Pancreatitis

[Guest guest]

Bob, I talked with Dr. about this problem and she made a

suggestion you may consider.

This involves a liver-gallbladder flush. During the day drink as much

pure apple juice as you can get down. If you MUST eat make it clear

soups. That evening before retiring drink four ounces of extra virgin,

cold pressed olive oil mixed with four ounces of squeezed fresh lemon

juice, followed by a drink of ginger tea - hot or cold, and then go to

bed. This will flush the gallbladder and the liver. If there are stones

in the gallbladder, you'll probably start passing them. They can be

anywhere from microscopic to the size of a pea.

Follow this with a juice diet exclusively for four to five days -

alternating green vegetable juice one time and fruit drink the next.

Vegetables and fruit must be fresh - not frozen or canned. This will

decrease the load off of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

Let me know how you are feeling in four or five days and we will go from

there.

Ethel

> Bob Hunsaker wrote:

>

> I have a question... I have been on the antibiotic therapy for

> approximately two years during that time period I was taking 200

> milligrams of minosin every other day and a IV (900 milligrams) of

> clindmysin once a week. During this therapy I was able to obtain a

> complete remission of my disease which I have had for 17 years.

> Everything was going great until I developed pancreatitis. My

> physician informed me that it was critical that I no longer take the

> antibiotics. At the present time, I am not taking any antibiotics and

> just waiting for myself to hit the solid brick wall going 60 miles per

> hour. Now to my question. Does anyone have any suggestions?

>

> Bob Hunsaker

[Guest guest]

Dear Caseyspa:

Although I have AIH and not PSC, I thought I'd tell you that I got

pancreatitis when they tried to start me on Imuran. I've also been told that

prednisone can cause problems with the pancreas. I know that I've developed

a lot more blood sugar problems since being on the prednisone. One woman in

the group (I don't know if she's still out there) said that her pancreas was

destroyed by the prednisone.

I hope you are feeling better real soon! Take care!

Kathy (AIH)

Seattle area

[Guest guest]

What are the symptoms of pancreatitus?

J

>From: Caseyspa@...

>Reply- onelist

> onelist

>Subject: Re: [ ] Digest Number 333

>Date: Sat, 18 Sep 1999 09:48:59 EDT

>MIME-Version: 1.0

>From errors-165537-6780-shireen42 Sat Sep 18 06:49:30 1999

>Received: from [209.207.135.229] by hotmail.com (2.1) with ESMTP id

>MHotMailB9ACE3690134D82197C1D1CF87E536460; Sat Sep 18 06:49:30 1999

>Received: (qmail 19977 invoked by alias); 18 Sep 1999 13:48:51 -0000

>Received: (qmail 19958 invoked from network); 18 Sep 1999 13:48:49 -0000

>Received: from unknown (HELO imo27.mx.aol.com) (198.81.17.71) by

>pop.onelist.com with SMTP; 18 Sep 1999 13:48:49 -0000

>Received: from Caseyspa@... by imo27.mx.aol.com (mail_out_v22.4.) id

>hFOMa03463 (4255) for < onelist>; Sat, 18 Sep 1999

>09:48:59 -0400 (EDT)

>Message-ID: <ccaf9a11.2514f24b@...>

>X-Mailer: AOL 4.0 for Windows 95 sub 26

>Mailing-List: list onelist; contact

> -owneronelist

>Delivered-mailing list onelist

>Precedence: bulk

>List-Unsubscribe: <mailto: -unsubscribeONElist>

>

>From: Caseyspa@...

>

>Hi everyone,

>

>Thanks to CRBDJB@... for the info about Bacon's thoughts on herbal

>remedies. I'm a doc myself who's become less of an herbal cynic, having

>had

>to deal w/ PSC for just under a year now. I've been doing pretty well w/

>high dose URSO and silymarin until my recent setback from pancreatitis for

>which I'm currently being treated in the hospital. I've got mainly a

>pancreatitic picture and less of a cholangitic presentation, this my 2nd

>clinical manifestation of my PSC. Having had a sphincterotomy during my

>initial presentation, it seems kinda strange to have pancreatic symptoms

>much

>greater than cholangitic symptoms. Anybody out there have a similar

>experience, and if so, what was the explanation given? Has anybody heard

>talk from your docs relating autoimmune pancreatitis and PSC or has anyone

>with PSC actually had documented main pancreatitic duct strictures. I

>would

>very much appreciate any info on personal experiences as I do my own

>research

>in the literature. Thanks.

