, oats, millets, and whole grain breads into this diet. Although many fresh fruits and vegetables are acceptable, excess sweet fruits can cause sudden spikes in blood sugars. For example, you may practice eating papaya, apple, and guava, however, best to avoid mango, jackfruit, or very ripe banana during rainy season. Refrain from Consuming Red and Processed Meats

Among red meats (beef, lamb, and pork), pork has the highest saturated fat content and red meats (including processing meats!) increase inflammation. Processed meats like bacon, various sausages, and salami contain preservatives (nitrates), which can overload the pancreas and the digestive system.

Recommended alternatives: boiled lentils, tofu, chicken breast, and fish (if cooked well) before processed and red meats. 

A strict vegetarian diet can include posta (small amounts) paneer or plain dal soups, or sprouts. 

4. Avoid Raw or Semi-Cooked Foods 

This is the monsoon season, when there is an increased risk for bacterial and parasitic infections. Fresh fruits and vegetables (aka salads) and any street food such as pani puri (with spicy raw sauces), should be avoided. Unpasteurized milk also may be unsafe with a compromised immune system from treatment (such as with chemotherapy). 

Be sure to wash any fresh fruit and vegetables in boiled, filtered or bottled water. 

Use prepared foods  soups, stews, and sautéed vegetables lightly cooked, instead of raw fruits or vegetables. 

5. Minimize Alcohol and Caffeine 

Both substances can trigger irritation and enhance motivation to the pancreas, engaging inflammation and extra discomfort. 

General beverages to avoid: coffee (even with decaf), soda, energy drinks, and ALL alcoholic drinks. 

Beverage replacements could include: warm water, herbal teas (such as chamomile or ginger), and diluted fruit juices. 

 A little caffeine may be in the decaf or another version of coffee but be cautious with your decaf and limit as well as anything brewed. 

6. Avoid Gas-Inducing Foods 

Foods like cabbage, beans, and cauliflower can intensify bloating, which aggravates discomfort and can inhibit digestion. This includes carbonated beverages too.Avoid these types of foods especially during dinner time when metabolism slows down:

Change to easier to digest vegetables like bottle gourd, pumpkin, ridge gourd, and carrots. 

7. Decrease Dairy Intake:

• Many pancreatic cancer patients will temporarily develop a lactose intolerance. Milk and Dairy products can cause diarrhea, nausea, and or gas. 
• You can look to substitute full cream milk, to a lactose free or plant base (almond/oat) to decrease these side effects. 
• Look to avaoid butter, cheese, and heavy cream

8. Moderate fiber intake 

Fiber is usually healthy, but if you are trying to limit stress on the digestive system too much roughage can over excite the digestive tract.

One can aim for boiled or steamed vegetables, peeled fruits, and porridge versus a raw salad or greens with high fiber.

Additional, if you are experience a bloated feeling, often stay away from high fiber cereals, seeds, or whole lentils. 

Monsoon Specific Dietary Precautions 

• Drink only Boiled or filtered water.  as water borne disease, cholera or typhoid, are readily available during the monsoon season. Be sure to keep hydrated, but in safe amounts. 
• Avoid street/market leafy vegetables: Those vegetables often contain infected insects or bacteria during the rain season when it may be wet! 
• Do not eat leftovers that have been in the refrigerator or stored overnight: The wetness promotes bacterial forms of growth to grow during the rain. 

Cooking fresh meals daily. 

• Include immunity improving foods:  such as turmeric ginger, garlic, and black pepper, in small amounts if tolerated.
• Portion Control: Generally speaking, small frequent meals are better for the symptom of pancreatic discomfort. 

A Sample Day Plan (Rain Conscientious)

• Breakfast: Steamed idli or oats porridge with a touch of manuka honey and banana slices. 
• Mid-morning: Boiled apple or papaya and warm herbal tea. 
• Lunch: Brown rice with vegetable dal and pumpkin curry with buttermilk (if tolerated). 
• Evening Snack: Roasted chana or light soup. 
• Dinner: Soft khichdi or vegetable upma and ginger warm water. 

 Practive Tip for each day of care

• Eat at intervals every 3-4 hours to not Completely Overload the Digestive System. 
• Use enzyme due to your doctor prescribed it to help you with absorption and all digestion of food. 
• Eating in a rush combination with stress on the pancreas is recommended eating slow and chewing your food to promote comfort from stress. 
• Track your symptoms as well, if one notices your certain foods cause pain or bloating, you may want to document them for the future and work toward the elimination of that food. 
• Do Maintain stable weight, extreme weight loss or gain may indicates an inability to absorb food due to digestion issues. 

Monsoon water can be tricky for someone managing and dealing with pancreatic cancer and pain, but through mindful diet control and hygienics, one can still make it to the healthy side of this season, as well as eliminate or reduce unwanted complications at the same time. Additionally, keep in mind your pancreas needs special gentle care versus stressful food selective diet.  

If you or someone you love is managing pancreatic cancer and looking for specialized advice for nutritional recommendations and treatments, GEM Hospital provides complex care for the pancreas, with sophisticated trained gastroenterologists, and dieticians. 

Book a appointment today at GEM Hospital for diet therapy and improvement treatment recommendations for an optimal healthy outcome.