Grape Seed is one of those very rare natural remedies that actually does produce amazing benefits.
I personally have used this amazing extract for years and quite frankly without it I may not have been able to be alive today, writing this blog post on the benefits of grape seed.
I’m not going to post any unbelievable testimonials that may be true and then again may be as phony as a 3 dollar bill.
I’ll not tell you that extract from grapes cures everything from hangnails to prostate cancer because as far as I know the extract does nothing for hangnails. 🙂 Instead …
I am simply going to share with you what I know about GSE, throw in some scientific research to back up what I say and you can judge for yourself the credibility of the information I pass on in regards to the benefits of this miracle of nature.
The important fact to consider when trying to determine whether or not you may benefit from using the extract, made from the seeds of grapes, is to understand that grapes contain highly anti-inflammatory antioxidants called polyphenols.
These little polyphenol super heroes, theoretically speaking, due to their anti-inflammatory properties make it highly conceivable that any inflammatory condition may be improved by using liberal amounts of the extract.
WHY I Use Grape Seed Extract
I personally discovered this incredible extract made from the seeds of grapes in 1994 and …
I thought that its benefits were simply to good to be true. You know if it sounds to good to be true it probably is thing?
But I gave GSE a try because I had chronic pancreatitis along with some all to common acute pancreatitis episodes and quite frankly I was searching for some way to beat the condition.
What did I find out?
I found out the proclaimed benefits of grape seed extract are true, at least in my case, as real and true as the nose on your face.
I don’t recall exactly how long it was before I saw some real benefit but I don’t believe it was more than a few weeks.
I started feeling better, the pain began to be less frequent and the tenderness in my abdomen began to fade.
I thought these finding about grape seed and what it was doing for my pancreas was nothing short of amazing.
Why Does Grape Seed Help My Pancreatitis?
Grape seed is full of flavonoids, called OPC’s (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), and it is these flavonoids that seem to be responsible for the benefits seen by those who consume grape seed extract.
In my case and most likely yours as well the reason grape seed works for beating pancreatitis is that it eliminates inflammation and pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.
Previously I mentioned that I believe it is because of grape seed extract I am still alive and in essence that is what I believe but there are several other factors involved as well such as a particularily low fat diet and several dietary supplements, one of which is grape seed extract.
Who Discovered The Benefits Of Grape Seed?
Jacques Masquelier (aka Jack Masquelier, born in 1922 in Paris, died 24 February 2009) is the French scientist credited with the discovery of oligomeric proanthocyanidins or OPCs.
Masquelier actually discovered OPC’s in the skin of peanuts however he went on to find it in grape seed and French Maritime Pine Bark as well.
He developed an extraction process and then proceeded to trade name his product Pycnogenol. In other words nobody, neither manufacturer or seller of grape seed and/or pine bark products, can call their concoction Pycnogenol. Masquelier who is now dead as of 2009 is the only one with that right.
Masquelier promoted that his Pycnogenol could relieve symptoms of or cure almost anything, from hangnails to cancer.
Other promoters say similar things but I rely only on what I can discern from my own personal experience and the scientific research I have been able to dig up. You of course need to do your own research and make your own decision in regards to using grape seed extract.
Grape Seed Research
I have my own personal experience to draw from but you don’t know me from Paul Bunyan so …
It is important that you do your own research on grape seed extract.
I have compiled some sources here for you to begin with, a “One Stop Shop” so to speak on the benefits of grape seed extract and OPC’s.
One thing I want to point out in regards to research on grape seed extract or any supplement or drug for that matter is that …
The research is NOT iron clad proof that anything will help you, grape seed extract included.
All you can do is to try grape seed and see what happens over 30 – 60 – 90 days or longer. If it works for you, you will either FEEL the difference or medical tests (CT scans, EUS etc) may actually show improvement that can not be explained away – that would be great right?
1) “Topical application of GSPE enhances sun protection factor in human volunteers, as well as supplementation of GSPE ameliorates chronic pancreatitis in humans. These results demonstrate that GSPE provides excellent protection against oxidative stress and free radical-mediated tissue injury.”[1] – Science Direct (last two sentences of the abstract)
By the way the word ” ameliorates” is the above article quote means to make better or more tolerable.
2) “Three patients with chronic pancreatitis (two with a history of alcohol excess and one idiopathic) are reported. Treatment with narcotic analgesics and pancreatic enzyme supplements had failed to control their symptoms. The addition of a commercially available IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (commercially known as ActiVin) to their treatment regimen led to a reduction in the frequency and intensity of abdominal pain as well as resolution of vomiting in 1 patient.”[2] – PubMed
What Grape Seed Do I Use?
I use Now Foods GSE and it works well. It is gluten free. It is also free of other common allergens. The Now Foods product is a good value as well because you get two hundred (200) 100 mg caps for around $20 and each capsule contains 90% polyphenols. This means you get 90 milligrams of pure grape seed in each capsule.
Plus you also get 300 milligarms of vitamin C in each capsule which is a good thing. Vitamin C is another highly anti-inflammatory antioxidant which has been proven to help fight pancreatic cancer. This is important because chronic pancreatitis increases pancreatic cancer risk. So this GSE product by Now Foods provides a “two-for.” A good bang for the buck.
For a complete list of the supplements I use daily, including grape seed extract and some info about WHY they are necessary go here.
References:
- – ScienceDirect – Free radicals and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract: importance in human health and disease prevention – Debasis Bagchia, Manashi Bagchia, Sidney J Stohsa, Dipak K Dasb, Sidhartha D Rayc, Charles A Kuszynskid, Shantaram S Joshid, Harry G Pruesse
- – Beneficial effects of a novel IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis – Banerjee B1, Bagchi D. – 1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63106, USA. bbanerje@im.wustl.edu
Hello, please let me know how many caplets in a day would you suggest to take for Chronic Pancreatitis ( 100 Mg VCaps) at below link.
I would really appreciate your response. My father ( 75 yrs old) has Chronic Pancreatitis diagnosed 2 years ago.
Thanks
I would start with 1 or 2 caps (100mgs each) per day in divided doses and gradually work up to 6 – 8 per day. Once at 600 – 800 mgs per day I would stay at that level until all symptoms, including abdominal tenderness had completely resolved. Then I’d back down to about 400mgs per day (2 – 3 doses) to see if that would keep me feeling good.
It may take more or less depending upon damage.
The grape seed extract coupled with a proper pancreatitis diet should at least give some relief and may help him heal to the point he has no pain or symptoms but if he has been diagnosed with CP he will never be cured. It is a life long regimen of diet and supplements in order to stay symptom free and feeling decent again.
Good luck
Thank you very much for detailed response. Just wanted to check do you have any opinion on using Olive Leaf Extract for CP.
I am reading a lot on internet regarding this also.
Thanks again.
I must be frank, know absolutely nothing about Olive Leaf extract.
Is Grape seed oil same as Grape seed extract?
No grape seed oil is totally different than grape seed extract. Grape seed oil contains almost ZERO OPC’s. OPC’s are the powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation and help to relieve the pain and nausea commonly experienced by those who have pancreatitis. Great question, thanks for asking. Others probably have the same question so this was great. 🙂
Hi, I am 27 years old and have had CP since I was 19 (cause unknown). The doctors / GP’s have all treated me terribly and never really given me any help or advice, everything I have done to relieve my pain/symptoms has been through my own research. I have been clear of ANY pain now for over 2 years and I believe I have cured myself through healthy living, positive thought and good levels of anti-oxidant rich foods. Do you think this is possible? (all research suggests not) I am still worried that I may end up with Pancreatic Cancer, so I am going to invest in Grape Seed Extract, after seeing your article.
Hi Tony, I totally believe it is possible to heal from pancreatitis and live a normal life. I myself am living proof. I’m NOT cured. IF I eat food that is high in fat (beef, pork, lamb and more) I can still have problems (happened in 2006 from pork I missed on a label) but as long as I stick to my diet and take my supplements I am fine. I think you may have been healed but there is NO cure for chronic pancreatitis. That doesn’t mean you can’t heal and stop the progression. It just means what I said. No cure. I am glad you are feeling so much better but to think you have been cured may be an error. If it were me I’d definitely stay on my diet and just be happy with no pain or symptoms. The addition of grape seed extract certainly won’t hurt but it will NOT cure you of CP either.
In our country NOW grape seeds extract is not available is it same as you using please help me i too suffering from pancreatitis since 3 years iam only 19 now (india)
this indian kart (link removed).
Hi BHarath – Natrol grape seed extract should work as long as it is at least 85% polyphenols and has NO other potentially toxic vitamins or minerals in the formula. Grape seed extract combined with vitamin c is fine. Both grape seed extract and vitamin c are non-toxic in large doses.
