Exploring Curcumin, Grape Seed Extract, Grapefruit Seed Extract, and Vitamin C for Chronic Pancreatitis: A Scientific Deep Dive

 

When it comes to chronic pancreatitis, inflammation and oxidative stress are key players driving ongoing damage and symptoms. This has led researchers and patients alike to explore antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplements beyond the usual pancreatic enzymes and vitamin replacements. Among the most talked-about are curcumin, grape seed extract, grapefruit seed extract, and vitamin C. But how much do these supplements actually help? Let’s break down the evidence for each.

I've known for YEARS (since 1995) that certain highly anti-inflmmatory suplements such as grape seed extract, pychnogenol (french maritime pine bark extract), turmeric (curcumin), grapefruit seed extract and vitamin C, in proper doses, quell the fire of inflammaion of the pancreas.

In 2009 Pramod Kumar Garg published his findings on the matter. It took the medical community 14 more years than it did me to discover what I already knew from my findings and personal experience. Naturally this physician used vitmins, minerals and antioxidants that become toxic at high doses. 

I use non-toxic, highly anti-inflammatory antioxidants that are usually safe for most people and ones that get results. The fact is, for those of you who only trust white coats, there is now proof that you and others who read this can actually buy inexpensive, proven supplements, that along with a proper pancreatitis diet, tailored just for you, via my method, and learn to possibly achieve relief, even a pain free life.

What I Use

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Curcumin: The Golden Anti-Inflammatory

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is widely studied for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the context of pancreatitis:

• Mechanisms: Curcumin modulates several inflammatory pathways, including suppression of NF-κB and AP-1, which are transcription factors that activate pro-inflammatory genes. It also enhances heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an enzyme with protective effects against oxidative stress (Spandidos Publications, ScienceDirect).
• Animal and cell studies: Curcumin reduces pancreatic tissue damage, inflammation, and fibrosis by inhibiting pancreatic stellate cell activation and collagen deposition, key processes in chronic pancreatitis progression (PMC, Heliyon).
• Human studies: Limited clinical data exist, but a 2005 study in tropical pancreatitis patients treated with curcumin (500 mg) plus piperine (to enhance absorption) for six weeks showed reduced oxidative stress markers (MDPI).
• Conclusion: Curcumin holds promise as an adjunct therapy to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in chronic pancreatitis. However, more robust human trials are needed to confirm efficacy and optimal dosing.

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Grape Seed Extract (GSE): A Potent Antioxidant Blend

Grape seed extract is rich in proanthocyanidins, polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties:

• Pancreatitis relevance: Studies in rats with chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic injury show that GSE reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and fat-induced pancreatic damage (PubMed, ScienceDirect).
• Mechanisms: GSE inhibits pancreatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase, enzymes involved in fat metabolism, which may reduce pancreatic fat accumulation and injury (ResearchGate).
• Human data: Clinical trials in humans are sparse, but the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects seen in animal models suggest potential benefits.
• Conclusion: GSE appears to protect pancreatic tissue by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation, making it a candidate for supportive therapy in chronic pancreatitis.

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Grapefruit Seed Extract: Emerging Evidence for Pancreatic Protection

Grapefruit seed extract (also abbreviated GSE, not to be confused with grape seed extract) contains bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant activity:

• Pancreatitis studies: Animal models of ischemia-reperfusion induced pancreatitis show that grapefruit seed extract activates antioxidative mechanisms in the pancreas, reducing tissue damage (PubMed, JPP Krakow).
• Additional effects: It may attenuate inflammation via prostaglandin and nitric oxide pathways and inhibit fat-metabolizing enzymes that could contribute to pancreatic stress (ScienceDirect, World Journal of Gastroenterology).
• Safety: While generally considered safe in moderate doses, grapefruit seed extract can interact with certain medications and should be used cautiously under medical supervision.
• Conclusion: Grapefruit seed extract shows potential protective effects in pancreatitis models, but human clinical evidence is still lacking.

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Vitamin C: A Key Antioxidant in Pancreatic Health

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant that scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are elevated in pancreatitis:

• Oxidative stress in pancreatitis: Oxidative damage is central to pancreatic cell injury in both acute and chronic pancreatitis.
• Therapeutic effects: High-dose vitamin C has been shown to reduce pancreatic necrosis, improve microcirculation, and promote anti-oxidative capacity in acute pancreatitis patients (PMC, Frontiers in Nutrition, DovePress).
• Clinical observations: Vitamin C levels tend to drop during acute pancreatitis, suggesting increased consumption or depletion during oxidative stress. Supplementation may help restore balance (MDPI).
• Combination therapy: Vitamin C combined with other antioxidants like selenium and methionine may help alleviate pain and oxidative damage in chronic pancreatitis (Pancreapedia).
• Conclusion: Vitamin C supplementation, particularly at higher doses, is promising for reducing oxidative stress and tissue damage in pancreatitis, but dosing and long-term effects need further study.

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Summary: What Do These Supplements Bring to the Table?

Supplement	Key Benefits in Pancreatitis	Evidence Level	Notes
Curcumin	Anti-inflammatory, reduces oxidative stress, fibrosis	Promising preclinical + limited clinical	Needs more human trials
Grape Seed Extract	Antioxidant, reduces inflammation and fat damage	Strong in animal studies	Sparse human data
Grapefruit Seed Extract	Antioxidant, protects pancreatic tissues, enzyme inhibition	Animal studies only	Caution with drug interactions
Vitamin C	Powerful antioxidant, reduces pancreatic necrosis	Good clinical evidence in acute pancreatitis	Potential in chronic pancreatitis, combined with other antioxidants

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Important Considerations Before Using These Supplements

• Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you have chronic pancreatitis, as some compounds can interact with medications or affect liver function.
• Supplement quality varies; choose trusted brands with third-party testing.
• Supplements should complement, not replace, standard medical treatments like pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.
• Dosage and duration matter — many benefits seen in studies use specific doses that may not be matched by over-the-counter products.

Bottom line

Curcumin, grape seed extract, grapefruit seed extract, and vitamin C all show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could help reduce pancreatic damage and symptoms in chronic pancreatitis. Most evidence comes from animal or early-phase human studies, so these supplements should be considered complementary, not primary treatments, and used under medical supervision.

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References & Further Reading

• Curcumin and Pancreatitis: PMC, MDPI, Spandidos
• Grape Seed Extract: PubMed, ScienceDirect
• Grapefruit Seed Extract: PubMed, JPP Krakow
• Vitamin C in Pancreatitis: PMC, Frontiers in Nutrition, Pancreapedia

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Will Curcumin Actually Help Quell My Pancreas Inflammation?

It was a headline that could have come from the age of snake oil and miracle tonics: “Turmeric Compound May Treat Pancreatitis.” For millions suffering from this painful, debilitating inflammation of the pancreas, hope often comes packaged in a bottle of supplements, their bright golden capsules promising healing. But behind the marketing, a deeper question lingers: does curcumin, the famed compound within turmeric, actually treat pancreatitis, or is this just another glimmer of wishful thinking in the world of alternative medicine?

The story of curcumin’s rise from a kitchen spice to a subject of medical intrigue is rooted in its ancient use. Turmeric has colored curries and rituals for centuries, but it is only recently that Western science has begun to probe the roots of its reputation. Curcumin, the active ingredient that gives turmeric its characteristic hue, is a polyphenol revered for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with studies suggesting potential benefits ranging from arthritis to cancer. But among its most tantalizing possibilities is the potential to soothe the burning inflammation of pancreatitis—a disease with few effective treatments and a notoriously difficult clinical course.

