Dr. Sears,
Q: I recently had a trip to the ER for a mild case of acute pancreatitis of unknown origin. A little more than a year ago, I had my gallbladder removed. I only drink occasionally, and there was no inflammation of the common bile duct upon ultrasound. The doctor has suggested that a high-carbohydrate diet that is low in fat and low in protein is beneficial to the pancreas. I am obese and would like to lose weight and improve my health. Would the Zone Diet be a good diet for someone with pancreatic issues? I do take eight of your omega-3 capsules daily. Thank you.
A: Being obese, it is highly likely that you are also inflamed, hence the pancreatitis. The Zone Diet is a diet moderate in fat that is also moderate in carbohydrate so that it reduces inflammation. The Zone Diet is also a calorie-restricted diet you can follow without hunger, making it ideal for weight loss.