Hi Bharath ,
I live in India too , we found grape seed on
http://www.junglee.com/Super-Ayurveda-Grapeseed-Extract-VegiCapsules/dp/B00C3DE5GC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387438942&sr=8-1&keywords=grapeseed+extract
http://www.Junglee.com
AG
Jungle.com is a Amazon.com subsidiary
Hi , My mom has been facing the chronic pancreatitis pain form last 2 years and after doing all we can the pain was still unbearable. But my friend, i started giving her Grape seed extract 500 mg , vitamin c and turmeric powder also low fat diet . And to my surprise, i am so happy to share with you that she is not having any pains from last 2 weeks i hope this continues the same way.
We are very thankful to you and god bless you.
“Namaste from India”
Hi Aakash! THAT Is awesome news! I am sorry your mom is sick with pancreatitis but I am glad to hear that she is finding that diet and supplements help. That is very cool. Thank you for sharing her success. 🙂
Hello akash did your mother feels the same even now then please let me know her diet and supplements which you are following
Hi Akash ,
Can you tell me which grape seed brand and vitamin c your mother is taking.
She was taking Now Foods Grape seed extract.
How often do you take the 100mg GSE? With every meal/snack etc? Also the vit C and turmeric at the same time? Thank you for being here.
Hi Beverly … it’s best to work up to 4x daily. That way your pancreas is continually bathed in anti-inflammatory goodness. IF you continually bathe your pancreas in anti-inflammatory supplements and eat an anti-inflammatory diet (make a journal and you can learn the proper way to determine your own diet on this site) you should heal up nicely. You may never be cured if you have damage that has scarred your pancreas but I live pain free simply by doing what I share on this site. NOTHING work 100% for ALL people but I bet around 70-80% will see relief to almost complete resolution by doing what I do. Just a guess. I’m not a doc but then they have no clue even yet in 2023 how to heal a damaged pancreas. Good luck. Any questions please ask. I also have a Facebook support group
That is great to hear! Do you take the 500 mg grape seed all at once or throughout the day to total 500 mg. Also with the vit C? How many mg. of that are you taking. Same with turmeric. I would like to know how to space these out or if I should take all at one time.
Thank you!
i have been in ICU for three weeks and a month in hospital recently and still have pain, not as severe as in the intensive care unit, but it makes me cry. I am on a light diet, and have not eaten red meat in 2 months. I have lost weight, not complaining, because I was overweight. I do not drink or smoke, have stopped that more than a year ago. My gallbladder has to be removed in the new year, as I am still recovering. my stay in the ICU was traumatic as no-one thought I was going to make it, I can not remember everything as I was on morphine and when I was awake, the pain was overwhelming. life support was next to me, but I came through. I do not know if we have the product you use, in South Africa. Will I ever be able to eat normal again? still have to see my dietician though. I am a 48 female and apparently a crystal/s from my gallbladder went to my pancreas. thanks for your helpful blog.
Hi Karin – I am sorry you have joined the pancreatitis hall of pain but I am glad to hear you survived what sounds like a severe acute pancreatitis attack with some other complications. I know this isn’t what you want to hear but I suggest you resign yourself to the fact that you most likely sustained enough damage to soon have chronic pancreatitis. I imagine you will never be able to tolerate a normal diet and I personally would be very leery of any diet a dietician may suggest. They usually have no clue as to what a damaged pancreas can and can not tolerate. of course that is strictly up to you. I wish you the best.
would like to hear you comment. Pain still not abated after my gallbladder has been removed about a month ago. after that I had ended up in hospital again, CT scan shows cells (fat) dying and pockets, or mass fluids entrapped. I have also been diagnosed with pancreatic panniculitis. At least I have no sores on my legs or body, but a deep pain behind my belly button and towards the left hand side of my stomach. I have now lost 14kg so far and at least this feels better, the pain still wakes me up and I am now on a high doses of steroids to try and curb the inflammation around my pancreas. your input please. how are you feeling?
Hi Karin – Sorry to hear you are ill. I am guessing that you said you have been diagnosed with pancreatitis. I am also guessing it was severe acute? That would account for dying cells (necrosis) and mass fluids which could either be ascities or a pseudocyst. Did I get it right or misunderstand?
If I got it right my next question is are the steroids being used to resolve the inflammation inside the pancreas or “around it?” If you were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis did they tell you it was from gallstones or is it autoimmune pancreatitis? They use steroids to resolve the inflammation of autoimmune pancreatitis that is why I am asking.
If you can respond with some clarification I can reply more intelligently but don’t expect brilliance! 🙂
I’m feeling good. Thanks for asking 🙂 Hopefully you will also begin feeling better soon.
hi there, think you must have deleted my previous message, I understand you must get hundreds. I had acute pancreatitis last year in Oct – Nov and was in the ICU for 3 weeks and a month in hospital. I nearly died and was also told later that other people would have died. I even had the blackening/blue around by lower back. The Dr’s said I had gallbladder pancreas, as I have given up any alcohol more than a year before the attack, thus the removal of my gallbladder this year. Dr also said the steroids are for the inflammation which can be seen around my pancreas. My lipase and trip whatever levels are now normal. they say the dying cells are fat cells. I have seen the CT scan report very briefly, but it was taken by the Dr. I have to see him tomorrow. I still get the worst pain early in the mornings, round about 2 to 3 o clock, it is worse if I lie down, but I take tramadol or tramacet for pain, which I could get legal morphine pills or injections as this helped when I was in hospital. Why would I still have inflammation after nearly 5 months, or is it retracting as they say? I know you are not a Doctor, but I value your input. What is autoimmune pancreatitis? chronic? cancer??
Karin I didn’t delete it. In fact I just found it. It’s on the blog post that is about grape seed extract. You live in South Africa. I apologize for not remembering. My memory isn’t as good as it used to be. Getting old 🙂 Anyway from what you said you had an extremely rough time. You most likely have chronic pancreatitis now from the damage you sustained. That would be the reason for the continuing inflammation. It also sounds like you had grey turner sign (you said you had bruising on your back) which signifies you were bleeding internally (internal hemorrhage). Did they say you were bleeding internally? Did you have any organ failure? Did they remove any necrotic pancreatic tissue surgically?
Autoimmune pancreatitis is basically an autoimmune disease. It presents more like pancreatic cancer and is often misdiagnosed as pancreatic cancer. Here’s a little about it. I was just curious because they’re giving you steroids to treat your inflammation which they also due to treat autoimmune pancreatitis. Treatment with steroids may be a good thing since they are highly anti-inflammatory drugs. How long have you been on the steroids? You should know more tomorrow after you have your appointment with your doc. Make sure you ask him the same question about the inflammation and what he sees in your future.
I completely spaced this:”I have also been diagnosed with pancreatic panniculitis.” I had never heard of this before so you forced me to learn something because I had to look it up! Pancreatic panniculitis sounds like an interesting but nasty condition. It may have been caused, probably was, by your extremely severe pancreatitis from what I’ve read. Hopefully it isn’t cancer. This is probably what your doc is treating with steroids because steroids are used to treat Panniculitis. This is of course why you may still have inflammation as well since panniculitis is an inflammatory condition. Make sure you pointedly ask your doc why you have it and if he has checked for pancreatic cancer. If he isn’t sure ask him to find out.
Hang in there, don’t give up.
just returned from Dr. I feel I have to share this good news with you. The inflammation now and that of last year, was shown to me on big slides. one can actually start seeing my pancreas now and then nothing could be seen so inflamed it was. I did bleed internally, thus the Grey Turner signs, but miraculously no damage to my pancreas or necrosis, I have scarring, but not of the pancreas? I had the life support machine next to my bed and they were going to put me on to it, as my lungs were too small or partially collapsed and some other things failed, but all came right, another miracle. the pain is from the scarring and the little inflammation left, still substantial, but basically nothing compared to that of last year. I am so glad that there is no scarring of my pancreas? do not know if all makes sense?
Will however be vigilant of my diet. he also put me on tripolene, not sure if the spelling is correct. will talk to you from time to time. all of the best.
Karin
SA
Hi Karin THAT is GREAT News! Amazing actually considering your previous pancreatitis history. I’m am extremely glad to hear the tests show such marked improvement. The drug may be Triptyline used for anxiety, depression etc …
Please do keep in touch.
Godspeed and best wishes to you! 🙂
thank you very much, will definitely keep in touch. All of the best for you as well. I am not taking any chances and will stick to my diet. never ever want to go through this again….
