Borjomi for pancreatitis: is it possible or not, how to drink it correctly, reviews, benefits and harm

Borjomi water, obtained from the hidden depths of the Caucasus Mountains, is of volcanic origin, so its mineral complex is unique and diverse. It refers to medicinal table mineral waters, i.e. it can be used both for medicinal purposes and simply for one-time thirst quenching. But you should not drink it constantly, as this water has a serious effect on the digestive organs.

“Borjomi” is considered mineral water of medium mineralization, i.e. the sum of ions and undissociated molecules contained in it ranges from 5 to 15 g/l. In terms of its composition, this medicinal table water is sodium bicarbonate (alkaline).

Characteristic features of Borjomi mineral water

The healing mineralized water of Borjomi is extracted ten kilometers deep in the Caucasus Mountains. It is pushed onto the earth's surface by carbon dioxide, and as it passes upward it is additionally enriched with useful minerals present in the depths of the mountains, so it always comes out warm.

Due to its volcanic origin, it has a unique composition, which is why it is often used as a remedy for problems with the digestive system. Borjomi is a hydrocarbonate-sodium natural liquid, directly related to mineral waters of medium salinity category (the number of ions and undissociated molecules in its composition can vary from 5 to 15 g/l).

Chemical composition of a natural remedy

About 80 different microelements and other substances have been identified in Borjomi, among which the following stand out in high concentration:

Sodium.
Strontium.
Calcium.
Silicon.
Chlorine.
Potassium.
Bor.
Potassium.
Sulfur.
Fluorine.
Titanium.
Magnesium.
Aluminum.

In addition, water is rich in sulfates, bicarbonates and other chemical elements that can provide invaluable assistance to the human body.

The healing powers of the mineral drink

What healing capabilities does this natural water have, what is its healing potential? Due to the huge presence of various substances, Borjomi has a number of therapeutic effects:

Improves the acid-base balance of the body.
Has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and blood system.
Promotes more active metabolic processes.
Saturates the body with microelements, eliminates deficiency of important substances.
Cleanses the body of toxins and waste accumulation.
Strengthens and enhances the capabilities of the immune system.
Relieves fatigue and fills the body with energy.
Eliminates water-salt imbalance.
It has a therapeutic effect in some pathologies of the digestive system.

Borjomi is even used externally in the form of baths, which improve heart function, lower blood pressure in hypertension, improve blood circulation and even increase the endurance of arterial vessels.

In the presence of intense painful manifestations in the gastrointestinal tract, Borjomi:

Regulates water-salt balance.
Dilutes stomach mucus.
Improves digestive processes.
Helps relieve constipation.
Eliminates symptoms of heartburn.
Perfectly cleanses the digestive system.
Normalizes metabolic processes.
Increases insulin production.
Improves the performance of the pancreas.
Perfectly quenches thirst.
Promotes the correct functionality of the kidneys, liver and gallbladder.

Indications for use

Due to its wide range of healing capabilities, natural water is recommended for the following pathologies:

Gastritis.
Pancreatitis.
Bronchitis.
Stomach ulcer.
Colitis.
Asthma.
Hepatitis.
Enterocolitis.
Urethritis.
Overweight.
Stomatitis.
Diseases of the central nervous system.
Cystitis.
Cholecystitis.
Diabetes.
Gingivitis.
Metabolic disorder.
Reproductive problems in women.
Dyskinesia of the small and large intestines.

Quite often prescribed in the postoperative period to prevent relapse of chronic diseases.

Despite the fact that Borjomi is used in the treatment of many diseases, it should not be consumed in large quantities. It has a fairly intense effect on many organs, so its use is advisable only as prescribed by a doctor and in combination with other therapeutic methods.

"Borjomi" and acute pancreatitis

The traditional therapeutic measure for acute pancreatitis is complete fasting. Refusal to eat helps cope with aggressive enzymes synthesized by the pancreas. However, during this phase, some experts allow the intake of liquids, which may include mineral (alkaline) waters. Their list is very limited, but it also includes Borjomi water, which has all the necessary qualities:

inhibitory effect on gastric and pancreatic enzymatic production (this effect is obtained due to the reflex effect of Borjomi minerals on the duodenal mucosa and by activating the synthesis of a number of hormones);
analgesic effect (Borjomi components eliminate spasms);
anti-inflammatory effect;
normalization of bile flow;
facilitating adaptation to food products.

But bottled water must be heated (37 C0), otherwise it, on the contrary, will increase pain and cause diarrhea. In addition, only the use of degassed water is allowed.

When is Borjomi contraindicated?

Without a doubt, Borjomi has positive characteristics, but if certain factors are present, its use may be contraindicated. First of all, it is forbidden to drink it if you have the following medical history:

On the first day of the acute phase of pancreatitis.
Exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease.
Acute stage of kidney disease.
Early childhood.
Alcoholism.
Chronic dysentery.
Mental disorders.
Increased body temperature.
Worm infestation.
Bleeding of any etiology.
For cardiovascular diseases accompanied by edema.

Borjomi has no other serious restrictions. It is even allowed to be taken during pregnancy (no more than 1 glass per day) and for children (with medical permission), subject to strict adherence to consumption standards.