>

>Caseyspa/PSC'98

>

>>Please support the American Liver Foundation!

>

>1.) To subscribe send e-mail to -subscribeonelist

>2.) To UNsubscribe send to -unsubscribeonelist

>3.) Digest e-mail format send to -digestonelist

>4.) Normal e-mail format send to -normalonelist

[Guest guest]

> http://www.yourhealth.com/ahl/1612.html

Thanks a lot. You have contributed to my brain revival. Every

little bit helps. :?)

Debbie

[Guest guest]

What did your dr. say about it? Pancreatitis is usually a very serious

condition requiring hospitalization and IV fluids until the the

pancreas settles down a bit. I am pretty sure even mild pancreatitis can

cause severe pain, vomiting, etc... does she have any of these other

symptoms? I just went through this myself about 6 months ago, only it

was my lipase that was through the roof and I imagine amylase followed,

but it was severe pain that made me go to ER. My " attack " was pretty

mild even though my numbers were really high. I did continue to take

enzymes and still do...I don't know what the protocol would be for a

child? But I would suggest tons of liquids and limit food for at least a

couple of days if you can and see how she does on that. Sorry, probably

not much help...I hope she is not in any pain, that is not a fun thing

to have

Griffiths wrote:

> I just got back from my doctor. My daughters labs showed

> pancreatitis..Amylase was incredibly high at 196...Do I keep giving

> her enzymes?

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I was diagnosed with Pancreatitus at age 15. Had it until age 27 when I started

the enzymes my son was taking. My pancreas is no longer inflamed. Apparently my

system was out of whack, and now my pancreas no longer has to work as hard. I am

sure there are others that could explain the specifics to you, but I can tell

you as an adult I've improved on the enzymes, no longer hypo glycemic either now

that things are back in working order.

Pancreatitis

I just got back from my doctor. My daughters labs showed pancreatitis..Amylase

was incredibly high at 196...Do I keep giving her enzymes?

[Guest guest]

You had pancreatitis for 12 years!! Whew...

I have asked a pathologist friend of mine whether she thought a backed up

colon could cause these symptoms and she said most definately yes. My

daughter on ultrasound did show a very lax, non-active colon with lots of

air (yeast wondered the doctor). Her stool has looked basically like rabbit

pellets for 8 years :-(

We are trying a pancreatic support (pancreatalase-sp?)scripted by doctor and

will do a blood test followup in 3 weeks. Another nightmare in the offing.

Even with Emla my daughter goes ballistic with this procedure .

, it's good to know you came out of this okay.

Pancreatitis

>

>

> I just got back from my doctor. My daughters labs showed

pancreatitis..Amylase was incredibly high at 196...Do I keep giving her

enzymes?

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Meredith,

Doesn't the military have a health plan where you can go see an ND who will

actually sit, listen to you & spend more than 5 min.?

pancreatitis

anyone here have it, or have had it?

I've been told by my military doc that she thinks I might have it. Have been

given prevacid, and some medication she didn't tell me about that is apparently

on back order and has something to do with injections (confused look).

She told me to avoid starchy foods, sugar and very fatty foods (good thing I'm

already doing that on the Candida diet huh?)

From what I'm reading, it sounds like the cause of mine may be gallstones. Do

these get flushed out with the liver cleanses (I've still been to chicken to do

one I'll admit)

I'd love to have some feedback. The military docs are notoriously overworked,

I'm lucky to have gotten one that is not only smart, but caring too. But there

is only so much time she's got to tell me things.

My dad's doc thinks he may have it as well, but as he is a recovering

alcoholic, his is probably different from mine.

Thanks ahead of time

Meredith

[Guest guest]

HA! yeah right. If I'm lucky, I can make a same day appt if my symptoms sound

bad enough. Or I wait until my symptoms sound bad enough as only children and

active duty military here can make appt.s ahead of time. Most of the time we

don't see and ACTUAL doctor, but a physicians assistant most of the time, or a

nurse practitioner (much better than a PA) I'm lucky in that I have a doc, she

actually cares, and will give me up to 15-20 minutes sometimes. She knows if she

sees my name that it'll be longer than normal.