Glad to hear that good news as well Karin! Thank you and the Healthguy for sharing your experiences and knowledge. I have not been diagnosed with panceatitis however after having bloody stools and tenderness in my left abdomen my doc did a colonoscopy and saw nothing verifiable. I ate very healthy and it subsided. Since I have been under a tremendous amount of stress and indulged in microbrews along with eating not so healthy, the symptoms came back and the DR. ( gastroenterologist ) did a endoscopy thinking I had a ulcer but said my belly looked fine but my pancreas was swollen. All he told me was do not drink and I did not and ate very healthy again and it seemed to improve. Again I was bombarded by intense stress and unfortunately drank beer and ate not so healthy, now I am paying for this. Its not excrutiating pain but dull and quite uncomfortable so I am swearing to make the permanent change with all that is in my power. One of the reasons for my stress is finances and a result of this is my loss of health insurance so I will not go to the Dr unless my life depends on it. Reading what you said about grape seed I will buy that exact kind tomorrow and am right now having a garlic ginger tea. I read this is very good for inflammation and such. I love to juice so will juice lots of veggies. do you have any specific types that you can suggest? my staple ones are carrot, apple, ginger, beet. Not sure if it helps but I love green tea and drink about 3-5 cups a day without any sweetener. Right now I am thinking I kind of need to fast to give my unhappy organ or system a break, meaning eating very little solid food and eating pure nutrients through the juicing, maybe fresh veggies, protein shakes. Any suggestion what so ever would be greatly appreciated and I fully understand you are not a Medical Doctor, but someone who has suffered from pancreatitis.
hey Bobby sorry you have a problem. The GI doc said your pancreas is swollen. He/she did not test your amylase and lipase levels? Didn’t investigate further? Didn’t mention pancreatitis? Inflammation of the pancreas is pancreatitis. Doesn’t surprise me. probably expects you to now what to do without mentioning what the condition is called or how it should be treated.
IF it were me, and it has been me, I’d fast for like 3-4 days, no food of any kind, just water to stay hydrated. If I had some aspirin I’d take a couple (helps reduce inflammation). I’d go buy some NOW Foods Grape seed Extract 100mg caps. Read the label make sure the product contains BOTH grape seed and vitamin C. If you have the right product it should say on the label 100 mg of grape seed extract (90% polyphenols) and 320 mgs of vitamin C. I’d take 6 Now Foods Grape Seed caps per day to see if that resolves the inflammation and symptoms. When pain resolves I’d do some organic vegetable juice (juice tomato, spinach, kale, carrot, beet, celery, onion, garlic) makes a powerful nutrient dense juice. Cucumber is a good addition. If the juice sets well, keep drinking it for a few days, take supplements and aspirin. once you have felt good for a week you need to get serious about a food diary and pancreatitis diet. Oh and NO ALCOHOL. None. Zip. NADA! Good luck to you Bobby 🙂
Guys – just short info from me – i was told i have IBS and after visiting 5-6 doctors
it turned out it is PANCREAS that was makin me trouble – couldn’t eat anything.
And i had many attacks (did not know what it was on that time – just thought i am gonna die and that
this is the end..- however it was not painful it was just there) anyways one thing
that saved my life and since i started to use it everything slowly became normal (diet is a must so
i am not mentioning it) – so the thing that saved me is MANUKA HONEY.
Incredible! I had everythign before – LA pacho/cats claw/GSE/coloidal silver/garlic extract and
dozen of antibiotics and i am tellin you i stoped everything after takin 1st spoon if this Honey.
It kills all bad bacterias within 3 days and it is a good start for healing – at least it worked for me.
I lost 30 kg in about 4 months – so you can see it was really serious. (which worked well for me
so at least this is one good thing out of it)
Anyways have a alt of faith and never give up!
Best!
Vic
Vic – Thanks for posting. I had not mentioned Mānuka honey before simply because there are so many folks who are allergic to bees, bee pollen (found in honey), and honey itself. I didn’t want to be responsible for someone having anaphylactic shock.
Quality Mānuka honey with a UMF of more than 10 is highly useful as an antimicrobial, antibacterial agent. Mānuka honey may be useful (like colloidal silver) in preventing infected pancreatic tissue should someone have an attack of SAP (severe acute pancreatitis). Anyone allergic to bees should NOT use Mānuka honey. Thanks again for posting and it is good to know that you found relief 🙂
Mānuka honey science:
1) Manuka honey inhibits cell division in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus – read more
2) The effects of manuka honey on plaque and gingivitis: a pilot study – read more
3) Synergy between oxacillin and manuka honey sensitizes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to oxacillin – read more
4) Intravenous administration of manuka honey inhibits tumor growth and improves host survival when used in combination with chemotherapy in a melanoma mouse model – read more
Hey thankz for replay,
I hope it will be ok for me since few days after 4 months of fighting i think
i might have the way to get back to normal however Dont make Hay while the sun shines..
i had allergy for almost every kind of food at the start of this HELL … (everything
cose of alcohol + some extras + stress – show biz job)
anaphylactic shock – i think i had it at least 3-4 times during early stages – almost died
it took sooo long to find out what is goin on – i might had been infected with everything i guess.
I was just wondering i had feeling of – FINAL DOOM – but it was never painful i am just wondering how this can be? any idea? means there is a chance i can heal it ?
or opposite that is damaged so much that i dont feel pain ? (mainly was this Final Doom experience – if i could feel pain it only lasted few sec – to be honest dont know what
is worse) – sorry if it is not clear what i am asking for but you seem to be in the subject
from quite a while.. all Amylaze and Lypaze are ok – after reading about it thought
maybe i have lack of HCL in my stomache …
Just tried to shorten what is in my head and finally someone answered and tryin
to help..
Thankz again !
V
Vic if you are talking about that uneasy feeling that your next meal could be the one that does you in, sure, I’ve had that. When I was really sick I thought the end could come at any time. I felt like crap a lot of the time and sometimes like I was surely gonna find out what the next life was all about. I think it’s normal for most people because it is difficult to understand how one can hurt that much, be that sick and not die. One thing that having real bad times with pancreatitis has taught me is that dying must really suck.
I realize I’m really late with this post, but i’m just finding this board. I know exactly what you mean, Vic. The impending doom.. cold, confused, unbalanced, labored breathing, shaking/sweating, sheer panic.. but no pain. Turns out I have no stomach acid, zip. So The pancreas is affected because the correct amount of digestion is not being done in the stomach. Reactions are a severe uptick in insulin production once food hits the duodendum, followed by hypoglycemic episodes. Late stage “Dumping Syndrome” is another name I’ve found. Scary as hell. I’m still working with my naturopath to get it all figured out, but completely both terrifying and debilitating. 5 years this has been going on.. allergic reactions so severe they sent me to Mayo Hospital in Minnesota.. and then every allergy test under the sun came back negative. I will be searched for insulomas soon, extra prayers always welcome. But my empathy is with all of you suffering through all of this. Not sure if the GSE would work in my case.. input is greatly appreciated. Ugh, just scary business.
Hi Shana have you been diagnosed with pancreatitis? NO stomach acid? Interesting. How do you digest food? What is the cause of the lack of stomach acid? “Dumping Syndrome” can be caused due to several things and one in an insulinoma as you mentioned. I’m not sure whether grape seed extract amy help either becuase you haven’t said what your main condition or disease is. I am guessing that no one knows? By the way …
Achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria can result as complications of bacterial overgrowth and intestinal metaplasia and symptoms are often consistent with those diseases. It is also a symptom of Helicobacter pylori infection which neutralizes and decreases secretion of gastric acid to aid its survival in the stomach. There are other conditions that affect acid production as well such as hypothyroidism, Pernicious anemia, the use of antacids or drugs that decrease gastric acid production (such as H2-receptor antagonists) or transport (such as proton pump inhibitors), rare diseases such as mucolipidosis (type IV), gastric bypass, and, it is also a symptom of stomach cancer.
HI HealthGuy,
I came across a gentleman in internet who takes 5 X 12g of Grape seed extract Caps per day for the CP pain and he admits that it definitely helps with the pain.
12g looks like very high dose . Can it have adverse affect. ? Highest strength of Grape seed extract available in US is 600mg. This guys lives in Australia where 12g capsules are available . It’s available in the name of “Healthy Care Grapeseed Extract 12000 Gold Jar 300 Capsules”.
Thank you
Danny
That is a hell of a lot of grape seed extract. I’ve never even come close to taking those amounts. Heck I didn’t even know you could buy those amounts. I’ve taken 800 – 1000 mgs per day. I know a guy who was taking 1000 mgs at a time several times a day and it really helped him but he had severe acute pancreatitis and they cut out about half of his pancreas by the time they were done getting rid of the infected, necrotic tissue. I doubt he will ever be the same as he was before his ordeal. Anyway, unless you are really damaged I seriously doubt you’d need those kinds of doses. To answer your question grape seed is non-toxic but I doubt those dose amounts were tested. Anything can kill you. Did you know you can kill yourself by drinking to much water? I know crazy huh? Nothing is perfect.
Hi HealthGuy,
That’s what I thought about 12g dose of grapeseed.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts!!
Best,
danny
you’re welcome 🙂
Hi Healthy Guy
I saw you discussed Manuka honey above.
