Is Shrimp Bad for Pancreatitis? A Dietitian’s Guide to Managing Symptoms

Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen. This can make it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food properly As a result, people with pancreatitis need to follow a modified diet to help manage symptoms and prevent attacks But what about shrimp? Is this type of seafood okay to eat with pancreatitis or should it be avoided?

As a dietitian who works with pancreatitis patients, shrimp is one food I’m often asked about. In this article, I’ll take an in-depth look at how shrimp affects pancreatitis and provide some tips on how much and what kinds are acceptable to include in your diet.

An Overview of Pancreatitis

Before diving into shrimp let’s quickly review pancreatitis itself. The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that produces insulin and digestive enzymes to break down fats carbs, and proteins. Pancreatitis causes inflammation and swelling of the pancreas, hampering its ability to make these enzymes.

There are two main types of pancreatitis:

• Acute pancreatitis – Temporary swelling of the pancreas, often resolves within a few days with treatment
• Chronic pancreatitis – Ongoing inflammation that causes permanent damage to the pancreas

Some common causes and risk factors for pancreatitis include:

• Gallstones
• Heavy alcohol use
• High triglycerides
• Autoimmune disease
• Certain medications
• Abdominal trauma

An attack of pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Treatment focuses on resting the pancreas with IV fluids and avoiding eating temporarily. Medications can also help reduce inflammation.

How Shrimp Impacts Pancreatitis Symptoms

Now let’s discuss how eating shrimp may affect someone with pancreatitis. Here are a few key considerations:

• Fat content – Shrimp is relatively low in fat compared to other protein foods like beef or pork. The fat it does contain is mostly heart-healthy omega-3s. This makes shrimp easier to digest than high-fat meats.

• Cholesterol – Shrimp contains dietary cholesterol, with about 130mg per 3 ounce serving. High cholesterol intake can potentially worsen pancreatitis, but shrimp can be eaten in moderation.

• Allergies – Some people have seafood allergies, which could trigger pancreatitis attacks. Be aware of any existing allergies before eating shrimp.

• Triglycerides – Uncontrolled high triglycerides are associated with acute pancreatitis attacks. Shrimp does not directly raise triglycerides, but eating too much could spike blood lipids.

• Preparation method – Frying or breading shrimp adds extra fat. It’s best to opt for grilled, baked or boiled shrimp to minimize fat content.

So while not completely off limits, there are some important factors to consider regarding shrimp and pancreatitis. Portion size and cooking method are key. Next I’ll provide some more detailed diet tips.

Diet Tips for Managing Pancreatitis with Shrimp

If you want to include shrimp in your pancreatitis diet, here are some suggestions:

• Limit total intake to 4-6 medium shrimp (about 2-3 oz) per week. Spread it out over 2-3 meals rather than having a big serving at once.

• Choose peeled and deveined shrimp to further reduce fat versus shrimp with the shells on. Opt for wild caught or sustainably farmed shrimp when possible.

• Avoid breaded or fried shrimp. Instead, grill, bake, or boil shrimp. Don’t add any extra butter or oil during cooking.

• Pair shrimp with non-starchy veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or salad greens to make a balanced, low-fat meal.

• If opting for shrimp fried rice, use cauliflower rice instead of white rice to reduce carbs and calories. Load up on extra veggies too.

• Avoid cream-based shrimp dishes like fettuccine alfredo, shrimp scampi, or shrimp dip made with sour cream or mayo. The extra fat and dairy can be hard to digest.

• For appetizers, choose shrimp cocktail with sauce on the side or a small amount of grilled shrimp skewers. Limit to 2-4 pieces.

• Stop eating shrimp if you experience worsening pancreatitis symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Everyone has a different tolerance.

Following these diet tips can allow you to incorporate moderate amounts of shrimp in your pancreatitis meal plan, while keeping fat intake under control. Work closely with your doctor or dietitian to determine your own personal tolerance.

Sample Low-Fat Meals with Shrimp

To give you some inspiration for making shrimp part of a pancreatitis-friendly diet, here are a few delicious meal ideas:

1. Shrimp Tacos

• 3 corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup pico de gallo
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 4 oz grilled shrimp
• 2 Tbsp shredded low-fat cheese
• Lime wedges

Fill tortillas with shrimp, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, and a squeeze of lime.

2. Shrimp Salad

• 3 oz grilled shrimp, chilled
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 sliced avocado
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

Toss greens, tomatoes, shrimp and avocado with light dressing.

3. Shrimp & Veggie Skewers

• 8 wooden skewers
• 8 jumbo shrimp
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, cut into chunks
• 2 cups cooked brown rice

Thread shrimp and veggies onto skewers and grill until done. Serve over brown rice.

4. Shrimp Baked Ziti

• 8 oz whole wheat ziti pasta
• 1/2 cup low-fat ricotta
• 1/4 cup pasta sauce
• 1 cup steamed broccoli
• 6 medium grilled shrimp

Mix pasta with ricotta, sauce, broccoli and shrimp. Bake at 350F until hot and bubbly.

Should You Avoid Shrimp Completely with Pancreatitis?

Some people with chronic pancreatitis find it easiest to eliminate shrimp and other high-fat seafood entirely if they experience frequent symptoms. However, for those with mild or occasional pancreatitis flares, shrimp in moderation is likely fine.

Work with your healthcare provider to decide what diet modifications are right for your individual case. The key is listening to your body and avoiding any foods that seem to trigger an attack. But with care taken to limit portions and fat content, many people find they can still enjoy shrimp responsibly.

The bottom line – shrimp does not have to be completely banned from a pancreatitis diet. But it should be eaten conservatively. Grilled or baked shrimp a few times per month, served alongside veggies and whole grains, can be a safe way to get lean protein without flaring up pancreatitis symptoms.

Common Questions about Shrimp and Pancreatitis

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about eating shrimp with pancreatitis:

Can I eat shrimp scampi or coconut shrimp?

No, these dishes are too high in fat and oil. Stick to simple grilled, baked or boiled shrimp.

What about shrimp alfredo or fettuccine alfredo with shrimp?

Cream-based pasta dishes are not recommended. Try whole wheat pasta with marinara sauce and a few grilled shrimp instead.

Are shrimp tempura or shrimp katsu okay?

Battered and fried shrimp is too high in fat, so these dishes should be avoided.

Can I eat shrimp fried rice?

Limit portions to 1/2 cup and load up on extra veggies. Opt for cauliflower rice instead of white rice when possible.

Is shrimp cocktail allowed?

Yes, a few shrimp with cocktail sauce is fine as an appetizer. Just watch your portion size.

Can I eat shrimp lo mein or shrimp pad thai?

Only if made with lots of veggies and minimal oil. Ask for sauce on the side.

What about shrimp gumbo or jambalaya?

These one-pot dishes are often cooked with fatty meats and oils, so avoid them.

Can I eat shrimp and grits?

Only if made with fat-free grits or polenta and minimal butter. Keep portions small.

The key is being selective about preparation methods and limiting high-fat ingredients whenever you opt for shrimp. With some modifications, shrimp can be part of an overall healthy pancreatitis diet.

The Takeaway on Shrimp and Pancreatitis Diets

Having pancreatitis definitely requires some changes to your normal everyday diet to prevent attacks. But you don’t necessarily have to say goodbye to shrimp forever with a pancreatitis diagnosis.

By carefully monitoring your portion sizes, choosing lower fat cooking methods, and balancing it out with veggie sides, shrimp can still be enjoyed occasionally without worsening your