What happens is, if my test results indicate abnormalities, then I will be

'referred' downtown. Which is where my military doc, reccomends a certain

downtown doctor, and It's hit or miss on whether they are any good or not. Not

liking a doctor may hold up my medical care for over a month (or more depending

on how small the town is)

American Military health care is pretty awful in some respects. But then again,

it IS free. So no matter that it may take me a year in some cases to get

diagnosed with something simple like endometriosis.

And a Nauturopath is a no way. I pay for those myself, along with any herbal

meds, massage or chiropracters, or any other sort of 'alternative' medicine.

Meredith

Re: pancreatitis

Hi Meredith,

Doesn't the military have a health plan where you can go see an ND who will

actually sit, listen to you & spend more than 5 min.?

[Guest guest]

I know others may have already posted to this, but here goes...

If Free health care doesn't work, then it's not worth a penny.

Basically from the sounds of it, you are at their mercy instead of you being

respected as a human that needs help. Sounds like the doc you like tries to

give you her all, but 15 min. is really not much if you think about it.

It took you years for your body to get where it is, 15 min. isn't going to cure

it.

I know you like her b/c she's the best they have, but if you aren't getting

better, what does that tell you?

Can you not get another plan that will cover some of the alternatives?

No comment on the Military as I don't wish to insult you.

I hope you are doing better since you posted : )

Re: pancreatitis

Hi Meredith,

Doesn't the military have a health plan where you can go see an ND who will

actually sit, listen to you & spend more than 5 min.?

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

My brother-in-law had a pancreatic attack and was told by his Physician that

a diet high in carbohydrates can cause this as well as cause re-occurrences.

Shirley G.

>I do not want to make it worse by eating or doing the wrong thing.

>I know it can damage my pancreas. I don't know what caused this!

>

>Thanks,

>Kathy

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Shirley G.

Thanks for the info. I rarely eat carbs, though. I've been doing better

staying on Bee's diet the last couple of weeks. I wonder if a stomach

virus can cause it? I think it began that way a little over a week ago.

Best to you,

Kathy

Hi Kathy,

My brother-in-law had a pancreatic attack and was told by his Physician

that

a diet high in carbohydrates can cause this as well as cause

re-occurrences.

Shirley G.

>I do not want to make it worse by eating or doing the wrong thing.

>I know it can damage my pancreas. I don't know what caused this!

>

>Thanks,

>Kathy

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy

I had/have many gastric symptoms similar to pancreatitis, and have found

that I do have some functional gastric disorders, and also that diet helps

keep the symptoms minimal.

Pancreatitis can be dangerous, so you may not want to let things go too long

before checking with your doctor. If you try making changes to your diet

and the symptoms persist, then you should get some medical advice and tests.

I had a bile duct blockage when my Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction first

developed, and my gastroenterologist was very concerned my pancreatic duct

was blocked too. He gave me many " lectures " on the pancreas, and spent much

time making sure I could recognize my now-normal abdominal pain and nausea

symptoms and know what to feel if I developed pancreatitis.

Fortunately for me I've learned to avoid the foods that cause the worst of

the symptoms, so although nausea and abdominal pain is part of my digestion,

I can keep it minimal most days. Anything high carbohydrate or high fat

really causes problems for me.

I suggest you try cutting back on anything high-carb or high-fat and see if

you don't begin to feel better. If not, then check in with your doctor,

especially if you're running a fever, which often accompanies pancreatitis.

Kim M.

>I am having symptoms of mild acute pancreatitis. Some pain, much

>nausea if I eat.

[Guest guest]

I had pains in my pancreas area and other symptoms of pancreatitis for

quite a while about a year or so ago. I had originally discovered

candida as a possible problem with me after spending thousands of dollars

for the doctor to tell me there was nothing wrong with me. I was

hesitant to go back to the doctor, but I had visions of ending up like

Mikey Hauser, so I went for a checkup and again he could find nothing

wrong with me. I kept on Bee's diet and it eventually went away after a

couple months.

Do go to the doctor, as it could be serious, but if he isn't very definite

about the problem, just keep on the diet.

Zack

On Thu, 19 Jan 2006, Kim Mumbower wrote:

> Hi Kathy

>

> I had/have many gastric symptoms similar to pancreatitis, and have found

> that I do have some functional gastric disorders, and also that diet helps

> keep the symptoms minimal.