What about any kind of honey – is it good, bad for chronic pancreatitis or indifferent?
Also, as Now foods Grape seed is not always available in stores, I found Grape Seed from Nature’s way in gelatin capsules. Is gelatin OK for chronic pancreatitis?
Honey should be fine. I eat it. Pure raw honey. Nature’s Way Grape seed extract is fine.
Three months ago I had my gallbladder removed since it was full of stones and had a 3% ejection refraction rate. I was having horrible back pain and my lipase was was 1482. They initially thought I had gallstone related pancreatitis. However, since I continued having pain associated with eating, an endoscopy revealed I have pancreatic divisum.
I am taking Creon 3x a day with meals, and also Zegerd for acid reflex. Is it ok to take the grapeseed exact in addition to the Creon & Zegerd? Are there any contraindications?
Thanks so much for your time and efforts in responding.
Hi Deb – grape seed should be fine with creon and Zegerd. If you have any worries check with your doc and pharmacist. The pharmacist would be my call. An actual pharamcist (not a helper) should be able to tell you about any possible problem with drug interactions.
My brother is suffering from pancreatitis,doctors said it is infected and there is no chance for surgery.what can we do? please help me…
Hi Sridhar. Sorry I am so late responding. How is your brother? Did the doctors put him on antibiotics?
Hello my name is Neal: I was able to get some of the products you recommend for the Pancreatitis here in Arizona at Sprouts.. I just ordered on your website through Amazon the vitamin mineral powder and the 100 v cap 100 mg grape seed extract.. I was only able to get the Now product in 60 mg Grape Seed Extract at Sprouts to get started with….so I got the 100 mg from you. I was able to get the Now C-1000 vitamin C at Sprouts in addition to the Curcumin 95. As for the digestive enzymes I just started Creon this week so I did not get those as well..I also picked up a 14 day Liver Cleanse…made by a company called Enzymatic…..when the 2 weeks is up I was told to get a product called Liver Care made by Himalava. My question to you is will any of these liver products make the pancreatic products not work as effectively? the 2 week Liver cleanse you take 3 pills in the AM and 3 pills at bedtime for 14 days…the Liver Care you take 2 pills daily 1 before breakfast and 1 before lunch or dinner… Thanks for all your help!
Hi Neal – If you’re on Creon you certainly don’t need OTC enzymes. Creon is a much more powerful enzyme product. “My question to you is will any of these liver products make the pancreatic products not work as effectively?” My answer: I doubt it.
Is it Ok to take liver cleanse along with pancreatic supplements?
Should be ok Neal
I know it has only been 1 day! I know that! But I feel remarkably better in just 1 day! More Energy!
Dry skin is not as dry as it was! No dry scalp! THANK YOU –MAYBE JUST MAYBE YOU SAVED MY LIFE! THESE ARE NOT COINCIDENCES THAT I FOUND YOUR BLOG, THEY ARE GOD-INCIDENCES…VITAMIN AND MINERAL PWDER SHOULD BE HERE
WEDNESDAY!
Good news right?! Glad you are feeling better Neal!
is it Ok to take grapefruit seed extract at the same time as the grape seed extract, cucurmin, and vitamin C? Im not big on grapefruit juice?
Should be. I do. I’m not dead yet 🙂 I started using the grapefruit seed extract instead of white grapefruit juice because it’s way cheaper. I still buy some juice now and then but I like it so I get it to drink. Since you aren’t crazy about grapefruit the extract should be just fine.
Will enzymes like Creon basically digest the grape seed extract without it being useful?
I read on a few sites that grape seed extract should be taken with food. My concern is the timing of actually taking the grape seed extract. My doctor said to take Creon before I start eating. So if I take the grape seed extract capsule after the meal, than would I just be digesting it out of my body without getting any benefits?
Additionally, what type of dosage do you take for daily maintenance? The bottle I have says to take 1-3 a day.
Hi Deb, answer to your creon question is NO. Creon is simply a digestive aid. If anything it should help make sure the grape seed is absorbed into your system. I’ve taken grape seed on an empty stomach (every morning) and with food or after eating. It doesn’t seem to make a difference. Don’t worry about what the bottle says. MINIMUM maintainance dose should be at least 1 mg per pound of body weight each day BUT that is ONLY after you are completely healed and symptom free for at least 6 months or more. IF you still have symptoms, which means you still have inflammation and are not healed the dose should be as much as it takes to see results, good results. Like no pain and/or nausea while on a proper low, low fat diet That varies from person to person. The more damage and inflamed a pancreas is the more grape seed is going to be needed to help eliminate the inflammation and begin the healing process.
Hi Health Guy,
I’m all about eating organic (including supplements), so I found this site that sells an organic Grape Seed Extract and Grape Skin Extract, not sure what the difference is between the two (maybe you can comment on that as well), but was wondering if you can check out the product (see link below) and comment on whether or not you think this could be a good supplement, since it doesn’t contain Vit C in it, but it does have reservatol. Please let me know what you think (just your opinion):
http://www.twowillows.us/organic-grape-seed-extract-grapeseed-extract-capsules.html
Thanks,
John
Grape seed extract contains reservatol. Buying special formulas is certainly your option. However grape seed extract manufactured in GMP approved facilities is my choice versus buying from a farmer who moonlights at making supplements on the side. Just my thoughts.
When do you recommend taking the grape seed extract? Before or after meals?
Hi Yoram – either works. Before or after doesn’t seem to make any difference in effectiveness.
Hi health guy, I’m not sure how much grape seed I should take to get the full benefits. My bottle from the local pharmacy says super strength 20,000 mg equivalent to dry seed 20g. How does this compare to what worked for you? Not sure if you have this brand over there but it’s Bioglan.
Cheers, Stacey.
Stacey – WOW! THAT is a boatload of grape seed extract! You are only the second person that I have had on this blog that has mentioned that HUGE dosage formula. Y’all nust be from the same area 🙂 Ummm … that is way too much grape seed I think. I have to ask … EVERY capsule has 20,000 mgs? I’ve never seen a formula with that high of a dose. Can you take it back and get a normal capsule? I’ve never even come close to taking 20,000 mgs in a day let alone in one dose. I’m thinking more along the lines of 100 – 300 mgs per dose and maybe 3 – 5 doses per day.
Hi Again Health Guy,
Okay so no wonder I’m confused. Its so weird that there’s such a huge gap in the strengths of our grape seed supplements. I looked up grape seed extract as sold by two of the largest vitamin companies here in Australia – Swisse and Blackmores. Swisse has grape seed extract 14.25g or 14,250mg. Blackmores has 12g or 12,000mg. This is really puzzling and seems very excessive in comparison. Also I just went on a couple more pharmacy websites and the high quantities seem to be the standard here in Australia. I will phone both companies tomorrow and see if I can get any more info and I will go to the drug store near my home and see what else I can find out. Surely it can’t be that much of a huge difference, it’s got me worried now. Will let you know how it goes.
Stacey.
Hi Stacey – yeah I don’t know why they would concoct such HIGH strength formulas when it isn’t needed. I don’t think I can even buy grape seed extract in that strength here in the USA. I’ve heard of some folks with a lot of damage who have had to take 1,000 mg (1 gram) doses to see results but that isn’t anywhere near 14 – 20 GRAMS per dose!
Hi Health Guy,
Okay so got this back from one of the Vitamin Co’s
“Thank you for your interest in our products. Grape seed has a very low absorption through the intestinal wall. The super strength grape seed 20 000mg is designed to ensure the maximum absorption to support antioxidant activity”.
I’ve investigated further it seems all supply in Australia is at this high dose. lowest I could find yesterday was 12 mg. Australia usually quite stringent on drugs etc so doesn’t make sense. I think I need to improvise and cut capsules in quarters?
Also while I have you, I’ve started the curcumin and whilst it helps with the pain no doubt about it, generally I feel a bit rawer and a bit sorer than before I started it. Should I stop it or persevere? Unless it’s the fruit I’m eating lol.
Also do you think Amitriptyline could cause pancreatitis? Apparently it can cause gastritis, which is what the hospital diagnosis was. Only my GP thinks it’s my lpancreas.
Sorry for all the questions, but I respect your knowledge and value your input.
Many thanks
Stacey.
Hi Stacey – I haven’t read anything that mentions grape seed extract being difficult to absorb. I’ve had it work in 30 minutes on me. It is one of the few powerful antioxidants that will cross the blood-brain barrier. Curcumin on the other hand is noted for being difficult to absorb. Piperine, found in black pepper, helps the absorption of curcumin and that is why some curcumin products have piperine in them. Curcumin can also cause stomach issues (nausea, vomiting) at high doses so if you are taking more than 1,000 mgs per day that might be the problem and you could try backing down to see if it resolves. Or you could stop taking it and see if the issue resolves. If not it’s something else.
