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Conventional Chronic Pancreatitis |
Allopathic
Treatments are
usually tailored specifically for
individual pain relief with
medications such as Demerol or a
surgical nerve block. Some surgery
may also be required if the
pancreatic duct is obstructed.
Alcohol abstinence is also very
effective, since halting consumption
of alcohol containing products will
prevent further irritation from
occuring. However, not all
damage to pancreatic cells is
reversible.
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Supplements for Chronic Pancreatitis |
Antioxidants
Antioxidants such as
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) have been
shown to be effective by reducing
the inflammation caused by an active
case of acute pancreatitis. Other antioxidants, such as vitamin E
and vitamin A, have been effective in
reducing chronic pancreatitis. [8]
Enzyme therapy
Enzyme therapy has
been shown to be extremely effective
in alleviating pain in 75%
of chronic
pancreatitis patients. [9] Using potent pancreatic enzymes to
treat pain has proved effective in
even the most specialized of cases. Enzyme therapy works by
increasing the levels of enzymes in
the duodenum, which in turn
decreases the secretion of enzymes
by the pancreas. Enzyme supplements
can help treat malabsorption
problems by replacing missing
enzymes. Enzyme
supplementation ultimately aids digestion
and improves weight management.
Pancreatin
Pancreatin contains
proteolytic enzymes that can assist
in the digestion of fats and carbohydrates. [10] In chronic pancreatitis, the
amount of enzymes that are
effectively manufactured is
diminished and enzymatic supplementation is
often required. Pancreatin contains the
enzymes amylase and lipase. It
is
used at various doses that are rated
against a standard established by
the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP). The
typical dose is in an X potency,
which indicates a given product is
however many x times as potent
than the government standard. Pancreatin
should be taken on an empty stomach,
between meals and shortly before
bedtime .
Lipase is produced to
help break down fat in the pancreas.
Pancreatin contains lipase in
combination with amylase and
proteases.
Vitamin B complex
B-complex vitamins,
particularly niacin and pantothenic acid, are
extremely important
in helping to digest fat and
carbohydrates. Niacin has been shown
to help prevent the development of
diabetes by enhancing insulin
sensitivity and secretion within
pancreatic cells. [11] Pantothenic acid has been shown to
help lower lipid levels, especially in
diabetics. High blood lipid
levels are often associated
with the development of chronic
pancreatitis. [12]
Calcium/magnesium
Calcium/magnesium
assists in the secretion and action of
insulin. Without these
nutrients, it is nearly impossible
to adequately control blood sugar. Magnesium
levels are often low in diabetics,
therefore it is extremely important in
regulating insulin response and
glucose tolerance. [13]
Magnesium deficiency is also very
common in alcoholics.
Grape seed extract
Grape seed extract
has been shown to be extremely
effective at reducing the frequency
and intensity of abdominal pain in
chronic pancreatitis. [14] Grape seed extract is very high in
antioxidants; substances that
protect cells from free radicals
that can harm the cell's DNA and
alter normal cell functions.
Chromium
Chromium is effective at regulating blood
glucose levels and is a key part of
the glucose tolerance factor. [15] It also helps to lower total
cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Botanical
medicines
Certain botanical
medicines such chamomile can help
decrease inflammation and promote
healing. Bitters are also
recommended to help increase
digestive function and to stimulate
the release of pancreatic enzymes.
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Treatment |
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