>

> Pancreatitis can be dangerous, so you may not want to let things go too long

> before checking with your doctor. If you try making changes to your diet

> and the symptoms persist, then you should get some medical advice and tests.

>

[Guest guest]

>

> I am having symptoms of mild acute pancreatitis. Some pain, much

> nausea if I eat. Bee, or anyone else who has experienced this, what

> do I do? I've been like this for two weeks. How do I turn it

> around? How and what can I eat that will help it get better (and

> eliminate the extreme nausea)? I do not want to make it worse by

> eating or doing the wrong thing. I know it can damage my pancreas. I

> don't know what caused this!

==>Hi Kathy. I apologize for not being able to respond to you sooner.

Firstly, it is important to establish whether in fact you have

pancreatitis, which is uncommon. Here's a good explanation of it:

Symptoms of poor pancreatic function

http://patients.uptodate.com/topic.asp?file=digestiv/5269

Symptoms of poor pancreatic function (pancreatic insufficiency) do not

occur until about 90 percent of pancreatic function has been lost. The

pancreas normally contributes to the digestion of different types of

food, the absorption of food breakdown products from the digestive

tract, and the metabolism of blood glucose (blood sugar). Symptoms of

poor pancreatic function may include symptoms associated with fat

malabsorption; significant fat malabsorption results in steatorrhea,

(the presence of excess fat in the stools, usually caused by disease of

the pancreas or intestine, and characterized by chronic diarrhea and

weight loss), resulting in loose, greasy, foul-smelling stools that are

difficult to flush. Symptoms of poor pancreatic function may also

include glucose intolerance (high blood glucose after consuming sugar

and carbohydrates) and diabetes. If pancreatic function is severely

affected, a person may also experience symptoms of vitamin and nutrient

deficiencies, including weight loss.

==>There are other causes of extreme nausea, which may not be caused by

pancreatitis or pancreas problems. When I had candida in the mid 1980s

extreme nausea was one of my most dramatic symptoms. In fact, during

one period of time if I ate anything that contained a combination of

too many carbs, sugar & pesticides. I was on welfare so I could only

afford regular store-bought foods (not organic). But in those days

fresh veggies were not irradiated, even though many contained too many

pesticides. If I ate any offending foods I became extremely nauseated

and upchucked them, so I had no choice about what I could eat. At that

time I could only tolerate 9 foods in the whole world (that I could

find) and was losing 3 lbs. per day. I was under a holistic M.D.'s

care and saw her every week day. There was never any concern that I

had pancreatitis. My liver ached like crazy, but my doctor kept me on

the candida program and did not try to treat the liver directly. The

pain subsided within 3 months of starting on nystatin (the antifungal

of choice in those days).

===>Since then I've learned enough so I " know " that I had high candida

growth in my stomach, which is severe in some candida sufferers. This

makes you feel like you cannot eat anything because " everything " causes

nausea. You are lucky the offending foods are not coming back up. At

least you are getting some nutrients from them. To stop losing weight

my doctor recommended buckwheat in small amounts. My mother was taking

care of me, and she is a terrific cook. She came up with a buckwheat

cake-type recipe (which I cannot find for the life of me), which I

could eat. At least it stayed down, but I did get severe nausea

anyhow. My doctor said I should withstand the nausea for the sake of

stopping my weight loss, which it did.

==>It is interesting that I could have all of butter I wanted and it

didn't come back up, along with olive oil, evening primrose oil, cod

liver oil, etc., so the problem was not caused by fats. Also none of

the supplements I was taking came back up, i.e. cal/mag, vitamin B

complex, vitamin C, Betaine HCl with pepsin, chlorella, multi-minerals,

etc.

==>Of course when you have candida there is a high possibility of you

having h. pylori bacteria in your stomach, which is the cause of

ulcers. It is caused by low stomach acid. Ulcers creates severe

nausea as well, but eating foods often makes the pain subside. That's

why I believe you have high candida overgrowth in your stomach and not

ulcers.

==>Also you can get severe nausea by not having enough digestive

enzymes in your stomach - see our Digestion Folder on how to check for

stomach acid levels, and how to take digestive enzymes. Also low acid

can create symptoms in the pancreas because pancreatic enzymes are

triggered by the stomach contents containing enough hydrochloric acid

as they are dumped into the duodenum (1st part of the small intestines).

