Sauerkraut is a product that is obtained from ordinary cabbage as a result of exposure to lactic acid formed during fermentation. This method of preparation allows the product to acquire many new valuable substances for humans. But, along with this, there are a number of ailments in which the use of this dish has its own nuances. The proposed material will discuss the features of its use in pancreatitis.
Is it possible to eat sauerkraut with pancreatitis
Before answering this question, you should understand what pancreatitis is. This is an illness of the organ of the digestive system - the pancreas, which produces enzymes (organic substances) that regulate the absorption of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. With such an ailment (inflammation of the pancreas), these organic substances do not enter the duodenum, but remain in the pancreas, as a result of which it “eats” itself. The toxins formed in this way, penetrating the blood, begin to affect the whole body.
With this ailment, only certain foods are allowed that do not irritate the pancreas. And sauerkraut, due to the large amount of salt, as well as the presence of lactic acid in it, is an irritant to an unhealthy organ. Based on this, the product in its "pure" form with such an ailment is not recommended. However, there are ways to reduce the harmful effects of the product on the body of a person suffering from pancreatitis.
Did you know? German scientists, having conducted numerous studies, concluded that those people who at least 2 times a week use sauerkraut, this reduces the risk of bowel cancer.
Chemical composition
Sauer vegetable is rich in such vitamins (per 100 g):
- thiamine - 0.021 mg;
- lutein and zeaxanthin - 295 mg;
- retinol acetate - 1 mcg;
- alpha-carotene - 5 mcg;
- beta-carotene - 0.008 mg;
- riboflavin - 0.022 mg;
- pantothenic acid - 0.093 mg;
- pyridoxine - 0.13 mg;
- folic acid - 24 mcg;
- ascorbic acid - 14.7 mg;
- alpha-tocopherol - 0.14 mg;
- nicotinic acid - 0.143 mg.
Did you know? There are much more vitamins and minerals in sauerkraut than in fresh sauerkraut. In addition, pickled product is stored for much longer (up to 10 months).
Properties of sauerkraut for the human body
The impact of this acidic vegetable on the human body is very extensive. Consider its undeniable benefits and cases when its use can be harmful.
Benefit
Due to the rich composition of minerals and vitamins valuable to humans, this product has a positive effect on the human body, namely:
- For the digestive system. It optimizes its functioning, normalizes the intestinal microflora after taking medications, and promotes appetite. Normalizes acidity.
- For the nervous system. Improves resistance to stress and nervous disorders. It has a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state, has a calming effect, eliminates migraines and headaches. Positive effect on the properties of memory and brain function.
- For the cardiovascular system. Being in the product fiber, absorbing cholesterol, reduces its overall level in the body. Juice protects against atherosclerosis, ischemia and tachycardia. The walls of blood vessels are strengthened and the rhythm of the heart is normalized.
- For the immune system. Vitamin C contained in the product helps to maintain the protective properties of the body. Other vitamins save from vitamin deficiency, give strength and vitality.
- To reduce weight. Low calorie diet makes the product. In addition, it cleans of toxins, removes excess salt and liquid, so that puffiness disappears. Due to the tartronic acid contained in the product, fat breaks down quickly.
- To rejuvenate the skin and the whole body. The body is cleansed, tissue repair at the cellular level is accelerated.
- For male sexual strength. Increased sexual desire and potency, increased blood flow to the genitals. With the rational use of the product, male sex cells become more mobile, their number is growing.
- For pregnant and lactating women. The juice of the product with toxicosis prevents nausea, helps with a deficiency of vitamins, improves mood. In nursing mothers, milk becomes more fat, its amount increases.
- To relieve a hangover. Brine accelerates the breakdown of ethyl alcohol and its removal from the human body. It relieves the liver of toxins, relieves headaches and painful condition.
Did you know? Sour cabbage was first cooked in ancient China, in the third century. BC e. The sauerkraut on rice wine fed the builders of the Great Wall of China.
Harm and contraindications
Rendering considerable benefit to the human body, the product is able to harm. The main deterioration is brought by salt, with the help of which the leaven of the vegetable occurs. Her excessive consumption is accompanied by bloating, flatulence and heartburn. In addition, salt retains fluid, which leads to edema of some parts of the body.
Sauerkraut dishes should not be consumed by those who have:
- pancreatitis
- duodenal ulcer and stomach;
- arterial hypertension;
- predisposition to heartburn and increased gas formation;
- cholelithiasis;
- diabetes (if cabbage is cooked using sugar);
- increased acidity;
- exacerbation of chronic gastritis;
- renal failure.
We separately consider the negative effect of the product on people with pancreatitis:
- As a result of an ailment of the pancreas, the enzymes and pancreatic juices developed by it are extremely insufficient to absorb the coarse fiber of the vegetable. As a result, there is an excessive load on the pancreas.
- The acid formed during the ripening of the vegetable can cause the production of pancreatic juice together with the gastric juice, which can provoke a resumption of inflammation with increased acidity.
Important! People who have problems with the pancreas should consult their healthcare provider before consuming sauerkraut.
How to make sauerkraut less dangerous with pancreatitis
There are several ways to reduce the undesirable effects of a product.
To do this, it is recommended:
- even at the stage of salting the vegetable to exclude the addition of spices;
- when salting, reduce the amount of salt 3 times;
- on the eve of consumption, rinse sauerkraut with cold boiled water - this will remove from it a brine that is dangerous for the pancreas.
Next, we consider the features of the use of sauerkraut with inflammation of the pancreas:
- In the beginning, you should use stewed sauerkraut in small portions. Such processing will soften it, make it more digestible. If after this, you feel normal, you can try a little sauerkraut in its pure form.
- It is necessary to use the product with a garnish - this will minimize its irritating effect.
- It is forbidden to eat sauerkraut on an empty stomach.
- At one time you need to eat no more than 1 spoon (1 time in 7 days).
Important! If, after eating sauerkraut, there are any unpleasant sensations in the body, the product must be immediately excluded from the diet.
What can be replaced
According to nutritionists, with pancreatitis there is no strict ban on the use of cabbage.
Instead of sauerkraut, you can use this:
- Color. It has a low calorie content, tenderness of fibers and a small amount of fiber, which stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes acidity, removes toxins and toxins.
- Brussels. She has an equally rich chemical composition in the absence of an irritating effect on the digestive tract. Strengthens the immune system, has a beneficial effect on the digestive process, the work of the heart and blood vessels.
- Broccoli. Useful for the pancreas. A small amount of this mashed vegetable is added as a nutritional supplement to other dishes.
Sauerkraut is a valuable product that brings considerable benefits to the human body. However, despite this, in the presence of such an ailment as pancreatitis, the use of this vegetable should be treated with extreme caution.