Chronic Pancreatitis Diet Food List: Foods to Eat and Avoid for Long-Term Relief

By Dr. Manoj Dongare Latest Blogs

Have you ever wondered why some foods instantly worsen pancreatitis symptoms while others help you feel lighter and more comfortable? For people dealing with chronic pancreatitis, diet is more than just food. It is a key part of long-term healing and symptom control.

In this blog, you will learn simple, practical steps to build a chronic pancreatitis diet that truly helps. You will clearly understand what to eat in pancreatitis and pancreatitis what food to avoid for better digestion and reduced pain. Dr. Manoj Dongare, a Chronic Pancreatitis Specialist in Pune, explains what to eat, what to avoid, and how to follow an easy pancreatitis nutrition plan every day.

In this blog, we will see…

  1. The role of diet in chronic pancreatitis
  2. Foods that help and foods to avoid
  3. A simple daily meal plan
  4. Lifestyle tips for long-term relief

Why Diet Matters in Chronic Pancreatitis?

When the pancreas is inflamed for a long time, digestion becomes difficult. Fat, spices, and heavy foods put extra pressure on the pancreas, increasing pain and discomfort. Following a proper pancreatitis diet food list helps reduce this strain, supports digestion, and controls symptoms more effectively.

A correct low-fat diet for pancreatitis helps in:

  1. Reducing inflammation
  2. Preventing flare-ups
  3. Supporting digestion
  4. Improving long-term comfort
  5. Enhancing the results of Chronic pancreatitis treatment in Pune

Food choices can make a big difference in how your pancreas feels every single day.

7 Foods to Eat: What Helps Your Pancreas?

The goal is to eat foods that are light, easy to digest, and low in fat. These foods support digestion and reduce stress on the pancreas.

Foods good for pancreatitis:

  1. Fresh fruits: papaya, apple, banana, oranges
  2. Vegetables: bottle gourd, carrots, pumpkin, spinach
  3. Whole grains: oats, brown rice, wheat roti, daliya
  4. Lean protein: boiled chicken, egg whites, fish (grilled/steamed)
  5. Healthy carbs: sweet potatoes, poha, idli, upma
  6. Low-fat dairy: toned milk, curd, paneer in moderation
  7. Hydrating drinks: coconut water, lemon water (no sugar), thin buttermilk

These options work well in a pancreatitis-friendly meal plan.
For personalised dietary guidance and advanced pancreatic care, consult an experienced Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Pune like Dr. Manoj Dongare, who offers expert management for pancreatitis and pancreatic disorders.

9 Foods and Habits to Avoid or Limit:

Some foods are known to trigger digestive stress and flare-ups.

Foods to avoid with pancreatitis:

  1. Fried foods
  2. Ghee, butter, cheese
  3. Creamy curries and gravies
  4. Red meat
  5. Bakery items
  6. Spicy and oily snacks
  7. Alcohol
  8. Sugary drinks
  9. Packaged or processed foods

Avoiding these foods is a key part of pancreatitis dietary guidelines.

Sample Daily Meal Plan & Eating Tips:

A simple pancreatitis meal plan India style diet can help improve digestion and reduce symptoms.

  • Morning (Empty Stomach): Coconut water or warm water with a few drops of lemon
  • Breakfast: Oats porridge OR poha OR idli with sambar (low oil)
  • Mid-Morning Snack:  Banana, papaya, or an apple
  • Lunch:
    •  2 wheat rotis or brown rice
    •  Mixed vegetable sabzi
    •  Moong dal / low-oil dal
    •  Curd (small portion)
  • Evening Snack: Roasted chana OR vegetable soup
  • Dinner: Khichdi OR dal-rice with steamed vegetables
  • Before Bed: Warm water or herbal tea
  • Eating Tips:
    • Eat small meals 5–6 times a day
    • Avoid long gaps between meals.
    • Drink plenty of fluids.
    • Eat slowly and chew well.
    • Keep total daily fat intake low.
      For expert guidance on pancreatic health, diet planning, and advanced treatment, consult Dr. Manoj Dongare, recognised as one of the best HPB cancer surgeon in Pune, PCMC.

Lifestyle & Long-Term Habits for Relief:

Simple habits can make your recovery smoother.

  1. Avoid alcohol completely
  2. Quit smoking
  3. Stay active with light walks.
  4. Reduce stress
  5. Sleep on time
  6. Follow regular follow-ups with Dr. Manoj Dongare.

These habits support your diet and reduce the chances of flare-ups.

Conclusion:

A proper pancreatitis nutrition plan is one of the strongest tools for long-term relief. When you choose the right foods and avoid triggers, daily discomfort reduces, and digestion becomes smoother. With guidance from a trusted expert like Dr. Manoj Dongare, you can manage chronic pancreatitis more confidently and improve your quality of life.

FAQ:

What foods should a person with chronic pancreatitis eat?

Soft, low-fat foods such as fruits, vegetables, oats, brown rice, dal, boiled chicken, fish, idli, upma, and toned milk are ideal. These support a gentle digestive process.

What foods trigger pancreatitis flare-ups?

Fried items, oily foods, red meat, bakery products, ghee, butter, alcohol, packaged snacks, and spicy foods commonly worsen symptoms.

How much fat can I have with chronic pancreatitis?

Most people should keep fat intake low — usually 40–60 grams per day, depending on individual condition. Always follow your specialist’s advice.

Is dairy allowed with pancreatitis?

Yes, but only low-fat dairy like toned milk, low-fat curd, or small amounts of paneer. High-fat dairy should be avoided.

Sample diet plan for pancreatitis recovery:

A sample plan includes:

  • Breakfast: oats or poha
  • Lunch: roti/rice, dal, vegetables
  • Snacks: fruits, roasted chana, soups
  • Dinner: khichdi or dal-rice
  • Hydration: coconut water, lemon water, buttermilk
  • This structure supports healing and prevents flare-ups.

About Dr. Manoj Dongare

Dr. Manoj Dongare is currently working at Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital and research center, Pimpri as a Senior Consultant in HPB & Liver Transplantation and Assistant Professor in Surgical Oncology. He is one of the best Liver Transplant and HPB surgeons in PCMC and Pune. He has more than 16 years of experience in the field of Liver transplants, HPB Surgeries, and surgical oncology. Dr. Manoj Dongare has completed his 3 years Surgical oncology Residency at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. He also did a 6-month fellowship in Gynecological Oncology at center Oscar Lambret, Lille, France. He then Practiced as a consultant in Surgical Oncology in Aurangabad for 5 Years. He then worked as a Fellow in HPB and Liver Transplantation at Kings College Hospital, London for a year and then spent another year at St. James Hospital, Leeds UK. He then moved to Delhi and worked as a Consultant in Liver Transplantation at Max Hospital Saket, Delhi for almost a year.

He has a Special Interest in Complex HPB Surgery, Cadaveric, and Living Donor Liver Transplantation, and Surgical Oncology. He has been actively involved in over 600 liver Transplants, 300 Pancreatic Resections (including portal vein resections, Post chemoradiation), and 400 liver resections for colorectal metastasis and HCCs, Extended hepatectomies +/- Vascular resections for cholangiocarcinomas, 2 stage hepatectomies, and ALPPS and over 2000 cancer surgeries.