==>Therefore I suggest the following:

1) Ensure you have enough digestive enzymes, and also drink the lemon

and ocean sea salt drink as recommended in my article, which aids

digestion and helps your body detox.

2) Ensure you are not eating any of the foods not allowed on the diet,

3) Ensure you eat plenty of meats, eggs and good fats - they are the

easiest foods for the body to digest compared to veggies. But they

must be organic.

4) Start on coconut oil right away; it is antifungal and will help

protect and increase the health of your stomach & intestines - start

with 1 teaspoon per day and gradually increase it.

5) Ensure your veggies contain a low combination of sugars, carbs &

toxins, i.e. organic or certified organic & not irradiated (zapped with

radiation) and that you do not microwave anything. Slightly steaming

them is better than overcooking, however some types of raw veggies may

cause problems.

6) Take all of the recommended supplements.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing based on these

recommendations.

The best to you, Bee

[Guest guest]

>

> Pancreatitis can be dangerous, so you may not want to let things go

too long before checking with your doctor. If you try making

changes to your diet and the symptoms persist, then you should get

some medical advice and tests.

==>Yes, pancreatitis is dangerous, but self-diagnosis may be very

incorrect about the cause of nausea and pain.

>

>> Fortunately for me I've learned to avoid the foods that cause the

worst of the symptoms, so although nausea and abdominal pain is part

of my digestion, I can keep it minimal most days. Anything high

carbohydrate or high fat really causes problems for me.

==>The absolute wrong thing to do for pancreas problems is to

eliminate " good " fats. I am posting an article on the Pancreas which

you should read.

Bee

[Guest guest]

Kim,

Thank you for your reply. I am feeling lots better today after studying

pancreatitis in my " Prescription for Nutritional Healing " book, by Balch

and Balch, and implementing some recomendations. I switched to a low fat

diet with only coconut oil as my fat and have consumed no carbs or sugar

except what is in my vegs. Also, I increased my digestive enzymes.

These changes have made a great difference. It will be a while before I

try any fats again other than coconut oil. I know it is easy to digest.

Whatever was going on is better today. Hopefully, it will stay that way!

Health to you!

Kathy

[Guest guest]

Zach,

Thanks for your reply! I, too, am reluctant to go to my MD. He can

never find anything wrong with me. I had planned to go see him today,

though, but I feel some better. I changed my diet to no fat except

coconut oil and added additional digestive enzymes yesterday. I'll stick

close to that for a few days before I add any other foods. I can't

function with constant nausea. Hopefully, I won't have to see the MD.

I think it is the candida raising its ugly head again. I was feeling

much better after being on the diet for a few months (I had leaky gut for

over a year causing severe and constant migraines), but then the holidays

hit. I didn't stick with Bee's diet, and here I am. Sick again. At

least it isn't migraines this time.

Blessings,

Kathy

[Guest guest]

Dear Kathy,

You probably wrote this before reading my reply to your post, but do

ensure you have plenty of good fats in addition to coconut oil per my

reply. It is not true that fats caused more problems as others

stated!!!

Bee

[Guest guest]

http://www.healthandage.com/html/res/com/ConsConditions/Pancreatitiscc.html Alternative Medicine Table of Contents > Conditions > Pancreatitis Pancreatitis Also Listed As: Pancreas, Inflammation of Signs and Symptoms What Causes It? Who's Most At Risk? What

to Expect at Your Provider's Office Treatment Options Treatment Plan Drug Therapies Surgical and Other Procedures Complementary and Alternative Therapies Prognosis/Possible Complications Following Up Supporting Research Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a glandular organ that produces several

enzymes to aid in the digestion of food, as well as the hormone insulin, which controls the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The pancreas is located in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach; a duct connects it to the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Pancreatic enzymes and bile produced by the liver enter the duodenum at the same location. Pancreatitis may be either acute (sudden and severe) or chronic. Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can cause bleeding and tissue death in or around the pancreas. In a single episode of acute pancreatitis, the gland usually heals without causing functional or structural changes, but in the case of recurring pancreatitis, long-term damage is common. In chronic pancreatitis, smoldering attacks result in a slow deterioration of the structure of the pancreas and loss of pancreatic function. Necrotizing pancreatitis (which involves death of pancreatic tissue) can lead to cyst-like pockets and