Pancreatitis, both acute and chronic, is a disease defined by pain and inflammation. The pancreas, an organ critical to digestion and blood sugar regulation, becomes its own worst enemy, digesting itself in a storm of enzymes and immune responses. Treatments are mostly supportive: patients are told to fast, given painkillers, and sometimes intravenous fluids. The lack of definitive therapies drives patients to seek alternatives, and curcumin, with its natural branding and scientific buzz, is an appealing choice.

Researchers, too, have been drawn to curcumin’s promise. In laboratory studies, curcumin has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to calm the molecular pathways that fuel inflammation. It suppresses NF-κB and AP-1, two key transcription factors that drive inflammatory cytokine production, and has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and cellular injury in animal models of pancreatitis. In studies on rats and mice, curcumin administration seemed to reduce the severity of pancreatic damage, lower levels of inflammatory markers, and improve overall outcomes, at least in the controlled environment of a laboratory Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, ScienceDirect.

Yet the leap from promising animal data to real-world human benefit is a treacherous one. The human pancreas, and the human condition, is infinitely more complex than any laboratory model. 

Curcumin, the primary bioactive compound in turmeric, has long attracted attention for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In the context of pancreatitis—a condition marked by inflammation of the pancreas—curcumin’s potential as a therapeutic agent has been explored in a range of preclinical and, more recently, clinical settings.

1. Animal Studies: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Evidence

Extensive evidence from animal models underpins curcumin’s potential efficacy for pancreatitis. In a landmark study published in the American Journal of Physiology, Gukovsky et al. examined both ethanol-induced and nonethanol-induced pancreatitis in rats. The researchers found that curcumin administration significantly reduced pancreatic inflammation and tissue damage. Mechanistically, curcumin suppressed activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1)—both central mediators of inflammation—thereby attenuating the inflammatory cascade (American Journal of Physiology).

Similarly, a study in the Indian Journal of Medical Research demonstrated that curcumin, when administered prior to the induction of acute pancreatitis in mice, led to significant reductions in pancreatic edema, serum amylase levels, and histological damage. The authors concluded that curcumin’s inhibitory effect on NF-κB activation played a fundamental role in this protective effect (Indian Journal of Medical Research).

2. Cellular and Molecular Insights

On a molecular level, curcumin’s impact is well-documented. Several studies have shown that curcumin inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in pancreatic tissues. For example, in vitro research with pancreatic acinar cells demonstrates that curcumin can directly inhibit the upregulation of inflammatory genes triggered during pancreatitis. This provides a plausible mechanistic link between curcumin intake and reduced pancreatic inflammation (Nutrients).

3. Early Human Studies and Clinical Trials

Despite strong preclinical backing, direct human evidence has been limited. Most clinical research involving curcumin and the pancreas has focused on pancreatic cancer, not classic pancreatitis. However, these studies are still relevant because both conditions share overlapping inflammatory mechanisms.

A pivotal early-phase clinical trial published in Clinical Cancer Research evaluated the tolerability and biological effects of high-dose oral curcumin in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. While the trial was not focused on pancreatitis specifically, it documented curcumin’s ability to mediate anti-inflammatory effects in human pancreatic tissue and confirmed its safety, even at high doses (Clinical Cancer Research).

A comprehensive review in The AAPS Journal summarized findings from multiple clinical trials, highlighting a small study in patients with tropical pancreatitis, where curcumin supplementation led to reduced lipid peroxidation—a marker of oxidative stress—without significant side effects. The review emphasized that curcumin is generally well-tolerated in humans, but acknowledged that robust, large-scale randomized trials for pancreatitis are lacking (The AAPS Journal and NIH PDF).

4. Recent Clinical Progress: Nano-Curcumin Trial

The most promising step forward is a recent randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in 2023, which specifically tested nano-curcumin supplementation in patients with mild to moderate acute pancreatitis. According to the authors, this was the first human trial to rigorously evaluate curcumin’s effect in pancreatitis patients. Over three months of monitoring, the trial found that nano-curcumin supplementation led to improved clinical outcomes and reduced inflammatory markers, suggesting a real benefit for patients. While the sample size was modest, the trial’s design and execution mark a significant move toward clinical validation (Phytotherapy Research, Wiley Online Library).

5. Limitations and Ongoing Challenges

Despite these promising findings, several challenges remain. The bioavailability of curcumin is notoriously low; much of what is ingested is not absorbed or utilized by the body. Advances such as nano-curcumin formulations aim to address this, but further research is needed to confirm their superior efficacy and safety. Additionally, while animal studies and small-scale human trials are encouraging, large-scale, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish curcumin as a standard therapy for pancreatitis.

6. Safety Profile

Across available studies, curcumin has shown an excellent safety profile, even at high doses. No serious adverse events have been reported in trials involving pancreatic patients, which suggests that curcumin could be a safe adjunct to conventional therapies (The AAPS Journal).

Conclusion

In summary, the proof that curcumin treats pancreatitis is robust in animal models and supported by early-phase human studies, including a recent clinical trial with nano-curcumin. The data suggest that curcumin can reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and histological damage in the pancreas. However, while curcumin is safe and well-tolerated, conclusive evidence from large, high-quality human trials is still pending. Patients should consult their physicians before starting curcumin supplementation, especially since results may vary and not all commercial products are equally effective.

Key Sources:

• American Journal of Physiology: Curcumin ameliorates experimental pancreatitis
• Indian Journal of Medical Research: Preventive action of curcumin in experimental acute pancreatitis
• Nutrients: Curcumin anticancer studies in pancreatic cancer (review of mechanistic and clinical data)
• Clinical Cancer Research: Phase II trial of curcumin in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer
• The AAPS Journal: Therapeutic roles of curcumin, with pancreatitis data
• Phytotherapy Research: Nano-curcumin supplementation in patients with acute pancreatitis

The Power of Curcumin: A Natural Ally in Managing Chronic Pancreatitis

Living with chronic pancreatitis isn't easy. The constant inflammation, the persistent pain, and the impact on daily life can be overwhelming. But there's growing evidence that a natural compound found in turmeric – curcumin – might offer some relief. Let's dive into why this golden spice derivative has caught the attention of both researchers and patients alike.

Curcumin Basics

Before we explore curcumin's benefits, let's get one thing straight: this isn't some new-age fad. Curcumin has been extensively studied for its effects on pancreatic inflammation, and the results are promising. It's the active ingredient that gives turmeric its distinctive yellow color, but more importantly, it's packed with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. And it's these powerful anti-inflammatory properties that make curcumin so essential for patients suffering with chroic pancreatitis. In fact ... 

I made it part of my pancreatitis "cocktail" years ago. Curcumin coupled with grape seed extract and vitamin C is extremely successful in extinguishing the flames of pancreas inflammation. I'm positive that my "cocktail" plus my personally developed pancreatitis diet and God's amazing grace are the reasons I have benn pain free for years.

Key Benefits for Chronic Pancreatitis Patients

1. Fighting Inflammation at Its Core

The most significant benefit of curcumin lies in its anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that curcumin can reduce markers of inflammation during pancreatic conditions, targeting the root cause of chronic pancreatitis symptoms. It works by decreasing the activity of inflammatory molecules that contribute to pancreatic damage.

2. Antioxidant Protection

When you're dealing with chronic pancreatitis, your pancreas is under constant oxidative stress. Clinical studies have demonstrated that curcumin provides antioxidant support, helping to protect pancreatic cells from further damage. This is particularly important for long-term management of the condition.