Amitriptyline possible side effects are MANY! Whether it could or does cause pancreatitis is not mentioned.
Ask questions anytime. I won’t always have a brilliant answer lol and if I don’t I’ll tell you 🙂
Hi Health Guy, wow you’re not kidding there are MANY possible side effects for Amitriptyline. I’ve started cutting back my dosage and I will continue to do so until I can reach a point where I am on the lowest possible dose that works for me. I have another chronic illness that is painful and hence I need pain relief as it is non curable and ongoing. But funnily enough since taking the vit c, grape seed extract, and curcumin my pain is no where near as bad as it was, so that’s a bonus too!
I guess it makes sense as pain is usually a result of inflammation. Thank you again for your time and patience. God must be smiling down at all the helpful, positive and supportive correspondence going on back and forth between all us folk with AP or CP.
? ? ?
Stacey I hope God is smiling. None of this would have happened if not for Him. All glory is His!
Did you take pain meds. I hear it is dangerous or something with taking opioids and grape seed extract??
Hi Amy – Grape seed extract is safe – GRAPEFRUIT (those big yellow things), grapefruit juice, grapefruit seed extract are NOT safe for those who take certain medications. Again grape seed extract is safe grapefruit (seed extract, pulp, juice) is not safe for those who take various drugs.
Hi HG
Well I had another ultra sound today and for once they found something. The radiographer said I had sludge in my gallbladder. Could this be from taking curcumin at all? Or could this be the cause of my pain?
Just your opinion I know your not a Dr.
Stacey
Hi Stacey – Hmmmm sludge can definitely cause a problem. It’s like little tiny stones, sand. And unfortunately curcumin causes increased bile flow. At least that is what I’ve read and so that could be either good or bad. Good in the fact that I would think the increased flow would help keep the GB and common bile ducts clear of sludge but bad because that sludge could get clogged up somewhere, like the pancreatic duct, and cause an attack of AP. The increased bile flow could also cause the GB to spit out larger stones which of course could cause an AP attack. There’s good and bad in almost everything but it might be wise to avoid taking curcumin and using turmeric in cooking since you do have sludge and could possibly have stones in the future. I have a short post somewhere that advises against curcumin for those with sludge and stones but …
Then I think – hey – stones form in the GB. Do they form as big stones, already all grown up or do they start as sludge or sand and grow into larger stones? IF stones start as sludge it could be beneficial to keep that bile flowing and removing that sludge before it builds up and/or grows into stones? I really don’t have the answer that is 100% correct.
Did you find out anymore about those HUGE grape seed extract capsule dosages? I’ve never seen a grape seed capsule that contains, what did you say 14 – 20 grams?!
Morning HG,
Yes it’s a bit of a conundrum isn’t it. I feel that the curcumin definitely helps with inflammation and pain without a doubt as good as taking an ibroprufen for me. So I am reluctant to stop it. But on the other hand I don’t want to cause gallstones by increasing bile flow. But like you say maybe that bile flow might help clean out the gall bladder?
As far as the grape seed extract goes all Aussie supplements are at these much higher dosages. 12,000 mg to 20,000 mg I’ve seen. It’s confusing because they will say for example grape seed extract equivalent to dry seed 12gms (12,000 mg). 12 grams of seeds is probably about 2 1/2 teaspoons of grape seeds. It’s a lot but I don’t know they 2 1/2 teaspoons of seeds would be harmful? However I take 3 GPE a day so that is getting up to 9 teaspoons per day.
My brain is getting sore from all this thinking lol. What I have been doing has been working and making me FEEL better, so maybe I should just continue.
Stacey.
Hi Stacey – You said “What I have been doing has been working and making me FEEL better, so maybe I should just continue.” All I can say is there’s that old saying “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” By the way …
I’ve “googled” a list of phrases that I thought may bring up some articles that would tell me what 20 grams of grape seed would equal in extract and I can’t find squat! Maybe you could call someone local, like a health store who sells grape seed extract or it’s equal and ask them. I’d be interested in the answer. I’m gonna keep looking though because maybe it takes 20 grams of grape seed to make 200 mgs of grape seed extract. I’d just like to know what that “equivalent to dry seed” means. I just can’t fathom 20 grams of grape seed extract in one dose. THAT is a TON!
Hi HG,
Yes I’m thinking the same. Today no curcumin and I’ve felt worse for it. Nausea is back! Will start it again and see how I feel back on it and let you know. I’ve got an appt with my gastroenterologist on Thursday so I’m keen to find out her take on the “sludge” coming from my gallbladder.
Good point you make about the grape seed extract – equivalent verses actual. I’ll try get some more info from a few sources and get back to you. It’s strange because normally Australia is quite strick in their medical/drugs/health industries. I can’t see these companies would be able to supply grape seed extract in mg that are way out of range with US counterparts. But you never know till you ask the question!!
I’m working on those recipes will hopefully have them to you by Monday.
God bless.
Stacey ?
Hey Stacey – let us all know what you find out and how you do. Hope you feel better soon 🙂
I will be to the point.
1.My son when 7 months old, diagiozed with several food allergies. Glutten, nut, garlic, lactose.
2.after carefull diet, overcome all but glutten intolerance.
3. Gastroenterologist did endoscopy, Celia running was unhealthy, so termed him celiac.
4. Till 6 years old. He was going well with glutten free diet. Then the doc told us to feed him glutten to check for intolerance.
5. After 4 months glutten intake, did endoscopy, told us he had recovered, and could eat glutten like normal ppl.
6.after further 3 months , complained of stomach ache, vomitted, no stool.
7. Admitted in hospital for 15 days.
8. Came home and started pancreatic diet from fluids and moved to solid fruits and veggies.
9. After 3 weeks Doc said feed chicken stock and eggwhites.
10. Another attack of pancreatitis after 3 days of above food intake.
11. Hospitalized 7 days.
12. Came home and started pancreatic diet of first juices one week, then veggies and fruits, one week, then added rice and lentils.
13. Now it’s been 7 weeks. Since then ,his lipaze levels keep on fluctuating between 100 -500.
14. No one is sure why it happened in so young a child, some say hereditary, but no one we know of had this disease.
15. His gastroenterologist went abroad , so took him to another paed, after reviewing all his reports , he concluded, that child was never celiac from beginning, he had food intolerances, which are common in our family,
16. He recommended another paed physician, who had dealt with this disease, he also said the child was never celiac, but had other underlying problems,
17. He was not happy with the diet, coz the child had lost all the fat reserves in his body, and is now losing muscle mass, he was 25 kg in June 2016, now he is 18 kg. Even though we try our best to feed him 1500 calories a day.
18. So he recommended we start one drop of corn oil and have a blood test after 8 days. Coz we were giving him total fat free diet, with most of recommendations from your site.
19. What can you advise. Plus I was worried even before the doc , that fat is essential for brain cell development in children.
20. And what dose of GSE can a child of seven take.
P.s. we have had all the possible tests of pancreatitis taken including an MRCP, which has left everyone still clueless.
Sorry for such extremely long post.
A very worried mother.
Faria – I’m so sorry about your son. I doubt it’s hereditary pancreatitis. Usually it runs in families that is why its name is what it is. There is also a gene mutation (PRSS1 gene) that HP people have.
I gotta ask (yes I read about the endoscopy) did your son test IgG and IGA positive (blood work for celiac disease)? IF so, enedoscopy or no endoscopy he is probably a celiac but then CD runs in families too – so IF nobody else in your family (especially close relatives) has EVER had digestive issues he may not have CD. But there has to be a reason a 7 year old boy has recurring acute pancreatitis.
It is important to find out why (i’d make it my mission). No matter what anyone has told you I have never found credible research that says a pancreas simply wakes up one morning and says “Ok, I feel like causing trouble today. I think I’ll get inflamed and make this child sicker than a dog.” There is ALWAYS a reason.
Even if he has had CD blood work I’d re-test him but he has to be eating gluten for the test to show an accurate reading. Celiac disease can cause acute pancreatitis (last paragraph under clinical manifestations). here is an actual case report of CD causing AP. Another good celiac article.
He may not have CD – Heck – I hope he doesn’t! I do and it sucks! Anyway …
Make it a goal to find out WHY his pancreas is having AP attacks.
Unfortunately diet is critical. Too much fat causes problems as you have seen (the chicken stock – fat). Yet it is also true that some fat is necessary to absorb fat soluble vitamins (A, E, K, D). So it can be a challenge.
“18. So he recommended we start one drop of corn oil and have a blood test after 8 days. Coz we were giving him total fat free diet, with most of recommendations from your site.” This sounds like a reasonable test. I’d do what your doc recommends and see what happens. My only concern is that every AP attack brings more damage. More damage means the higher probablity of CP. But sometimes one just has to trust and test.