abscesses. Because of the location of the pancreas, inflammation spreads easily. In severe cases, fluid containing toxins and enzymes leaks from the pancreas through the lining of the abdomen. This can damage blood vessels and lead to internal bleeding, which may be life threatening. Signs and Symptoms Common signs and symptoms of pancreatitis include the following: Severe, ongoing, sharp abdominal pain, often radiating to the back Nausea and vomiting Fever Sweating Abdominal tenderness Rapid heart rate Rapid breathing What Causes It? There are several possible causes of pancreatitis: Disease of the biliary tract. The biliary tract is the system of organs and ducts (including the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts) that creates, transports, stores, and releases bile into the duodenum for digestion. The formation of stones in the biliary tract can block the main duct of the pancreas as it enters the duodenum. Heavy alcohol use over a

long period of time, which can raise protein levels in pancreatic juices. Over time, the protein can form plugs, blocking small pancreatic ducts. Alcohol also allows enzymes to pass more easily through duct walls and damage the pancreas. Biliary tract stones and alcoholism are the most common causes of pancreatitis. The drugs azathioprine, sulfonamides, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), and tetracyclines Infection with mumps, hepatitis virus, rubella, Epstein-Barr virus (the cause of mononucleosis), and cytomegalovirus Abnormalities in the structure of the pancreas or the pancreatic or bile ducts, including pancreatic cancer High levels of triglycerides (fats) in the blood Surgery to the abdomen, heart, or lungs that temporarily cuts off blood supply to the pancreas, damaging tissue Injury resulting in compression of the pancreas against the spine Who's Most At Risk? These conditions or characteristics increase the risk for pancreatitis: Biliary tract disease Binge alcohol use and chronic alcoholism Recent surgery Family history of high triglycerides Age (most common between ages 35 and 64) African-Americans are at higher risk than Caucasians and Native Americans. What to Expect at Your Provider's Office Your healthcare provider will examine you for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. He or she may also perform blood tests, take X rays, and use ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and other procedures to determine the severity of your condition and decide which treatment options are most appropriate. Treatment Options Treatment Plan Mild edematous pancreatitis (marked by buildup of fluid in the pancreas) can usually be treated with intravenous fluids and by fasting, along with careful monitoring by the healthcare provider. Nasogastric suction (suction of the stomach using a tube inserted through the nose) reduces stomach secretions and prevents stomach contents from reaching the small intestine. This procedure is sometimes used although there is no proven benefit. Parenteral nutrition (nutrients given through the veins, muscles, or skin rather than orally) may be needed if the patient does not adequately recover within several days. For those with low blood pressure, low urine output, low levels of

oxygen in the blood, or increased levels of red blood cells, more aggressive therapy may be required. For pancreatitis from high triglycerides, treatment includes weight loss, exercise, fat-restricted diet, control of blood sugar for diabetics, and avoidance of alcohol and medications that can raise triglycerides, such as thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers. Drug Therapies Painkillers such as meperidine may be prescribed. Antibiotics, such as ampicillin, ceftriaxone, and imipenem, may be given to treat or prevent

infection in some cases. Surgical and Other Procedures Different types of surgical procedures may be necessary, depending on the cause of the pancreatitis. With infected pancreatic necrosis (tissue death), surgery is virtually always required to remove damaged and infected tissue. Surgery may also be required to drain an abscess. For hemorrhagic (bleeding) pancreatitis, surgery will stop the bleeding and help restore pancreatic function. For chronic pancreatitis with pain that won't respond to treatment, a

section of the pancreas may need to be removed. If the pancreatitis is a result of gallstones, a procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be necessary. In ERCP, a specialist inserts a tube-like instrument through the mouth and down into the duodenum where he or she can gain access to the pancreatic and biliary ducts. Complementary and Alternative Therapies A number of studies have explored the role of oxidative stress in pancreatitis. Oxidative stress results from the