3. Pain Management Potential

One of the most debilitating aspects of chronic pancreatitis is the pain. While curcumin isn't a magic bullet, studies suggest that its anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce pain intensity in some patients. The recommended dosage typically ranges from 500 to 700 mg per day, though you should always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

4. Supporting Overall Pancreatic Health

Beyond just fighting inflammation, curcumin appears to support pancreatic health in multiple ways. Research indicates that it can help regulate various cellular pathways involved in pancreatic function and protection.

Important Considerations

While the benefits of curcumin are promising, there are some important things to keep in mind:

Bioavailability Challenges
Curcumin isn't easily absorbed by the body on its own. To improve absorption, look for supplements that include black pepper extract (piperine) or use specialized delivery systems.

Safety and Interactions
It's important to note that high doses of curcumin can have blood-thinning effects. If you're on blood thinners or have upcoming surgery, discuss curcumin supplementation with your healthcare provider.

Quality Matters
Not all curcumin supplements are created equal. Look for products from reputable manufacturers that provide standardized curcumin content and have been third-party tested.

Making Curcumin Work for You

If you're considering curcumin for chronic pancreatitis, here's how to approach it:

1. Start Low and Go Slow
   Begin with a lower dose and gradually increase it while monitoring how your body responds.

2. Choose the Right Form
   Consider using a bioavailable form of curcumin, as this can significantly impact its effectiveness.

3. Maintain Consistency
   Like many natural supplements, curcumin works best when taken regularly as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

4. Track Your Progress
   Keep a journal of your symptoms and how they change with curcumin use. This information can be valuable for both you and your healthcare provider.

The Bottom Line

While curcumin shows promising benefits for chronic pancreatitis, it's important to remember that it's not a replacement for conventional medical treatment. Instead, think of it as a potentially valuable addition to your overall management strategy. Research continues to uncover new mechanisms by which curcumin may benefit pancreatic health, but always work with your healthcare provider to develop the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.

Remember, managing chronic pancreatitis is a journey, not a sprint. While curcumin may offer significant benefits, it's just one tool in what should be a comprehensive approach to managing this challenging condition. Diet is way more important than most people, including doctors, think.

Diet, a special diet designed especially for you, my supplement "cocktail," digestive enzymes if needed, vitamins and minerals along with faith and trust in God are the KEY to healing your pancreas. Stay informed, work closely with your healthcare team, and remain patient as you explore what works best for you.

The best, top of the line curcumin

Complete list of the supplements I've used so that you can have my anti-inflammatoy "cocktail" for yourself to test and see the results. 

Curcumin: People with SOD or Gallstones Should NOT Take Curcumin

Once you read this post about SOD, Gallstones and Curcumin feel free to throw darts at me if you have Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction or gallstones and have taken curcumin because I take it and I have seen the best of results. However ...

IF you have seen good results please hold the darts but consider being cautious :-)

I was just answering some questions for a lady on my facebook page who has SOD and I remembered something that I should have told people about curcumin so ...

This realy proves that I too can be an idiot at times and that I make mistakes. So here it is:

IF you have Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction you should NOT take curcumin or use turmeric in cooking because curcumin induces bile flow and in SOD patients this could prove to be a not so good experience. I am NOT saying that taking curcumin will cause AP (acute pancreatitis) in SOD patients but it may contribute. Since it increases bile flow and since the Sphincter of Oddi is usually narrowed in SOD patients due to possible scar tissue from passing gallstones that increased flow of bile can back up and if it backs up into the pancreatic duct it can cause AP.

People who have gallstones should probably avoid turmeric and curcumin as well simply because increased bile flow could cause a stone or stones to pass and if they block the duct then AP results.

The good news is this ...

Like I have mentioned before I used grape seed extarct and vitamin C first and it worked a miracle. I found curcumin later and added it. So curcumin may not be necessary, just a good addition and natural pain reliever for those who do not have SOD or gallstones.

Again, IF you have Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction or gallstones you may want to refrain from using turmeric or curcumin for pain relief.

Pancreatic Cancer: Chronic Pancreatitis Increases Risk

Unfortunately those who suffer from long-term chronic pancreatitis also have increased risk of dying
due to pancreatic cancer. So ...

What can YOU do to lessen the risk of pancreatic cancer since you have been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis?

In order to completely understand what YOU can do to lessen your risk of pancreatic cancer you must first understand what may be the #1 initiator.

What is that initiator?

Chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is linked to cancer, strongly linked.

In fact here is new evidence that backs up what I just said: Inflammation enhances pancreatic cancer cell progression and if this article isn't enough evidence for you here's another: Link Between Inflammation and Pancreatic Cancer Discovered

When someone is diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis what does that mean?

It means that person suffers from chronic pancreas inflammation doesn't it? Of course it does because pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. That is why long-term chronic pancreatitis is an increased risk factor for pancreatic cancer. But ...

Don't take my word for it here is more evidence that chronic pancreatitis is in fact a precursor for pancreatic cancer: Inflammation and Cancer V. Chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer

Now that you probably understand your increased risk for pancreatic cancer you may be even more inclined to do what it takes to prevent your chronic pancreatitis from escalating into pancreatic cancer but how, exactly, do you do that?

You need to stop or at least control the inflammation.

That is easier said than done for most people because ...

In order to stop the inflammation you are going to need to do things that you either don't want to do or find extremely difficult such as adhering to a completely pancreas friendly diet (a true pancreatitis diet), stop drinking and/or ingesting alcohol in any form and ...

Unfortunately there are those people who suffer from chronic pancreatitis due to underlying health conditions that are beyond their control such a cystic fibrosis, hyperlipidemia, autoimmune disease, and genetic conditions (hereditary pancreatitis). These conditions make it far more difficult to eliminate the inflammation, in the case of CF it's impossible due to the necessary CF diet. In cases of chronic pancreatitis challenged by an underlying disease or condition the most you may be able to do is to control the inflammation as much as possible.

I don't have all the answers.

There are many people who suffer with underlying conditions such as cystic fibrosis that simply won't respond to a hard core pancreatitis diet, in fact, in the case of cystic fibrosis what I do personally would probably kill a cystic fibrosis patient because the diet they have to eat in order to ward off some of the symptoms and challenges of CF is definitely NOT friendly to a damaged pancreas, but, they have no choice.

CF patients are screwed.

The rest of us have a chance, hope and a light at the end of the tunnel.

In my next post I'll address what YOU can do to lessen your risk of pancreatic cancer and of course heal your pancreas as mush as possible. Until then ...

Have a pain free day!

Supplements for Pancreatitis

People ask me what supplements for pancreatitis I use to keep my pancreas happy and where to get them so I'll list them here for you. You can purchase your own wherever you choose I use this source because they deliver almost anywhere and I am lazy but they are also usually cheaper in price than everyone else too which is a nice benefit and if you purchase over $25 worth  of qualified product shipping is usually free (in the USA). Now ...

The health supplements for pancreatitis I personally use are gluten free because I am a celiac so wheat, barley, rye are not acceptable in my supplements. One is a vegetarian vcap, two are regular capsules, One is in tablet form and one is a powder formula. These are NOT in order of importance. ALL are important.

1) Curcumin puts out the fire of inflammation and so helps control pain. It is also a powerful antioxidant and it also inhibits cancer growth by actually causing cancer cells to die (according to some research). I use the Vcaps and I make sure I ingest plenty of black pepper during the day (in food) to help the absorption of the curcumin. There are those who will insist that you need to buy expensive curcumin in combo with Piperine but it seems to me that plain old black pepper works the same.