“20. And what dose of GSE can a child of seven take.” Great question. You can get 50 mg caps from various manufacturers (at least I can here in the states). I’d start at 50 once per day and work up (1x per day, 2x, 3x, 4x etc) until I saw results. If you hit 4 times per day with no results on a small 7 year old I’d be surprised. Let me know how he does on everything, please. Good luck 🙂
Thank-you so much for your quick response.
1. Can you suggest fruits and vegetables that would provide some dose of fat in his daily diet. My family is so worried after the second attack that they don’t want to risk anything with oil for at least one month more.
2. Secondly thinking for future, his school starts after two weeks, if he catches coughs, or has fever, which antibiotics are safe for him, cough syrup , etc.(had an attack of pneumonia at age 3) . since then doctor recommends nebulization whenever he has bad cough.
3. If in case of a pancreatic attack, how much ibruffen he should be given to stop attack.
4. Can I give him organic, naturally extracted honey. If yes what kind, small bee, large bee, wild flowers, berries based.
5. I give him naturally extracted plain rock salt , home crushed black pepper with foods. Can I give him any kind of sugar(which I haven’t since the first attack).
Eagerly waiting for your reply.
Hi Faria – Let me answer your questions …
1) Fruits and veggies don’t boast a lot of fat. Avocado, coconut (fruits) have fat, soybeans (veggie) have fat but they also have too much fat. I am not comfortable in saying your son should have fat at this point because it seems to me it is more important, right now, to heal his pancreas. I’m more concerned about his lipase levels and the fact there is still obvious inflammation. BUT I know you are concerned with his weight and muscle loss. He might tolerate a slice or two of avocado in a salad or with some high nutrient veggies like spinach, chard, kale and a slice or two of avocado should supply enough fat to absorb the fat soluble vitamins. If his lipase is still up it is real chancey to challenge his pancreas with fat. This article talks about the amount of fat necessary to absorb nutrients.
You can use this site to check out food nutrients and fat grams.
2) Avoid Erythromycin, Penicillin and Tetracycline if possible. Supposedly they have caused AP.
3) Advil dosing chart for children. I’d ask the doc about any larger dosage.
4) Honey is great! Good stuff. Any kind as long as it is real bee honey not the fake stuff.
5) I have never found anything to suggest sugar is bad in regards to pancreatitis. I mean verified, quality research. However is does feed cancer if someone has cancer.
Thanks a lot. You are a great help. I never get any answers out of his doctors.
I will wait for his lipaze level to normalize before starting any kind of fat. However his MRCP done on 5th August showed no sign of inflamation, neither did his ultrasound taken on 25th July. However MRCP showed that his pancreas were slightly shrunk, they suggested it was due to less water intake. Any thoughts on this.
I found spring valley’s Grape seed complex of 50 mg. Is it safe for my son.?
Faria – No I wouldn’t use that grape seed formula. It contains selenium which can be toxic at high doses and it builds up in the body like Vitamin A. Find a grape seed extract formula with only grape seed or grape seed plus vitamin c. Nothing else in the formula.
MRCP did not show that the pancreas was inflamed and it had shrunk (atrophy?) – interesting yet his lipase is elevated. When was his lipase checked last? When will it be checked again? There are other conditions that can elevate lipase. Pay close attention to section 2 of the article. Lipase usually only stays elevated when there is pancreas inflammation or some other condition present (my knowledge is limited).
Thank-you for your prompt reply.
I will give you my son’s pancreatic details.
1. Around 9th June 2016, he starting experiencing diarrhea like symptoms, cramps,puking, nausea but no lose motions yet, reduced feeling for food intake, we assumed it was a stomach bug that was infecting the children in neighbourhood, docs were not giving any meds if there wasn’t any fever. My son didn’t have any. So we didn’t take him to the doc.
2. On the third day he complained of severe tummy ache on one side, we thought it was appendicitis, so took him to emergency, his paed physician was also there and he also thought that it was appendicitis. However during ultrasound appendix was normal, however the pancreas were swollen, then blood work, etc, amylase around 200, lipaze at 900.
Hospitalized immediately, started on opiates, antibiotics, drips, and works, after 4 days lipaze came around 300, so they suggested clear fluids for few hours, again lipaze levels 800. Again treated with fasting for 4 days, lipase around 400, again started clear fluids, but once or twice a day , with gradual increase everyday. Finaly lipaze around 80, so got discharged.
In this duration got two ultra sounds and two CT scans, which showed inflamed pancreas.
3. Fluids 5 days, then fruit pulped, vegetable broth, then rice boiled, in second week started chicken stock( I first put it in fridge and carefully removed the fat that formed on top ) and egg whites.(doc recommended).after three days of chicken stock.
4. Had flat soft drink at night (doc allowed). ( on later research I found he shouldn’t hv been given any processed stuff), morning complained of tummy ache, got blood test immediately, got result in two hours, lipaze 1800.
5. Again went to emergency, they took four hours to start medications, pain gone in few hours, next day lipaze at 800.
Then 400, next day, third day told us to give him clear fluids for few hours, complained of slight tummy ache , lipaze at 600.
One day break, then again started on clear fluids, the lipaze didn’t come down from 200, but doc said it would take a week to normalize.
Sent home.
After few days blood test still showed 200 + lipaze. Got ultrasound, no inflamation.
Another blood test on 4th August showed 120 lipaze.this is the latest blood test yet.
5th august Got MRCP, no inflamation but showed very slightly shrunken pancreas ,.
Next blood test will be taken in the coming week.
I hv read the article about other causes of lipaze levels increase.
After this blood test I will see which further tests we should do if the lipaze are not normal.
Sorry for another long post.
P.S.
When I was researching for food products he can’t have, I came across chickpeas as a bad food coz it is difficult to digest.
Corn coz they are rich in fats.
And somewhere they wrote chia seeds were good as they were anti -inflammatory.
But then I read chia seeds have a high fat content, by then I was giving him a pinch of seeds for 4,5 days.
Now I stopped.
Any ideas about chia seeds?
Hi Faria – Long posts do not bother me so it’s quite alright 🙂 In regards to your question about Chia seeds:
“Chia seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body as seeds (unlike flaxseeds). One ounce (about 2 tablespoons) contains 139 calories, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams fat, 12 grams carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber, plus vitamins and minerals.” That is a direct quote from this article.
Chia seeds are obviously a nutrient dense food but the 9 fat grams may be a problem. You could always try a smaller amount than 2 tablespoons and see how he tolerates them. 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons. Using math 1 tablespoon should contain 4.5 grams of fat and 1 teaspoon should contain 1.5 grams of fat. You could try 1 teaspoon that should contain 1.5 grams of fat and see how that works. If no problems occur you could let it go with 1 teaspoon or work up to more.
I’d also bug his doc to find out WHY he is having recurrent AP type lipase levels. There has to be a reason.
Thanks a lot.
Have you tried dates, they have only one percent fat, but i hv read some where that they are bad for pancreatitis.
And what about corn and chickpeas?
Yep, I’ve eaten dates either have zero fat or about 1 gram depending upon which dates, corn has about 2 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein per cup and chickpeas have more fat about 4 grams per cup but also more protein at 15 grams – all seem to work just fine for most people 🙂
I had someone recommend me stevia as a sugar substitute, I’m not giving him any sugar yet coz it features as a processed food.
What do you think about stevia?
Hi faria – I use sugar so I have never used Stevia. I heard it is powerful stuff and only takes a little to make things sweet. I also have heard that it doesn’t leave an after taste like other fake sugars. But again I don’t know.
Hi health Guy.
Finally got Now Foods 60 mg GSE delivered . will start it from today one capsule at a time, will let you know how my son responds to it. Also had his blood test today, will see what lipaze levels we are on.
Thanks a lot for all of your help.
Plus I am making a Stevia sweetened jam for him, as his school is going to start next week.
Also added red and white beans to his diet, no issue with either of them.
Our food diary is slowly getting new items in it.
Good to hear Faria – the diary takes effort and time but it is almost fool proof. I know nothing is 100% yet if done properly I haven’t yet heard of the diary failing. I’ll look forward to a good report 🙂
Hi Health guy,
News not good, my son’s lipaze is still at 85, around a month ago it was around 120.
Doc says to give it one more month.
I went through my son’s celiac history , and I want to know that whether or not glutten intolerance and celiac disease can be overcome or not.
At three months as he was only on mothers milk, doc found he was lactose intolerant, glutten intolerant,egg etc.
At 1.5 years after giving him wheat for few days his Igg and Igh were 42 and 49 respectively.
In year two after biopsy he was confirmed as celiac with inflamed intestine, compromised Celia linning ,eczema and stunted body growth.
In Dec 2016 gastroenterologist told to feed him wheat for 2/3 months and then get his biopsy done,
Now I consider this my fault as when I didn’t see any reaction to glutten I delayed the biopsy and had it after 5 months,.
