Can patients with pancreatitis drink tea?
Disease description:
Doctor, my husband has developed pancreatitis, and his condition has become somewhat stable now. He used to drink tea every day, and he really wants to drink it now, but he's worried it might affect his recovery. I'd like to ask whether pancreatitis patients can drink tea or not.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Gao Jun
Whether patients with pancreatitis can drink tea needs to be analyzed according to the stage of their condition. Drinking tea is not recommended during acute episodes of pancreatitis; however, moderate tea consumption may be acceptable during the recovery phase. Detailed explanations are as follows:
From the perspective of disease analysis, during the acute phase of pancreatitis, patients must strictly fast (both food and water) to allow the pancreas to rest fully. Drinking tea during this period may stimulate gastrointestinal motility and promote pancreatic secretion of digestive enzymes, thereby increasing the burden on the pancreas. Thus, tea consumption is strictly prohibited.
Once the condition improves and the patient enters the recovery phase, small amounts of weak tea may be consumed. This is because components in tea such as polyphenols have antioxidant properties that may aid recovery to some extent. However, strong tea contains high levels of caffeine and theophylline, which may stimulate the nervous system and gastric acid secretion, potentially triggering a recurrence of pancreatitis.
During the recovery period, weak green tea or weak black tea may be selected, with each serving not exceeding 200 ml. Tea should not be consumed on an empty stomach or before bedtime. In daily life, patients should follow a low-fat, bland diet, consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains rich in dietary fiber, and avoid greasy, spicy, or irritating foods. Furthermore, alcohol consumption must be strictly avoided, regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "作息" means rest and activity patterns) lifestyle habits should be maintained, overeating should be avoided, and regular follow-up tests of serum amylase and lipase levels are necessary to adjust diet and lifestyle based on recovery progress.