Jarrow Formulas Curcumin 95, 500mg, 120 Capsules

2) Grape Seed Extract is another very strong anti-inflammatory but it is also one of the most powerful antioxidants on earth and one of the few that will cross the blood-brain barrier. According to research grape seed extract causes cancer cells to die but more importantly grape seed extract in combination with curcumin and vitamin C help relieve nausea and pain (at least they do for me) that we all know are two rotten symptoms of pancreatitis. Over time it helps heal the pancreas, at least it did mine but instead of simply taking me at my word read this second to the last sentence in a sholar type article: "supplementation of GSPE ameliorates chronic pancreatitis in humans." The word ameliorates means "to make or become better, improve." So get some and see if it works for you too.

Grape Seed Extract +

3) Vitamin C is another antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and essential nutrient. Vitamin C can do so many things and it has done wonders for me, in combination with grape seed extract and curcumin. The three in combination are extremely powerful pancreatitis remedies. This particular formula also contains bioflavonoids and rose hips.

Now Foods, Vitamin C-500 Tabs

4) Enzymes are important simply because your pancreas produces digestive enzymes and the less your pancreas has to work the better. If your pancreas has sustained a large amount of damage it may not produce enough enzymes to digest your food and of course this makes an enzyme supplement mandatory. The enzymes I use contain pancreatin 4X which is Amylase, Lipase and Protease.

Pancreatic Enzymes

5) Vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants are important simply because with pancreatitis we can often suffer from malabsorption which simply means we do not absorb the nutrients in our food like we should. Extra vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may be very helpful in providing more energy and all-around better health. About this formula it may not be the best but if it isn't, and I have scoured the net and health stores it is very close. Most are natural vitamins/mineral from plant sources but a few are synthetic, which most of the well known multi-vitamins are and synthetic vitamins suck compared to the real thing. This formula also uses a much higher grade of B12 and B12 is important for making blood and except for one source of sea vegetation can only be gotten from animal products. That is why I use this formula. It's gluten free and of excellent quality.

Multi Vitamin/mineral

Well, there you have them. Those are the exact formulas I use every day. You may wish to use different formulas, like I said I need to use those because they are gluten free and it is difficult to find quality, gluten free supplements. I use the ones above, I can vouch they work. The "they work" part is important. However ...

IF you decide to use another product, that is perfectly cool but make sure you do not buy grape seed or curcumin or vitamin C that is coupled with mineral or vitamins. You want your THREE supplements to be as pure as possible so that they are non-toxic in large doses. In other words you want quality, stand-alone grape seed extract and stand-alone curcumin. The vitamin C w/bioflavonoids and rose hips.

Now ...

How I take the supplements.

I take one capsule each of grape seed, curcumin and vit C in the morning when I get up, usually on an empty stomach and then have my coffee and a smoke lol. The enzymes I take just before I eat sometimes with another dose (one cap each) of grape seed, curcumin and vit C and then I take my last dose of grape seed, curcumin, vit C and the vitamin/mineral/antioxidant drink at night before bed. I only use HALF the dose on the label of the powder vitamin/mineral/antioxidant formula, one rounded teaspoon instead of a tablespoon because that is all that is needed to get a good dose of nutrients However ...

When I started with the supplements years ago when I was still quite sick I took them (grape seed extract, curcumin and vit C) 4 times per day and the grape seed extract in fairly large amounts of 200 milligrams, 4 times per day. The curcumin I was using at that time came in much smaller amounts so it comprised about 400 mgs total per day for curcumin at that time. And the vitamin C was about 5,000 milligrams per day. I've taken upto 10,000 mgs per day of vitamin C with no adverse effects but some folks get stomach cramps and diarrhea with large doses of vitamin C similar to eating to much fruit or to many green apples. So start with small doses and work up to about 4,000 - 5,000 milligrams per day.

All three are non-toxic so you can take large amounts without fear of a lethal overdose however ...

When you first start out you may experience some unpleasant effects due to the fact that those powerful pancreatitis supplements are purging your body of toxic waste so it may be prudent to start off with the minimum dose of once per day and then add another dose and then another and so on until your pain and other symptoms resolve. Then stay at a fairly strong dose until your abdomen is no longer tender and your symptoms have disappeared.

I must say this - and this is important - the supplements work however they alone did NOT do it for me. It was Supplements and MY Pancreatitis Diet in combination that worked to heal my pancreas. ONE (either one) helps but will not produce healing - at least it didn't for me. It wasn't until I learned that I NEEDED BOTH to heal that my healing began.

I also drank large amounts of grapefruit juice, probably a gallon per day, starting in 1982 which was years before I found the supplements. YES, I said a gallon. If it wasn't a gallon it was damn close to it. It was grapefruit juice that first stopped my acute pancreatitis attacks. I did NOT know that until I found research several months ago that said grapefruit protected mice from acute pancreatitis. Yes, I know we are not mice but I don't think it is simply happenstance that my acute attacks resolved once I started drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice because grapefruit juice contains OPC's which are found in larger quantities in grape seed extract.

So, get yourself the supplements, take them religiously for life (they are not a cure - there is no cure), adhere to my chronic pancreatitis diet and start healing. Of course you can do what you want but so far this regimen or whatever you want to call it has bought me some really good years I may not have had otherwise. In fact, I may have already been dead by now.

Good luck and I hope you find healing!

Stopping Pancreatitis Pain Requires Elimination of Pancreas Inflammation

Stopping pancreatitis pain requires the elimination of pancreas inflammation. The root of all pancreatitis pain is inflammation and/or the destruction caused by inflammation of the pancreas and if you do not eliminate the inflammation you will continue to experience pain, maybe horrible pain.

Stopping Pancreatitis pain can be done in several ways but there is only ONE way that makes sense to me and works and that is comprised of:

Stopping Pancreas Inflammation - Step # 1

NSAID's. Anti-inflammatories such as aspirin or Ibuprofen eliminate the pancreas inflammation quickly using large enough doses. Doctors use opiates to relieve pain which makes no sense to me because they are addictive and do NOT eliminate the inflammation of the pancreas. In fact there is a connection between acute pancreatitis and the use of opiates.

Fasting. NSAID's in combination with fasting, nothing by mouth except water, for 72 - 96 hours will most likely get the job done. Nothing by mouth (no food) is extremely important in order to rest the pancreas.

Grape Seed Extract, Curcumin and Grapefruit Juice. If you have grape seed extract, curcumin and grapefruit juice (these are the ONLY things by mouth other than water) I would use while in pain. All 3 have research that specifically points to their ability to stop pancreas inflammation AND actually protect the pancreas from damage.

_________________________________

I haven't tried grapefruit juice
during an acute pancreatitis
episode. So I can NOT tell you
the results but Ibuprofen (800 mgs)
stopped my pain where demerol didn't
even phase it. Once I learned about
grape seed extract and curcumin I
added those to help eliminate the
pain and inflammation.
__________________________________

Grapefruit juice is a double edged sword if you are currently on certain medications such as cholesterol medication so check with your doctor (pharmacist is even better for this) and ask if grapefruit juice will cause any adverse side effects and/or interactions with ANY medication you are currently taking.

Then ask your doctor and also research your drugs on Google to see what does and doesn't interact, especially grapefruit juice.