There was very minor inflamation in intestine, combined Igg and Igh were 19.
Now the doctors say that he is no longer GI or celiac.
But as far I hv researched I found that once a celiac or GI always a Celiac or GI.
What are your views on this, and I feel I should treat him as celiac as well as GI, and not take any chances.
Hi Faria – From what I have read the new blood tests for celiac disease (as long as the patient is on a diet that contains gluten and has not gone GF) are more reliable than biopsy. I have never read where a celiac suddenly becomes a non-celiac. So it is my understanding that if one is a celiac they will always be a celiac. I have some info that I’ll include that you may or may not have read already.
1) Celiac Disease Treatment
2) TREATMENT AND FOLLOW UP
3) Maize Prolamins Could Induce a Gluten-Like Cellular Immune Response in Some Celiac Disease Patients
The above links are only for your own edification. I am not a doctor. Yet there is a lot of stuff I know that doctors do not seem to know. I definitely read to much lmao 🙂
Hi health Guy,
My son was doing well but last week he experienced stomach pain around his belly, si I gave him ibruffen. Pain subsides a little, blood test showed lipaze at 500.
Went to another doc, this time the culprit seemed to be omega 3 jellies the previous doc suggested, even though fat free was written in the label, the new doc said it was still fatty acids.
So we had to start from point zero again with fast of juices for three days, then veggies etc , now it’s been a week and we started on eggs, I kept on giving him bruffen for three days till his pain subsided.
New doc also recommend Creon, with food, last time we were sceptical to use it but this time we were desperate coz my son had lost 1/2 kg weight in a week, I kept on giving grapeseeed capsules 6 times 60mg ones.
Started solids as well as egg white , and lipaze levels are down to 200.
I want to start curcumin as well, which mg dose should I start with and how much?
Is potatoes milk safe? The doc recommend it.
Plus he said to start with MCT oil later on? What do you think about this?
Also was omega 3 jellies wrong?
Hi Faria – your son is having some real rough times. I know you are too cuz it’s extremely difficult to watch a son or daughter suffer. Hey the new doc sounds good. He/she knows that fatty acids are still fat. Most things that contain HIGH amounts of Omega 3’s also contain fat. I don’t know what Omega 3 jellies are (guessing fish oil?) if so ya, probably way to much fat. And labels lie. That’s why I look more at the ingredient list. “Fat free” on the label doesn’t mean it will always work for a damaged pancreas. I can drink a little fat free milk. Too much gives me symptoms. So I guess it all depends upon the pancreas damage and an already inflamed pancreas doesn’t need much prodding or coaxing to get really angry.
I’d give the Creon a go. This new doc sounds pretty decent. You may find it helps your son digest food.
Hey I just did a quick search for a dose that would be hopefully safe for your son. This small study had NOTHING to do with pancreatitis but it was a group of kids with IBD such as crohn’s disease. They improved. 500 mgs 2x daily. You can read the article here.
Potatoes are fine, milk not so much. Oil is oil. I’ve heard good things about MCT oil but I wouldn’t use it. It’s oil. Oil is pure fat.
Thank-you health Guy, I always know where I could find the sincerest suggestions.
You are most welcome Faria 🙂
I think it very likely that liver stones may be the root of your pancreatic problems. I have personally had my bile tract blocked for years, resulting in chronic pancreatitis, but nothing showed on any x-rays or scans because liver stones are too soft to be detected with such methods. I did a liver flush (a combination of the ones proposed by Andreas Moritz and Hulda Clark) and secreted about a hundred liver stones. Now my pancreas is slowly healing. Be careful though, my pancreatitis did flare up after the liver flush. Make sure you are on a good dose of grape seed extract, propolis (also very helpful against pancreatitis) and enzymes before you attempt the flush (I wasn’t and I paid the price). Good luck!
Hi Willemien – Thank you for your comment. I’m glad a liver flush seems to be working for you. Whatever works is good. 🙂
Hurray for Health Guy!! This Grape Seed stuff (plus reducing meats as you suggest) worked – and in less than a week for me! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This stuff is awesome. Who would have thought a seed would have good stuff for us in it – not me. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Hi payingforprivateschool – You are welcome 🙂 All the thanks and glory goes to God. I am very glad to hear the diet and supplements work for you as well! Keep healing!
I need help …I was so sick nausea weak and pain in upper left side under rib cage in middle of stomach. ..hospitalized for a week on iv with pain med. ..CT scans.ultra sound’s ..blood work hibid tests …everything came back clear ..I have been discharged with morphine and anti anxiety med ..it’s seems to be getting worse …I have every symptom…why not showing on tests…it’s not in my head ..but very real
Hi Barb – they must have seen or suspected something or they wouldn’t have hospitalized you for a week and sent you home with prescriptions for morphine and anti-anxiety meds. You may want to explore deeper (ask them what they saw or suspected). Sometimes tests simply don’t show what needs to be seen. No test is 100% accurate. I can’t help you much with a diagnosis (I’m not a doc). I know it isn’t in your head. So do they or like I said you wouldn’t have drugs. You might also ask them for anti-nausea meds just in case. The only other help I can offer is to be found on this site.
Hello brother,iam sarath suffering with pancreatitis since 5 years after using grapeseed,curcumin with turmeric and pepperine,vitamin c for 1 month i recently got an attack when can i expect to get the results of these suppliments and how much time it will take iam using electrical cigarette to quit smoke
but i dont understand i had a soup in steert food shop at night 10pm it was completely fine at night but morning i woke up it creates lot of pain
does pancreas take time to identify and digest the food the worst thing is i had a pancreatitis when i got severe dengue fever.i think it happened because i have taken red bull when i had dengue now tell is it becoz of redbull i got pancreatitis with dengue fever.
Hi Sarath – the supplements are great but sometimes by themselves are not enough. Also often people do not take enough of each to get the desired effectiveness. Diet is extremely important. For example soup from a street food shop may not be a wise choice. If you are still eating high fat foods the supplements may certainly help but may not provide enough protection. Look at your diet and also how much of each supplement you take. You may have to eliminate foods (especially high fat stuff) and also increase the amount of supplement doses.
I found this study and I am confused.
From what I understand GSE inhibits pancreatic enzymes.
What am I not understanding ?
Hi N.M. for some reason the link you submitted did not work but I am guessing it is to this article or one similar. In any event it seems that grape seed extract may indeed inhibit lipase production which may be another reason why it helps resolve pancreatic inflammation.
Hi Health Guy,
Thanks for keeping this blog and putting so much of yourself into educating us about this stupid disease we have. I am curious about kombucha. A friend is bottling her own and has invited me to see how it’s done. I’ve also had commercially-prepared kombucha and find it tasty. Is the alcohol content, as low as it is, a problem for pancreatitis sufferers?
Hi Mary – yep kombucha could be a problem. It doesn’t take much alcohol to irritate a damaged pancreas and if you happen to have the gentic variant that predisposes one to alcoholic pancreatitis it could even pose greater risk. I wouldn’t drink it but that’s me. Watching it being made shouldn’t be a problem just so long as “tasting” isn’t in the recipe lol 🙂
Hi Health Guy, thanks for all of your work and for sharing and giving us hope. Check out this article;
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4244502/
Interesting about the vagus nerve being responsible for ennervating the pancreas-and decreased vagal tone being a possible cause of many digestive issues. Have you found this is true?
Joe I have to admit you have asked me a question that I can’t answer because I have never looked into it. The article intrigues me so I’ll definitely read it and maybe do some more research.
Hello, thank you so much for all the wonderful information. Can I take GSE & Tumeric curcumin
with Pantoprazole?
Hi Nicolai – it should be safe. Others, who are on PPI’s, take them (grape seed extract, curcumin and vitamin c). Good question. Thanks for asking. 🙂
I started with Pycnogenol in 1995 and after a year went to Grape Seed Extract, so it’s 23 yrs soon. I can’t imagine NOT taking it…Everything else works better, no allergies/sinus issues and much much more, and I’m 80 soon. Something tells me Steve Jobs didn’t know about it. Sad I’d say. Could have maybe saved him. Just thinking.
Hi Joyce! We found the stuff about the same time! I agree with you and hope you have a great 80th BDay! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Hi HG,
Just wondering if you ever found out about the conversion of the grape seed extract to milligrams. For instance I have a 55ml bottle here that is 0.26% grape seed extract yet on the pack it says 20,000mg of grapeseed. There is some ratio/calculation going on that I cant seem to understand, so yeah just wondering if in the 3 years you have figured it out or come by it.
Thank you
Hi YMB I have to admit it slipped through the cracks of my mind.
Hello, again!
