Can Food Sensitivities Cause a Pancreatic Flare?
Pancreatitis flare ups are often a concerning time for pet owners. With so many associated triggers, tailoring the individual dog’s routine to their needs is very important. One of the triggers we see a lot here at My Pet Nutritionist, is food sensitivities. Read on to learn more about how food sensitivities can be linked to pancreatic flares. A bit about the pancreas The pancreas is a very important organ in the body; it is part of the digestive, and endocrine systems. It’s role in the digestive system is to produce digestive enzymes to aid the breakdown of foods, with fat and protein being the main targets. Within the endocrine system, the pancreas produces insulin; a hormone which controls blood sugar levels. The pancreas is located in the abdominal region, on the right hand side, near the stomach, and above the intestines. The pancreatic duct attaches the pancreas to the small intestine, and transports the digestive juices made by the pancreas, into the small intestine, to be able to begin breaking food down. Before reaching the intestine, however, another duct from the gallbladder joins the pancreatic duct, and transports bile to the intestine. Findings Here When the pancreas becomes inflamed it releases the digestive enzymes it produces too early, which can result in the body starting to digest the pancreas itself, as well as the abdominal cavity; this is a pancreatic flare. Acute pancreatitis happens suddenly whether it is a mild flare, or a severe flare which hospitalises the pet. Chronic pancreatitis on the other hand, tends to happen for longer periods of time, and intermittently – symptoms are generally milder, but more constant than acute pancreatitis cases. Dogs with enzyme deficiencies, nutritional imbalances or intolerances, or other endocrine conditions tend to get chronic pancreatitis as opposed to acute pancreatitis. Dogs suffering with chronic pancreatitis are often found to be deficient in Vitamins C and E, as well as selenium. The main health condition associated with pancreatic flares, is Pancreatitis. Symptoms of a pancreatic flare are as follows: Vomiting Diarrhoea, sometimes bloody Fever/high temperature Increased heartrate Dehydration Digestive difficulties Abdominal pain (the ‘downward dog’ position, are hunched over back are classic signs of this) Low appetite Pressures on the pancreas For those suffering with pancreatic flares, or pancreatitis in general, it is extremely important to recognise, and understand the triggers of a flare. Let’s discuss the major trigger of a pancreatic flare. Fats More specifically, excess fats, and the wrong type of fats! Fat reduction in the diet is one of the most common things we hear pet owners panic about when their dog has pancreatitis, or a pancreatic flare. While excess fats can be very hard on the already inflamed pancreas, some fats such as fish oils and olive oils have been shown to block cellular mechanisms involved in the development of acute pancreatitis. Massively restricting fat may not be completely necessary long term for pancreatitis patients, but short term during a flare, may be worth reducing. We tend to advise 15% dry matter fat content in the diet of a pancreatitis patient, which is around 5% crude fat. In non-severe cases, the fat content can be gradually increased. Feeding a high fat diet, where the dog is unable to fully digest the fat consumed, can put pressure on the pancreas due to high blood fat content. More digestive enzymes are required for digestion of excessive fats, which causes the pancreas to overwork in order to produce those enzymes. Overworking an organ causes inflammation, which leads to health problems associated with that organ; in this case, a pancreatic flare. Carbs A less well known approach among dog owners, carbohydrates should be kept to a minimum in all dogs, but especially in those with pancreatitis. There is a huge link between high-carbohydrate diets, and an increase in excess blood fat. This is why it is important to steer away from dry food/kibble based diets – these are high in carbs, and the high carb content leads to high blood fat content, which as just discussed causes the pancreas to overwork. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here High carbohydrate dry food diets also lack suitable amounts of vitamin E, due to it being an unstable vitamin, and the long shelf life of dry foods causes the vitamin E content to diminish by around 30% just 6 months from manufacture. As previously mentioned, those with chronic pancreatitis tend to be deficient in vitamin E already, so feeding a high carb, processed diet low in suitable vitamin E may not be a great idea. Vitamin E plays an important role in the removal of excess fat from the body. Less Vitamin E = More excess fat = Pressure on the Pancreas Findings Here Food Sensitivities As the main topic of this blog; food sensitivities can put huge pressure on the pancreas, linking them with pancreatic flares. It is incredibly important to work on your dog’s food intolerances so many reasons, pancreatic pressure being one of them. More on this subject later. Genetic Predisposition As with many health complaints, genetic predispositions are very much a problem with pancreatic flares. Whereas all breeds can suffer with pancreatitis, some breeds are more prone than others, purely down to their breed, and genetics. These breeds include: Miniature Schnauzers Miniature Poodles (and crosses of!) Cocker Spaniels Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Boxers Collies To find out more about pancreatitis, and how dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and correct supplementation can help, have a read of our Natural Guide to Pancreatitis! How do food sensitivities affect the pancreas? So, how do food sensitivities affect the pancreas, resulting in pancreatic flares? Food sensitivities are largely down to gut health, and immune modulation. If you are a regular reader of our blogs, you will notice us mention Leaky Gut a lot as well as inflammation. 70-80% of the immune system lays in the gut, so gut health is always paramount! Leaky Gut As per the condition’s name, leaky gut sufferers