I first started drinking grapefruit juice in in large quantities I believe 1981 or 1982 and my acute pancreatitis episodes stopped. I didn't connect the juice to the elimination of my acute pancreatitis but since writing this blog about my experience with pancreatitis I found research that points directly to grapefruit juice as being the reason my acute pancreatitis episodes stopped. In fact ...

Maybe that is the reason my symptoms would disappear from time to time on previous occassions during my periods of illness. I have always drank grapefruit juice or eaten grapefruit for breakfast ever since I was a kid.

But not in vast quantities as I did when I started to drink it in place of beer while shooting pool and so forth. That makes me sound like I may have been an alcoholic but that isn't the case. I liked grapefruit juice so when I started drinking it in place of the alcohol that I'd normally drink under social circumstances I began drinking it all the time actually preferring it to water and quite honestly I don't know why I drank so much of it but ...

It was almost like I was compelled to drink the stuff so you who are like me, believers in God and His Angels, can come to your own conclusion because once I started drinking vast amounts my acute pancreatitis episodes stopped and healing began. I could tell you four other stories that lead me to believe I was led to the juice, personal experiences where I could have been killed but somehow survived but maybe some other time :-).

Keeping Pancreas Inflammation Away - Step #2

A nice juicy steak or any other red meat or pork, lamb, duck or anything containing fat, grease or oil, is NOT your friend or a food you want to eat when diagnosed with pancreatitis. And of course alcohol in any form is OUT.

If you want your pancreas to heal you should become a vegan for at least 6 months but as long as it takes until the pain, all pain including any abdominal tenderness is gone. A true vegan eats only vegetables, fruits, legumes (beans, lentils) and grains. NO animal products of any kind (NO meat, No dairy and nothing that contains them). But vegans prepare food and cook with oil, you'll need to eliminate the oil in vegan recipes.

So you eat like a very strict vegan who'll die if they consume oil and you continue to swallow grape seed extract, vit c, curcumin and as long as your pharmacist and doctor say it's ok you drink copious amounts of grapefruit juice and ...

Once your pain and any symptoms have completely resolved and you've been a good, strict vegan and supplement junkie for at least 6 months you can begin to consider adding some protein to your diet such as skinless boiled or broiled chicken (turkey works too) and poached white meat fish (halibut, pollack, bass, perch, crappie). And ...

If you want to stay pain free you never touch alcohol, red meat, pork, lamb, duck, butter, margarine or any other high fat, oily, greasy food and you'll continue to swallow your supplements and so forth for the rest of your life because you aren't cured, you are simply healed for the time being and will hopefully stay that way as long as you do what it takes to stay well because ...

This is important ...

One slip (miss something on a label)
One weak moment (you drink alcohol, have a steak)
One tiny screw up (eat fried potatoes cooked by someone else that contain oil, bacon fat)

OR

You eat anything that you shouldn't it is very possible you will find yourself in an actute pancreatitis attack and then you'll need to start all over and it may be worse than before because you may have more damage or, you just may not make it through the next one.

My hope for you is a long pain free life filled with happiness.

Important Pancreatitis Blog Comment Question - My Answer

For some reason blogger is not allowing me to respond to comments. Maybe they think I am a "spammer" :-) Anyway ...

Since there seems to be a technical dificulty lately I'll answer questions by posting the answers here until the problem is resolved.

Here's a readers question:

"I was wondering how long did it take you when you first started with the pills and everything to feel good and be able to resume normal activities. I know everyone is different but just curious. Thanks!"

My response:

I wish I could give you the answer you want but the truth is that it's been so long (1981) when I started drinking grapefruit juice and ...

I wasn't expecting any miracles so I do not recall how long it was from the time I started drinking grapfruit juice until my acute pancreatitis episodes diminished and disappeared.

I simply don't know.

I just started feeling better and as I have said before I didn't even recognize the significance of drinking grapefruit juice until I started reviewing my life with Pancreatitis and found research that said the juice was most likely the beginning of my healing then ...

In 1994, when I started taking grape seed extract and in 1995 when I added curcumin (I had been taking vitamin C for quite sometime - don't recall when I started) those 3, together with my strict diet healed me further and eventually even the abdominal tenderness disappeared.

I can't recall any acute pancreatitis episodes, pain or major symptoms after they disappeared while drinking grapefruit juice and then once I started with grape seed extract and then added curcumin life just kept getting better. Except for ...

I've had a couple episodes due to "testing" to find out which, the diet or the "pills," were the significant factors and what I found out was that BOTH were extremely important.

The only other Acute Pancreatitis episode I have suffered occurred in either 2005 or 2006 (I didn't make note of the date) when I screwed up and ate pork. I didn't read the label on some "turkey sausage" and it turned out to be encased in "pork casings."

So, other than the "testing" and the "pork casings" incidents I have been pretty well and pain free for years. But ...

I am sorry to say I can NOT give you an exact time period from start date to "pain free" with either the grapefruit juice or the grape seed extract and curcumin. But here is what I do know for a fact ...

If, knowing what I now know, I had to start over and stop the acute attacks and begin healing I would do this:

1) Go completely modified vegan (which I did) and by modified vegan I mean a vegan (strict vegetarian - no animal meat or dairy) who does not cook with oil or fats.

2) Drink grapefruit juice daily until my teeth began to float.

3) Take vitamin C, grape seed extract and curcumin (at least 500mgs of each daily).

4) Ibuprofen or aspirin for bad pain when needed (this is like when an acute attack comes on and of course I do not eat when I have pain)

and ...

I would keep doing the above until I was well.

Once well (no pain, no nausea, no abdominal tenderness) I'd simply keep drinking grapefruit juice daily (not as much maybe once or twice a day) and religously take the vitamin C, grape seed extract and curcumin daily for life.

I'd then try some animal protein (fish, chicken, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, pheasant, grouse, quail, eggs, cheese, milk) to see how it was tolerated. I can eat all those things now in small or reasonable amounts.

I still do NOT tolerate oil real well so I need to watch the consumption of oil (salad dressings, bakery goodies etc). I can eat some, just a little at a time and not all the time.

So, I am not cured and neither will anyone else be cured, but, life is much better than it was during those horrible years before the acute pancreatitis attacks stopped.

I know this isn't exactly what you asked for in terms of an answer but I can't give you specific time periods because I simply don't remember - a lot of it I don't WANT to remember.

Living With Pancreatitis Pain?

Living with Pancreatitis pain is not something I wish to do nor did I want to live with pain years ago when I was very sick with Pancreatitis. It simply wasn't something I wanted so ...

In order to overcome the pain of Pancreatitis I looked at what Pancreatitis actually IS.

I know I have covered this before and I also realize that you probably know what Pancreatitis IS but what we are going to do is review because repetition is the mother of invention or in this case the teacher of truth and enlightenment.

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas.

It doesn't matter what the cause is, it is the meat of the problem we are going to address and the meat is inflammation.

Eliminate the inflammation and two things happen.

1) The pain subsides.

2) Further damage is prevented.

The pain of Pancreatitis is caused by two factors:

1) Swelling of the pancreas due to inflammation

2) The pancreas devouring itself due to backed up enzymes (this is what causes the major damage)

The swelling can be relieved, diminished and resolved by eliminating the inflammation and the digestion and/or destruction of the pancreatic tissue by pancreatic enzymes can be resolved by also eliminating the inflammation in a majority of cases however ...

Some situations will not see total resolution simply by the elimination of inflammation because there may be underlying circumstances that need to be rectified first before the inflammation can be completely resolved. For example:

1) If a gallstone is stuck in the common bile or pancreatic duct the stone obviously must be removed before the inflammation can be totally eliminated.

