Pnacreatic Cancer - Diet for people with pancreatic cancer

	Asked by leens (Male ) on Tue 15, Apr 2008 06:49pm for $9.00:
	Hi doctor, What kind of diet is advisable for people with pancreatic cancer? Would meat be a good option? What about fresh raw fruits and vegetable
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	Answer by Dr Paul S, MD (oncologist) on Wed 16, Apr 2008 05:19am: Hi there! Our pancreas is responsible for secreting enzymes that digest the food we eat. Aside from this secretory function, the pancreas also houses the cells that produce the blood sugar regulating enzyme called insulin. Patients with pancreatic cancer (or any other diseases that affects the pancreas) will have difficulty digesting fatty and oily foods. This is because the pancreas is supposed to secrete lipase (enzyme for digesting fat) and a chemical that should trigger the gallbladder to release bile (which is also essential in fat digestion). This fat indigestion would manifest as mucoid diarrhea. Since you may also have trouble controlling your blood sugar, small frequent feedings may help (contrary to three big meals a day). Eating this way would avoid spikes in blood sugars. To some extent, a patient would require exogenous insulin injections. I suggest you moderate your fat intake, just enough that you don't develop diarrhea. Fresh vegetables and fruits are good, however, if you take in also too much fibers from these, this can develop or worsen diarrhea. Lean meat is also acceptable provided you trim off the fat. Meat should be chewed well since the pancreatic enzymes that degrade proteins may also be insufficient. You can also ask your physician regarding oral enzymes that can be taken before each meal to aid you in your digestive processes. Finally, listen to your body, it will tell you if you are having too much of something. Hope this helps. Good day and God Bless. Thank you for using our service.  If you are satisfied with the answer or if you want a detailed answer for your question, please make a donation and request for further clarifications.  Our oncologists will provide an elaborate answer for your clarification.   Please make a donation by clicking the button below. You may donate using funds from your PayPal account or Credit Card. Please rate my answer (select the stars below, no need to log in.)
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	Follow up: Clarification / Comment by leens on Wed 16, Apr 2008 08:26pm: Thank you for your reply. She is now in the hospital having some tests. In the meantime, we wanted to give her fresh vegetable juice. Do you think it is okay for her to have that? I also have been advised that tomatoes are best to eat when they are cooked as they give out good enzymes. Please advise. Clarification / Comment by Dr Paul S, MD on Wed 16, Apr 2008 11:25pm: Vegetable juice is OK, as well as the cooked tomatoes. For a more details on food preparation and proper diet, you may want to ask your doctor about a formal consult with a dietician. Good luck with the treatment and hoping for a quick and uneventful recovery. Regards...
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