production of free radicals, which are by-products of metabolism that are harmful to cells in the body. Several ways to neutralize these deleterious effects have evolved over time. Antioxidants, for example, help rid the body of free radicals. Insufficient antioxidant levels in the blood (including reduced amounts of vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids), though, may lead to chronic pancreatitis due to the destructive effects of increased free radical activity. Antioxidant deficiency and the risk of developing pancreatitis may be particularly relevant in areas of the world with low soil concentrations or low dietary intake of antioxidants. In addition, the cooking and processing of foods may destroy antioxidants. Alcohol-induced pancreatitis is linked to low levels of antioxidants as well. There is also some evidence that antioxidant supplements may eliminate or minimize oxidative stress and help alleviate pain from chronic pancreatitis. Nutrition As explained, low levels of antioxidants in the blood may make an individual more prone to develop pancreatitis; at the same time, someone who already has pancreatitis is more likely to develop deficiencies of the following nutrients: Magnesium – particularly in the case of chronic alcoholism Methionine Selenium Vitamin A Vitamin C Vitamin E Some studies do suggest that taking these nutrients mentioned, particularly the latter five each of which has antioxidant

properties, can reduce the pain from which people with pancreatitis suffer and recover more readily from the condition. Other potentially valuable supplements to take include: Vitamin B12; levels may be low with pancreatitis; works best in this case if given by injection. Soybeans; extracts of soybeans known as polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholines (PCs) work as antioxidants and have demonstrated prevention of damage to the pancreas in animal studies. Herbs Emblica officinalis

(Indian gooseberry) is a traditional Ayurvedic medicinal plant used to treat pancreatic disorders. It is the richest natural source of vitamin C. Animal studies further suggest that this herb can be used to prevent development of pancreatitis. Individual case reports suggest that traditional Chinese medicines are effective for the prevention and treatment of pancreatitis including the following which are also used commonly as both Western and Ayurvedic treatments of gastrointestinal disorders: Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), Peony root(Paeonia officinalis) Cinnamon Chinese bark (Cinnamomum verum) Animal studies further suggest the value of using these herbs in combination along with the following herbs: Bupleurum (Bupleri falcatum L) Pinelliae tuber (Pinelliae ternata) Chinese skullcap (Scutellariae baicalensis) Jujube (Zizyphi jujuba) To determine the regimen for each individual, it is best to see a skilled herbalist or licensed and certified practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, particularly because these herbs often work best in combination. Acupuncture The value of acupuncture for treating pancreatitis is controversial. There are case reports stating that

acupuncture has helped relieve pain from pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. But a review of several studies finds that results of acupuncture and electroacupuncture (small electrical currents applied through acupuncture needles) for pancreatitis are mixed with some concluding that there is no benefit with the addition of either of these modalities for people with pancreatitis. Prognosis/Possible Complications Possible complications of pancreatitis include infection of the pancreas; cyst-like pockets that can

become infected, bleed, or rupture; the failure of several organs (heart, kidney, lungs) and shock due to toxins in the blood; and diabetes. In mild edematous pancreatitis, with inflammation in the pancreas alone, the prognosis is excellent. Fewer than 5% of people with this form die. With severe tissue death and bleeding, or where inflammation is not confined to the pancreas, the death rate is 10 to 50% or higher, due to infection and other serious complications. In chronic pancreatitis, recurring attacks tend to become more severe. Following Up Patients with chronic pancreatitis should eat a low-fat diet, abstain from alcohol, and avoid abdominal trauma to prevent acute attacks and further damage. Those with high triglyceride levels should lose weight, exercise, and avoid medications, such as thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers, that increase triglyceride levels. Given the recent reports suggesting that oxidative stress may contribute to the development of pancreatitis and that antioxidant supplementation may be of some benefit, healthcare providers may begin recommending antioxidant nutrients to their patients with pancreatitis.

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

On Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:17:21 -0500, <mmerainbow@...> wrote:> Does anyone have experience using LDN for chronic pancreatitis?>BeverlyI have experience using LDN in treating a cat with chronic pancreatitis. It worked spectacularly well.He was quite ill, constant vomiting, weight loss, etc. We thought he was on his last legs. Now he's fine. No symptoms at all (and has been for some months now).I assume it will also help people with the same problem.n ______________________________A funny, touching gift book for cat lovers. Signed copies, free shipping (U.S., reduced elsewhere): Confessions of a Cataholic: My Life With the 10 Cats Who Caused My Addiction by n Van Til www.wordpowerpublishing.com