I wrote the other day. Again, thank you so much for all your information and kindness. It is the sweetest. I never saw if you responded to my last comment, as my email didn’t show it. Nevertheless, I am back to ask you a few questions and hoping you will respond; this time, I am going to remember where I ask!
So, I of course have been fearing for my life ever since my stomach felt punched last week, and after my Lipase levels were high. I have an ultrasound next week.
My doctor has been of zero help; it’s really disheartening. She sent a short message with my results. I wrote a few times after that, and she basically told me not to Google and not to eat or drink anything. That’s it.
I already went to the store and bought the supplements you suggested. Yesterday, I took the prescribed amount on the bottle once in the morning. At night, I took everything but the curcummin (not sure why), again; but, I took 2 grapefruit extract pills instead of 1 because it said you could have 3 per day.
I took them again, this morning. I am also having water and tea. Yesterday, after I took the supplements, I juiced cellary (I’ve heard amazing things from the Medical Medium on how it can decrease inflamation); however, I’m not sure if juicing is okay or not. I never went to the hospital for mine, and my pain lasted 2-3 days. I’m guessing mine is due to alcohol for a long time (I hate saying it, and I have prayed for forgiveness), and I am promising myself that I am quitting for good. Nevertheless, not too much pain (knock on wood).
Anyway, I have noticed that I suddenly got some back pain last night. And, today I have had indigestion quite a bit (burping) only after the supplements, water, and tea. My mom is thinking it’s the supplements, but I told her how everyone seems to say nothing but wonderful things about it. Do you know if it causes burping or if that’s a sign that I should discontinue it? Have you ever had anyone discouraged from taking these supplements? I’m really wanting to drink the grapefruit juice I bought, but since I know nothing, I’m not sure if I need to wait days -and, my doctor didn’t indicate how long I need to only drink water.
Also, I’m not sure how much of the supplements I should take. I believe you’ve said you take a lot. I know you’re not a doctor, but would you be able to suggest a recommended amount to me; I clearly trust you, and I think you’re amazing. I am 5’1.5″ and 98lbs. Or, do you think indigestion is from supplements, water, or tea? Have you heard of indegestion?
Also, do you know if chronic sometimes has very few symptoms or pain? I’m just so worried.
THANK YOU!!
Hi Jenna – Sorry it has taken me so long to respond and I know when I am sick I am not very patient ?? anyway … I gotta ask did you get grapefruit seed extract or grape seed extract? I know you said grapefruit and those can be kinda hard on the stomach so your mom could be right. I tried them but I only did one per day cuz I used the grape seed extract, curmin and vit c for my daily workhorse supplements. I like the juice better and now I use grape seed extract and vit C mostly. I would still use curcumin in the cocktail when i am ill but Glory to God it’s been a long time. I do use grape seed extract, vit c and wash them down with grapefruit juice and I use a lot of grape seed extract now 1200mgs 3x daily and vit c 1,000mgs 3x daily.
Nothing wrong with celery juice. I used to juice a lot but I got tired of the mess and V8 juice works and is much cheaper. but I kinda miss that fresh juice.
Yes, excessive drinking is a cause. If one has the genetic variant that predisposes them to alcoholic pancreatitis it doesn’t even take excessive drinking. Just social drinking on weekends is likely to be all it takes. But quitting is necessary even if it isn’t alcohol related. One of the ways alcoholic pancreatitis can present is with mild symptoms such as mild chronic pancreatitis. And then one day bam! you have acute pancreatitis anyway …
You should call your doc and ask her how long she wants you to fast.
Regarding the supplements they may cause burping but so does pancreatitis many people have burping/gas issues. IF the burping started right after taking the supplements it may be them. You could stop taking them and see if the burping resolves. Then restart with a lower dose. It is always best to start low and increase slow because the supplements are very powerful antioxidants and if you have never used them before too much too fast can cause unwanted GI symptoms because they push toxins out of the body and too many toxins being pushed out can be tough for the filtering organs (liver and kidneys) to handle the load and so they can make you feel detox illness. I tell people to go slow and if they get “detox” symptoms to quit for a couple days until they go away and then start again with a lower dose. I imagine somebody has quit them.
Like I said I take a lot but I have been taking them for years. You should start out with:
1st week
1) Grape seed extract 50 or 100 mgs once or twice daily
2) Curcumin (if you have no gallstones or gallbladder issues) as low a dose as possible once or twice daily
3) Vit C 500mgs one or twice daily
4) Grapefruit seed extract one pill daily until you have used it up. If you want to keep using it fine. one pill a day should be sufficient. I prefer the juice cuz I like it
If everything goes well the first week then..
2nd week
Increase the morning dose of grape seed extract and vit c by one pill/cap and leave the curcumin and grapefruit seed extract where it is
If everything is good , no problems no pain etc
3rd week
Increase the evening dose of grape seed extract and vit c, leave the curcumin and grapefruit seed extract where they are.
IF your pain doesn’t resolve keep increasing the doses, including curcumin until it does but go slow.
The indigestion could be the inflamed pancreas. It and worse is very common. It could also be the supplements.
Don’t worry. I know it’s a natural response but it doesn’t help. Grab a Bible and read God’s Word. Ask Him in Jesus’ Name to help you calm down and not fear and to help you heal and quit drinking. He will. He’s awesome and He loves to show off for those who love Him by doing everything good for them that they ask. 🙂
Hello! Thank you so so much for your very kind response. I am still worried as can be. It comes in waves, and right now it’s high. I don’t feel any worse, but I am feeling guilty that I haven’t just solely drank water. I’ve been juicing twice a day -once, I incorporate an apple and carrots with veggies, once it’s just celery. So, I haven’t done straight water. Do you think this is a major mistake?
Also, I want to make sure I understand you -are you saying from your history and knowledge, if I have drank lots for a decade, I most likely have chronic pancreatitis and it just showed up as acute? I’ve been hoping it’s acute since chronic can lead to cancer. I’m just terrified. But, is chronic the most likely if I have been abusing alcohol For 10+ years, even though I have only felt the pancreatitis symptoms twice this year (from what I can remember)? I am So scared.
Thank you so much. I am praying. Thank you!!
Hi Jenna- You’re welcome, any time. I know this is easier said than done but don’t worry and don’t fear. Put your trust in God and give this illness to Him and ask Him to give you healing. And yes to me fasting is NO food of any kind. Some folks give up something (candy or cake or bread) and call it a fast and technically it is a fast but not the kind that gives the pancreas rest. Any kind of food stimulates the pancreas to produce and release enzymes. So complete fasting is the only way to stop the release of enzymes. When in the hospital they will even stop your water intake and instead hydrate you via IV. It is actually the ONLY good thing they on a consistent basis. THEN after the fast juice is the way to begin introducing food back into play. This is what I said regarding drinking and pancreatitis:
“Yes, excessive drinking is a cause. If one has the genetic variant that predisposes them to alcoholic pancreatitis it doesn’t even take excessive drinking. Just social drinking on weekends is likely to be all it takes. But quitting is necessary even if it isn’t alcohol related. One of the ways alcoholic pancreatitis can present is with mild symptoms such as mild chronic pancreatitis. And then one day bam! you have acute pancreatitis anyway …”
I said it (drinking, especially a lot) is a cause not necessarily your cause. And that alcoholic pancreatitis can first present with mild symptoms such as does mild chronic pancreatitis which, without treatment (stopping alcohol and diet changes) may progress to acute pancreatitis or a more severe chronic pancreatitis condition. The same is true of hereditary pancreatitis and autoimmune pancreatitis. Those three types can present with mild symptoms first and escalate without treatment.
Hi there! I have had mild to moderate pain in my left upper ab, under ribs,going to back for about 7 days now, no nausea and the pain is there at night more and day less. I do not want to go to hospital, and got the grapefruit juice(red) and grape seed 100 mg with vit c, tumeric and black pepper tea that i make…do you think i should take ibupro 800..i hate to take it but if it will help get rid of the swelling…i took 600 ibupro 3 days ago and the swelling and pain reduced to 20 percent….how many days of 800 ibupro do you think I should take…i do not want to have damage because of the swelling as it is still happening. i started grape seed i cap yesterday plus juice and tea. thank you so much for your info, you are blessing us especially from going into the er!!! Bless you!!
Hi Dominique … sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Avoiding the ER or getting medical attention may not be a good thing because even doctors have difficulty diagnosing anything without labwork and scans. Lab work and scans can shed light on your illness. It may not be pancreatitis. It could be gallbladder, liver, sphincter of oddi dysfunction or some other digestive illness such as autoimmune disease (crohn’s, UC, celiac disease etc). But Ibuprofen does fight inflammation. That’s its primary usage. I would quit eating for a couple days, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and I might/would do 800 mgs once per day for a couple days then back down t0 400 mgs 2-3x daily for a week and then get off if I felt much better. I’d also continue the supplements while fasting. IF you get worse please go get medical help.