2) If there is some other underlying cause which blocks the flow of enzymes such as an obstruction in the pancreatic duct due to scar tissue, fibrosis (as in cystic fibrosis), a tumor, a cyst or some anomaly.

3) An autoimmune disorder which may or may not be able to be controlled.

4) A hereditary disorder such as hyperlipidemia or hypertriglyceridemia (high blood fats) very difficult to control or cystic fibrosis which has no cure and becomes progressively worse.

5) Alcoholism is a common cause of pancreatitis that of course needs to be addressed and overcome before healing can take place.

And so, unfortunately, there are certain complications that could result in the inability to permanently resolve the inflammation without removal or repair of the the underlying cause which may or may not be possible to accomplish.

Obviously, in my case, I was extremely lucky and seem to have suffered no lasting complications or damage and I certainly can not commend the medical community for this stroke of luck due to 7 ER visits and 6 other doctors with no diagnosis and certainly no resolution.

I must have had an Angel riding on my shoulder because doctor #14 told me "You are lucky to be alive" when he was able to gather all the information and facts from various tests and observations to make a difinitive diagnosis.

Once the diagnosis was achieved the healing began but the healing was not achieved quickly. In fact, it was mostly due to a lot of luck (Divine protection) in the beginning, then, research, trial and error and more luck (Divine protection).

When I look back, I have no idea how I survived. Whether you believe or not my survival had to be due to God's love and the protection of Angels sent by Him to help me live through one horrible nightmare. And why He chose to help me survive I have no idea.

Maybe it was so I could share what happened and what helped me so that you too may be able to receive help and relief from pain.

I don't know.

You figure it out.

What I do know is that for some reson I started drinking grapefruit juice.

Lots of grapefruit juice.

I was told I could no longer drink alcohol (man I miss a cold beer on a hot summer day at times) and when I started drinking grapefruit juice the Acute Pancreatitis episodes disappeared. Of course I had cut the mjority of fat from my diet at that point as well but ...

Since I have recently found where grapefruit juice seems to stop acute attacks I must conclude that it was grapefruit juice that began my healing
and ...

I can NOT take credit for discovering grapefruit juice.

It was something I was led to drink.

No research.

Nobody said "hey this will help."

I just started replacing alcohol with grapefruit juice. I'd hit the bar (all timeshare resorts have bars) after work and drink grapefruit juice with my fellow associates or while shooting pool.

People would ask me what I was drinking and I'd say "grapefruit juice" and they'd make a sour face and weird noises and ask me "How can you drink that stuff?" and I'd just tell them I liked it.

I did.

It went down easy, didn't get me drunk and I drank a ton of it.

Why did I choose grapefruit juice in 1981 when there was absolutely no research on it as far as pancreatitis was concerned?

I have only one thought on that.

You figure out what it might be.

Now, 30 years later, I find that grapefruit juice stops acute pancreatitis. And ...

Back then it did stop mine.

It did NOT totally heal me but it did stop the acute attacks and that was one big benefit. I'm almost positive it was the GFJ along with low fat diet since there is now research that points to GFJ as a major Acute Pancreatitis arrestor.

So, if you want to prevent Acute Pancreatitis try Grape Fruit Juice or better yet ...

Grape seed extract, vitamin C and curcumin because those are the 3 supplements I started taking that eliminated all pain, abdominal tenderness and stopped the Acute Pancreatitis episodes from happening and have protected and healed my pancreas.

Leave a comment and let me know you're alive!

Grapfruit Juice: Learn to LOVE Grapefruit Juice!

Grapefruit juice may be a friend you need to become close with because ...

Going back over my personal experience with Pancreatitis I have remembered something that may be important, which is I drank a LOT of grapefruit juice (research now shows it may be significant).

I honestly can not say I drank grapefruit juice because I knew it would help. In fact, just the opposite.

I drank grapefruit juice because I could no longer drink alcohol socially and I liked unsweetened grapefruit juice.

I first started drinking grapefruit juice when I became involved with the vacation timeshare industry.

Those folks were party animals.

We'd work all day and party all night but since I could not drink alcohol I drank grapefruit juice - a lot of it.

I never noticed that the drinking of the grapefruit juice had any significance because I was on meds prescribed by Dr. Langdon and had cut all fat from my diet. What I do remember is that my acute pancreatits attacks ceased. Poof and they were gone! But ...

I thought it was simply diet and meds (prescription robinul, compazine and Ibuprofen) but now ...

I am not so sure.

It may have had a lot to do with the amount of grapefruit juice I was consuming daily, my LOW fat diet and Ibuprofen.

All I know is that I was free of acute pancreatitis episodes for the whole 7 years I was in the vacation timeshare industry.

I wasn't totally well (my abdomen was still tender, I'd get nausea from time to time) but no acute panc episodes.

I had not yet found grape seed extract or curcumin and ...

My abdomen did not heal (the tenderness leave) until I found grape seed extract and curcumin.

It took quite sometime for my abdomen to heal after I started with grapeseed and curcumin, but one day, I realized, the tenderness was gone and has only been back ONE time and that was during and after the acute pancreatitis epsidoes I had when I ate the dang turkey sausage about 5 years ago. That episode lasted for about 3 weeks and I don't remember how long the tenderness and lump lasted. Yeah, I had that dang lump again after those acute attacks but it again went away and ...

I can not tell you what that lump was because I have never gone back into emergency ever since Dr. Langdon diagnosed me and gave me the Ibuprofen to relieve the pain.

I mean what was the use?

I'd been into the ER seven (7) times before and none of those people even had a damn clue!

How were they gonna help me? And ...

What I just said does NOT mean YOU should avoid the ER! Just because I have some issues doesn't mean you won't get help and YOU need to get help when you are sick with this crap.

Anyway, you might say I stumbled onto to grapefruit juice by accident because I had no idea at that time it may be beneficial but now there is research that indicates it may have been a huge contributor to my recovery.

More research on grapefruit seed extract

You can buy grapefruit seed extract if you hate grapefruit juice but if it were me I'd try grapefruit juice first, for like 90 days, use it 2, 3, even 4 times a day (for taking your grapeseed, vit C and curcumin) and just see if you notice improvement. In combination with the grape seed, vit C and curcumin it may be the extra kick some of you who are sick need to overcome this thing and start healing.

One word of caution:

Grapefruit juice, grapefruit seed extract or simply eating grapefruit is potentially hazardous when taking certain prescription drugs such a those used to lower cholesterol. There are many others too. And the combination of some can have deadly adverse effects so ...

If you are on prescription meds and wish to begin drinking grapefruit juice, call your phamacist first and go through your meds with him or her and check for any possible interactions with grapefruit juice before you start drinking it.

Leave a comment and show me you are alive!

Acute Pancreatitis: I Should Be Dead

I've had a lot of Acute Pancreatitis episodes.

David Langdon, M.D. (the ONLY doctor that was able to diagnose me) actually used drugs (2) to cause an Acute Pancreatitis attack, drew my blood every 30 minutes for over 5 hours and he said at 3 hours my enzyme levels started to spike and by the end of 5 hours they were so high I should be dead.

He asked me to tell him again how many times this had happened and I told him I had been to the ER 7 times with really bad attacks but all they ever did was to draw blood one time and once they drew blood and gave me a shot of demerol which didn't do anything but maybe take the edge off. Then ...

He did a CT scan (they were really new at the time), what may have been an early ECRP, he simply called it endoscopy (Stuck a scope down my throat to check shit out) and then we had a little chat where he told me I was going to have problems and eventually wouldn't be able to eat. He mentioned something about a Pancreatic Transplant in maybe 10 years or less and then said they weren't to successful.

