Is it possible to eat onions with pancreatitis or not?

It's hard to imagine a daily diet without onions. Onions, green onions and leeks are consumed on their own and used as ingredients in various dishes. The vegetable contains essential oils and vitamins used to treat and prevent a number of diseases.

But onions are not always useful. People who have problems with the digestive system should exercise special caution: in some cases, eating onions can cause serious complications.

From the article you will find out whether it is possible to eat onions with pancreatitis, how they are useful and harmful for the pancreas.

Chemical composition

100 g of onions contains:

• calories - 40 kcal;
• fat - 0.1 g;
• sodium - 4 mg;
• potassium - 146 mg;
• carbohydrates - 9 g;
• fiber - 1.7 g;
• sugar - 4.2 g;
• proteins - 1.1 g;
• vitamin E - 0.2 mg;
• ascorbic acid - 7.4 mg;
• vitamin B6 - 0.1 mg;
• calcium - 23 mg;
• iron - 0.2 mg;
• magnesium - 10 mg.

Onions are rich in vitamins and volatile sulfur-containing substances. This vegetable also contains a high concentration of vitamin C. It strengthens the immune system and is indispensable in the treatment of colds.

The bulbs contain phytoncides, known for their bactericidal effect, sugars, organic acids and minerals.

Important! Scientists have discovered the flavonoid quercetin in onions. This substance accelerates the breakdown of fats, slows down the growth and division of cancer cells.

100 g of green onions contains:

• calories - 32 kcal;
• fat - 0.2 g;
• fatty acids - 1 g;
• carbohydrates - 7 g;
• fiber - 2.6 g;
• sugars - 2.3 g;
• proteins - 1.8 g;
• vitamin A - 333 mcg;
• ascorbic acid - 18.8 mg;
• vitamin B6 - 0.1 mg;
• calcium - 72 mg;
• iron - 1.5 mg;
• magnesium - 20 mg.

Green onions are rich in fiber, which improves digestion and has a beneficial effect on intestinal motility. Green feathers contain phytoncides. These substances have an aseptic and antibacterial effect, so it is recommended to use green onions during colds.

Feathers also contain vitamins C, E and K, which are involved in strengthening the immune system, accelerating hair growth and improving skin condition.

Important! The most valuable is the white onion and about 10 cm of green feather closer to it. This is where most of the nutrients are concentrated.

100 g of leek contains:

• calories - 61 kcal;
• fat - 0.3 g;
• fatty acids - 0.2 g;
• sodium - 20 mg;
• potassium - 180 mg;
• carbohydrates - 14 g;
• fiber - 1.8 g;
• sugar - 3.9 g;
• proteins - 1.5 g;
• vitamin A - 333 mcg;
• ascorbic acid - 12 mg;
• vitamin B6 - 0.2 mg;
• calcium - 59 mg;
• iron - 2.1 mg;
• magnesium - 28 mg.

Leek is rich in potassium salts. These substances act as a diuretic. Onions also normalize the functioning of the liver and gall bladder, improve appetite, and prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Gastroenterologists recommend leeks to people suffering from atherosclerosis, metabolic disorders, rheumatism, gout or fatigue.

Useful properties of onions

Thanks to the abundance of vitamins, as well as macro- and microelements, onions have a beneficial effect on the entire body:

1. Its use has a beneficial effect on the digestive system.
2. This vegetable has fat-burning properties, helps the body better digest carbohydrates, thereby improving metabolism.
3. Stimulates the production of insulin, digestive enzymes, improves the permeability of the channels through which they enter the stomach.
4. It has diuretic properties and removes excess fluid.
5. Both onions and green onions contain a complex of substances that increase the level of the body’s natural defenses and provide the necessary amount of vitamins, macro- and microelements.
6. In the absence of contraindications, the vegetable is consumed to prevent colds.
7. The fiber in onions stimulates intestinal motility.
8. The vegetable improves the secretion of the glands of the digestive tract.
9. It has antifungal and antimicrobial effects and is considered a natural antibiotic due to the phytoncides in its composition.

The effect of onions on the pancreas during pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Like all diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the disease imposes serious restrictions on the diet. Patients must strictly follow the diet prescribed by the doctor to avoid deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract.

To create a safe menu, it is necessary to determine the form of the disease. Pancreatitis can be chronic or acute. It is this factor that is key when prescribing a diet.

Acute phase

Many people are interested in whether it is possible or not to eat if you have pancreatitis. onion, green and leek. Use during an exacerbation period is strictly prohibited. The reason is the high content of essential oils. They enhance the work of the pancreas, as a result of which the organ abundantly secretes secretions that corrode its own tissues.

Fiber stimulates peristalsis, and increased digestion also increases the load on the pancreas. This leads to worsening of the inflammatory process.

Chronic phase

When the exacerbation of pancreatitis subsides, a period of remission begins. It happens:

1. Unstable - symptoms of the disease are present, albeit in a weakened form. Onion consumption is limited. This is an unstable condition when there is a high risk of exacerbation of inflammatory processes.
2. Persistent - signs completely disappear. During this period, the menu is significantly expanded. Onions are allowed to be consumed when the disease enters the chronic stage. During this period, the patient must adhere to a diet called “Table No. 5.”

In case of chronic pancreatitis, it is allowed to eat onions, but in moderation. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the pancreas. If it has atrophied and stopped secreting enzymes, the product is excluded from the diet. Sometimes the vegetable provokes a re-exacerbation of the disease. Then you need to give it up.

Eating onions for pancreatitis

In case of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, the products that the patient consumes must undergo heat treatment. But not all methods are suitable for pancreatitis.

Doctors impose an unequivocal ban on fried onions: when preparing them, a large amount of oil is used, which is extremely harmful in inflammatory processes. Also, in the crust that forms on the dish, harmful substances accumulate - carcinogens, which provoke an exacerbation of the disease.

Baking is offered as an alternative to frying. The process does not require the use of oil in such quantities and allows you to preserve more nutrients.

Boiled onions are allowed to be eaten after the onset of remission. It is prepared as an independent dish, added to soups, sauces or gravies. Heat treatment significantly reduces the amount of essential oils in vegetables. Thanks to this, its harmful effect on the pancreas is reduced.

When asked whether it is possible to eat stewed onions with pancreatitis, gastroenterologists answer in the affirmative. In case of unstable remission, it is recommended to add it to stews, soups, meat and fish dishes.

Important! Before adding onions to your menu, be sure to consult your doctor. Only a specialist, based on the patient’s condition, will accurately determine whether it is safe to use and correctly calculate the permissible daily dose.

Start with small portions: no more than half an onion or 2-3 green feathers. At the same time, carefully monitor your health, and if it worsens, stop using it.

Green or onions can be used as an ingredient in the preparation of stews, meat dishes, purees or casseroles.

During stable remission, combine onions with other types of vegetables. If there are no signs of the disease for a long time, it can even be consumed raw.

Onion recipes

Onions can be baked in the oven. For this you will need:

• 5-6 medium onions;
• 5 tbsp. l. olive oil;
• salt to taste.

Cooking process:

1. The bulbs are cut in half and placed in a baking dish.
2. After this, sprinkle them with olive oil, add a little salt and mix.
3. Bake in the oven at 200°C until golden brown.

Leeks do not have a pronounced sharp taste and strong smell, like onions or green onions, so many people prefer to eat them.This product is most popular in stewed form.

To prepare stewed leek you need:

• leek - 2 pcs.;
• garlic - 3 cloves;
• onions - 1 pc.;
• tomato paste - 200 g;
• salt - to taste;
• olive oil - 1-2 tbsp. l.

Cooking process:

1. Finely chop the onion or grind it using a blender.
2. Place it in a greased frying pan or saucepan, mix with tomato paste and simmer for several minutes.
3. Cut the leek into rings about 1 cm thick and chop the garlic.
4. Add garlic and leek to the pan, add salt and stir.
5. Simmer the mixture for about 20 minutes with the lid closed.

This dish is served with boiled rice, meat or fish. Do not forget that spicy foods are prohibited for pancreatitis, so you cannot add pepper or similar seasonings.

Important! For pancreatitis, any fried foods are prohibited, and onions are no exception. Therefore, it cannot be fried, even if it is an auxiliary component of a dish, such as a soup or side dish.

Onions are such a versatile product that they even make jam from them. To do this, you only need the onions themselves and sugar. For 1 kg of vegetable you need to use 2 tbsp. Sahara.

The process of making jam is extremely simple:

1. Finely chop the onion, sprinkle with sugar and mix.
2. After this, cook on the stove or bake in the oven until it turns brown.

Harm and contraindications

Onions are a healthy vegetable, but unfortunately, people with pancreatitis are not always allowed to eat them.

A number of its components greatly aggravate the course of the disease:

1. Essential oils. These aggressive compounds irritate the mucous membrane and stimulate the production of pancreatic juice.As a result, the pancreas suffers from the action of its own enzymes.
2. Polysaccharides and complex carbohydrates. These substances are involved in the formation of fiber, the content of which in onions ranges from 1.7 to 2.6 g per 100 g. To digest fiber, the intestines are forced to work hard. Against the background of pancreatitis, this will provoke diarrhea, bloating and colic.
3. Ascorbic, malic and citric acids. These substances are necessary for the body to function properly, but at the same time they increase the secretion of the pancreas.
4. Onion juice has a detrimental effect on the gallbladder. Its use provokes cholecystitis.

The antibacterial properties of onions are not always beneficial. By destroying harmful microbes and bacteria, the vegetable also causes damage to the intestinal microflora.

In some cases, onions are strictly contraindicated for patients with pancreatitis:

1. If the patient has an acute attack. In this case, stop eating onions immediately and consult a doctor.
2. In case of severe disturbances in the functioning of the pancreas. If the gland has atrophied and produces almost no enzymes, it is necessary to tighten the diet by excluding vegetables from it.
3. If during remission there have already been repeated exacerbations, the cause of which was onion. This happens especially often during unstable remission or if the patient has exceeded the dosage of the product authorized by the doctor.

Read also:

Is it possible to eat eggplants for pancreatitis or not?

Is it possible to eat carrots with pancreatitis and in what form?

Is it possible to eat buckwheat if you have pancreatitis?

Conclusion

Onions are a healthy vegetable that contains many vitamins and microelements. They ensure proper functioning of the body and have a beneficial effect on all systems and organs.But for people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, onions can cause serious harm. In case of chronic pancreatitis, use it with caution, and during an exacerbation, completely exclude it from the diet.