He did not actually say I was gonna die but I got the picture. And I must admit I was not thinking to clearly and didn't ask nearly enough questions so I have no idea whether my pancreas was damaged or not because he did not bluntly say it was a disaster and sometimes I miss the subtle hints.

Unfortunately, just a short time after he diagnosed me, he left for Texas and a teaching position at the University. This guy was brilliant and I found out later he wrote articles that were published in the prestigious journals like NEJM and he was quite well known and revered.

When I look back at the time I was really sick I remember little things like I couldn't stand to have a woman lay her hand on my abdomen while sleeping, even though at the moment I didn't feel sick, cuz doing so hurt and would make me nauseous.

I also had this lump, you could see it, almost in the middle of my abdomen just at my rib cage. It seemed to come and go or maybe I just didn't pay close enough attention.

All I know is that after Dr. Langdon diagnosed me, put me on medication and told me to eat less fat and quit drinking alcohol I did start to feel better, for the most part, but I still had some awful Acute Pancreatitis episodes like the one I mentioned earlier in another post (the one I had while at the car dealership). I'm sure gald I didn't die in that damn bathroom.

Headlines: "Man Dies In Bathroom of Car Dealership"

That would have been something to be proud of huh?

Anyway, if you are reading my blog I just want you to know I really have been where you are, I have the T-shirt. I may not have had necrosis or cysts or internal bleeding, I know I didn't have organ failure because I am alive but I have had some horrible frickin' pain and other symptoms. I cringe everytime I think about it. And I never want to experience that shit again.

That is WHY I'm so anal about my Pancreatitis diet and supplement regimen. I'm NOT a pain junky. I used to be an adrenaline junky but was never into pain. So ...

If you are like me, hate pain, then give my Pancreatitis diet and the supplements a try. A GOOD try because it may take awhile to see real results.

And I could careless where you get the supplements. In fact, if you have a good health food store near you get them there, you can have them today or tomorrow and swallow those puppies so you start receiving benefit sooner!

And START MY Pancreatitis Diet!

What you swallow DOES make a difference!

Yeah, yeah, I know you love beer, me too.

I know you love steak and roast, me too.

I know you probably like bacon and eggs with biscuits and bacon gravy, me too!

But how do you like the pain? Do you like that too?!

How do you like the thought of death and leaving your loved ones?

I hope you listen to what I have to say - no wait I can't give medical advice so scratch what I just said. DON'T LISTEN. But ...

I didn't like the pain or thought of death so I changed, completely changed my diet and started taking the supplements vit C, grapeseed extract and curcumin. And soon I felt better.

That's what I did, you have to do what is right for you and of course what your health care provider feels is the best treatment because I am not here to dispense medical advise, treat or cure any disease and everything I say should be taken with a grain of salt for I am just a guy. I am not a doctor, hell, I didn't even go to college!

My story is for your entertainment only. And since I forgot what the hell I was really gonna write about in this post I am gonna say have a nice day!

Leave a comment, let me know you are still alive!

My Pancreatitis Diet and WHY It Is So Dang Important

I remember having acute pancreatitis (I had been diagnosed by this time) while at a small University town. I had a job selling cars at a Chevy dealership.

I had NOT told anyone when I applied that I was sick. I simply didn't think it was really anyone's business, anyway ...

The pain came on fast and intense.

I made it to the head for water to take my Ibuprofen and Compazine.

I'm about 25 - 30 minutes into the attack, sitting on the floor, against the white tiled wall, leaning forward holding on to my guts so they don't fall out and panting like a dog when this guy I worked with came in to the head and asked if I was ok.

I was barely coherent but managed to say something like:

"Does it look like it?"

He asked me if I wanted an ambulance and I said:

"No, they can't help me."

I prayed alot durng those periods of acute pancreatitis.

I had nothing else to rely on except God, my Ibuprofen and Compazine.

After an hour or so the Ibuprofen kicked in and the pain began to subside.

I told the boss I needed to go home, and he didn't even ask why (I must have looked like death warmed over).

I didn't die and in a few more hours I took another one of those horse pills (Ibuprofen).

Now I was still married to my first wife at the time. She was a damn fine cook, one of those farm gals who was good in the kitchen and she had made tamale pie for dinner the night before.

I loved her tamale pie.

As intelligent as Dr. Langdon was (remember, he was the ONLY one who could figure out my condition) he told me to limit fats and drink NO alcohol.

And that's how it was for quite sometime.

I pretty much thought the doc was right, that I may not live 10 years. In fact, I was beginning to think he was a might generous in his time frame.

I can tell you, from personal experience, that "limiting fats" doesn't work because my wife had seen me sick and she knew first hand what I was going through and tried her best to "limit fats" by making sure she didn't use any extra fat in cooking, draining fat from meat she cooked and so forth. But ...

It just didn't work.

It wasn't until I figured out that eating was NOT a good thing, or at least eating the way I was accustomed to eating, that things began to change.

I started making a list of things I knew contained fat.

Red meat, pork, lamb, duck (duck may be a distant cousin to poultry but it is way to greasy), butter, margarine, mayo, whole milk, cooking oil etc ...

My list became quite long.

I asked my wife to begin cooking with nothing except what was on a very short list I had left.

Fish, chicken, turkey, veggies, fruit, legumes, and whole grain products.

In a couple months I noticed I began feeling MUCH better. And so it went until I discovered grapeseed and curcumin.

Once I had done some research, ok, HOURS and hours of research and put everything together in regards to diet and fasting for as long as it took to FEEL hunger before I ate again after an episode of pain I was on my way to relief. Then ...

Years later when I discovered grapeseed and curcumin things really changed. And after awhile I had way more "well days" than "sick days."

I tightened up my diet (I eliminated EVERYTHING with fat - period) and started a grapeseed and curcumin regimen.

I basically became a vegan for like 6 months.

To my suprise and JOY, I became well?

After about 6 months with ZERO pain, I began to try some skinless chicken and fish.

I was still ok.

I started gaining weight and soon looked like I might live. I felt like I might too, for the firt time. In fact, for the first time, since becoming sick, I actually began making some plans for the future because ...

Maybe I actually had a future. But ...

I'm a curious idiot of sorts and sometimes have this need to know stuff that gets me in trouble so I wanted to know whether it was my diet or the grapeseed and curcumin that were making a difference. So ...

Like I have previously mentioned somewhere I did a test on myself.

I don't remember whether I dropped the diet first or the pills but either way I became ill again on just ONE. I found out that the elimination of ALL fats and meat (except chicken, turkey and fish) from my diet and the vitamin C, grapseseed and curcumin regimen were BOTH absolutely necessary IF I wanted to feel well.

ONE without the other DID NOT work for me.

If you are in pain and want it to stop you should consider TWO things:

1) A complete overhaul of your diet
2) The addition of vitamin C, grapeseed extract and curcumin to your daily ritual.

You can get quality supplements at any good health food store or you can check out the exact ones I use here: Supplements for Pancreatitis

If you have pain, your pancreas is not a happy camper.

Pay attention now ...

IF you have PAIN your PANCREAS is NOT happy!

If you have necrosis and cysts it is because your pancreas is not a happy camper.

Your pancreas is not a happy camper because in some way, whether your fault through alcohol abuse or continuing to eat HIGH FAT foods, it is telling you to "Back off."

You NEED to listen to your pancreas because ...

If you don't listen, your pancreas is simply gonna say "screw it" and destroy itself. If that doesn't kill you, then ...

You will either be facing a potential surgical removal of the pancreas (not a pretty picture), living on insulin shots and enzyme therapy or of course the very real possibilty of death due to NOT having a functioning pancreas.

Is eating high fat foods such as red meat, pork, lamb and so forth worth it?

Only you can answer that, it isn't up to me.

It is your decision.

Leave a comment and let me know you are alive!

When It Comes to Pancreatitis I am ...

Kinda "One Way." Pancreatitis can kill me and you.

I know this and you should.

I have a complete regemin I created through my own research. It stops my pancreatitis attacks in 90 minutes or less. Plus my daily regemin pretty much keeps an acute attack from happening.

I have had pancreatitis for awhile (diagnosed 32 years ago), was told maybe I had 10 years left when diagnosed and I'm still alive.

ONE major series of pancreatic attacks in 16 years of using my regemin, NO necrosis, cysts, organ failure etc ... at least not that I know of for sure and of course if I had suffered organ failure I am sure I would have known and most likely wouldn't be here writing this blog.

That one series of pancreatitis attacks, in the last 16 years, was MY fault. I didn't read the label on some turkey sausage and missed the "pork casings."

I paid for that mistake for 2 - 3 weeks.

I had 12 episodes of major pain (all knocked out within 90 minutes) but I was one sick puppy for like 3 weeks. And ...

As a fellow pancreatitis suffer you probably know what I am saying in regards to severe pain and not feeling to damn good.

Along with my pancreatitis pain regemin I also have a pancreatitis diet that I do not vary from, at least not willingly.

I have had people try to kill me in the past with their cooking but I finally got smart and put an end to that with the only solution I found that works.

Friends, family and doctors may make suggestions and I may nod my head, trying to be polite but I KNOW what works.

I've done TONS of research and simply put everything together into two simple steps.

1) Stop the pain
2) Keep it from happening again

Now that is somewhat oversimplified but it's exactly what I have done in a nutshell.

I cringe evey time I think of having another Acute Pancreatitis episode.

I know my experience with the medical community and I personally do not want to be in a position where I have to count on them for anything other than my prescription anti-emetics (nausea drugs). Because ...

After 7 ER visits with none of those boobs able to figure out what the hell was wrong I'd rather place my destiny in my own hands.

I have had much better success.

But, that's me.

And I admit those ER visits were 32 years ago and maybe things have changed but my last episode was I think in 2005 and I didn't even bother going in because of my past experiences.

I know time is of the essense and screwing around with people who, from what I've found through my own personal experience couldn't diagnose strep throat without doing a culture, isn't in my best interests.

I know what you may be thinking ...

Things have changed in 32 years.

From taking my 84 year old mother to her doctor and listening to his dumb bullshit, along with seeing her suffer with symptoms he could not get a handle on for over 20 years of treating her, I personally doubt it. However ...

MY current doctor has actually started to help me regain hope that there are a few doctors who can think on their feet and can actually get it right, but, for me, it's gonna take some more "let's see how it goes" time.

IF I truly need them, doctors, I damn well hope things have changed in the ER because past history only tells me one thing - I'm on my own. And so ...

If I seem like a "one-way" knda guy it is because I've had one person to rely on, ME, and I am the ONLY one who has been able to stop my pain and keep my ass alive since Dr. Langdon diagnosed me in 1979 and then left town to teach in Texas.

I am the ONLY one I trust because even my own mother has made me sick (unintentionally) with what she thought was ok.

So here's the truth in a nutshell ...

The ONLY two enemies we face are:

1) Alcohol
2) Fat

The enemy isn't spices, salt, sugar, nitrites or nitrates or whatever. It isn't chili peppers or cayenne that's the problem in fact cayenne is your friend. Cayenne is highly anti-inflammatory and do you recall what pancreatitis is?

Correct!

It's an inflammation of the pancreas.

ANYTHING that is anti-inflammatory is your friend and fat (except fish oil) is NOT anti-inflammatory, it is the EXACT opposite.

So here's the deal.

Unless you have cysts, necrosis or calcification and you are sick and in pain it is because of two things and quite frankly you probably have the cysts, necrosis or calicification because of these two things:

1) You drink alcohol or unknowingly consume it in some form whether via food, over the counter remedies or mouthwash

2) Your diet contains fat

Period, that's it, there are NO other reasons.

Even if your Pancreatitis is due to an autoimmune disease or high blood fats the chances are you are in pain because you are NOT doing what you should be doing.

The problem with most people lies in the fact they are not willing to do what it takes to resolve the pain.

Read that again.

The problem with most people lies in the fact they are not willing to do what it takes to resolve the pain.

Read that again.

The problem with most people lies in the fact they are not willing to do what it takes to resolve the pain.

Instead ...

They always look for a magic pill and that's why fat people (I'm sorry if I offend you) look to diet pills and meds that are harmful or can be harmful instead of consuming less calroies than they burm daily.

If you are fat it is a 99% chance you are fat because you eat to much, eat the wrong foods and don't exercise. You can't stay slim porking out on chips, dips, icecream, pizza, cake, pie, cookies, donuts, double whoppers with cheese and fries, and adding in a diet coke to make yourself feel like you've really accomplished something.

IF you try to manage your pancreatitis the way most fat people manage their weight you are in BIG trouble.

I know, I'm blunt. But ...

Beating around the bush doesn't get it done.

If you want to be molly coddled, lied too (so your feelings aren't hurt), or hand-held I'm not your guy, see your doctor or find a nutritionist, on the other hand if you want to be pain free pay attention to what I share with you.

I smoke.

I drink coffee, hell, I live on coffee and cigarettes.

And my diet.

And vitamin C, grape seed extract and curcumin.

I do NOT drink or consume alcohol in any way, shape or form and ...

My diet is EXTREMELY low in fat. And ...

I will NOT eat food prepared by others because I can NEVER be absolutely sure of what it contains and what it contains means the difference between being well or possibly dead.

Hell, I even make a mistake now and then. If you recall my last episode of acute pancreatitis was MY fault.

I didn't read a label!

I screwed up so I am not perfect but I'm the only one I trust when it comes to pancreatitis and MY life.

If you want to be pain free you need to take responsibility and control your pain. It can ONLY be accomplished by completely changing the way you eat and drink and by taking the three supplements I have told you about.

Try anything else you like.

It's your life.

I have found what works for me and ...

Since pancreatitis isn't an enigma disease, I would guess, bet even, (wouldn't stake my life on it cuz there is ALWAYS a chance of failure) it will work for you. If you have a lot of damage it may take longer than the woman or man next to you in line but to be real blunt ...

My personal opinion is that if it doesn't work for you it's because YOU didn't follow directions.

1) You consumed alcohol in some fashion
2) You ate something that YOU thought wouldn't hurt or you weren't willing to give up
3) You ate food prepared by others
4) You didn't take ALL 3 supplements (vit C, grapeseed and curcumin) or
5) You didn't take them in appropriate amounts

If you wish to differ or argue feel free.

I'm just a guy who doesn't have pancreatitis pain anymore UNLESS I personally screw up whereas you are still searching for pain relief, am I right?

Yes, I am.

I know I am right because if you were pain free and feeling fine, you wouldn't be here reading this blog post would you?

So again, feel free to disagree but if you should decide it may be worthwhile to give my regimen a try here is where you can find a complete list of the supplements I use daily to ensure I am NOT sick like you are now: Pancreatitis supplements

Leave a comment and let me know you're alive!