But this water can also cause harm if it is consumed haphazardly and in excessive amounts. Due to the fact that Borjomi exhibits a strong alkaline reaction, if used incorrectly and for a long time, it can begin to corrode the mucous tissue of the stomach, which is dangerous due to the development of gastritis and gastric ulcers.

In addition, the high concentration of salts present in its composition forces the body to additionally spend its energy and strength on processing them.

Compatibility of Borjomi and pancreatic disease

Is it possible to drink Borjomi if you have pancreatitis, and how to do it correctly? Experts emphasize that this natural mineralized water has all the necessary healing qualities that can help the patient alleviate the inflammatory process in the parenchymal organ.

It should be noted that for pancreatitis, not all types of mineral liquids are allowed to be taken, but Borjomi is not included in this prohibited list. When used correctly, Borjomi will bring a lot of benefits to the pancreas, thereby helping to reduce the intensity of the manifestation of pancreatic disease. Once inside the body, it begins to exert its chemical effect on it due to the salts, various trace elements and gases present in it.

Features of use in acute pancreatitis

Is it possible to take Borjomi for acute pancreatitis? On the first day of manifestation of acute pancreatitis, the patient observes complete fasting, which makes it possible to effectively stop the active aggression of pancreatic enzymes.

During this period, it is allowed to take liquids to avoid dehydration of the body, for example, rosehip decoction or just clean boiled water, but some experts recommend drinking alkaline water, that is, mineral water. True, the list of these mineral waters is quite limited, but among the permitted ones there is also Borjomi, which has the following healing effects:

Inhibits the production of stomach and gland enzymes.
Excellent for relieving spasms.
Eliminates pain syndrome.
Reduces the intensity of inflammatory manifestations.
Promotes normal flow of bile.
Softens the adaptation period to food products.

As you can see, mineral water therapy promotes faster recovery of the gland after an acute exacerbation of pancreatitis.

In order for its therapeutic effect to be truly effective, before use it must be warmed to room temperature (37 degrees), but not higher than 40 degrees, since at high temperatures all its healing qualities are lost. You should not take it in a cool state, which can cause diarrhea and increased painful discomfort.

Consumption of mineral water during chronic inflammation

Many patients are interested in whether it is allowed to drink Borjomi during exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis? Gastroenterologists answer this question with the following: this medicinal drink should be taken with extreme caution, making sure to monitor the patient’s well-being after taking it. Some experts recommend drinking it only during rehabilitation and during remission.

If the pancreas has retained its working function in relation to the synthesis of its own enzymes, then in this case Borjomi is drunk 1-1.5 hours before meals, which allows the water to reduce the amount of digestive secretions produced. In the first days, it is not recommended to drink more than ¼ glass of Borjomi.
If laboratory and clinical research results have confirmed the absence of an active phase of inflammation, the volume of water taken can be significantly increased to 200 ml, and the frequency of its intake is increased to 3 times a day.
If the secretory ability of the pancreas is sluggish and there is a deficiency of enzymes, it is better to drink mineral liquid 0.5-1 hour before the expected start of a meal. It is worth paying attention to this important point: in case of pancreatitis against the background of diabetes mellitus, mineral water activates the production of insulin.

Borjomi

«Borjomi

"(Georgian: ბორჯომი) - medicinal table sodium bicarbonate mineral water of medium mineralization.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries it was called " Borzhom
" ("
Borzhom
").

The springs are located in the Borjomi Valley, in Southern Georgia, at a distance of about 150 km from Tbilisi.
Water is extracted from 9 wells with a depth of 1200 to 1500 m in three sections of the Borjomi field: Central (in the city of Borjomi), Likansky (in the village of Likani) and Vashlovani-Kvibissky (in Vashlovani and Kvibisi). Water rises through wells to the surface of the earth by gravity. The temperature of Borjomi mineral water in the wells of the Vashlovani-Kvibissky area, depending on the depth and flow rate of the water, ranges from 15 to 41 °C. In the Likansky area, the initial water flow from the wells was 2–8 l/s, the temperature was 38–40 °C. Acidity 5.5–7.5 pH. Carbon dioxide dissolved in produced water is 1000–1800. Borjomi bottled water, supplied since 2013, can be extracted from different wells. Specific numbers are written on the bottle label. The bottle purchased as an experiment in the Moscow region in November 2013 indicated wells Nos. 25E and 41r of the Borjomi field.

Characteristics of Borjomi mineral water

Component	Contents of the main components of water "Borjomi" in different periods, mg/l
	GOST 13273-88 (currently not valid in the Russian Federation)	Information on the bottle, 2013
General mineralization	5500–7500	5000–7500
Anions
bicarbonate HCO3–	3500–5000	3500–5000
sulfate SO42−	less than 10	not indicated
chlorine Cl−	250–500	250–500
Cations
magnesium Mg2+	less than 50	20–150
calcium Ca2+	less than 100	20–150
sodium+potassium Na++K+	1200–2000	not indicated
sodium Na+	—	1000–2000

Medicinal table mineral water "Borjomi" is close in composition and therapeutic effect to the sodium bicarbonate mineral waters "Nagutskaya-26" and "Nagutskaya-56", for a detailed description of the procedure for taking sodium bicarbonate waters, see the article "Nagutskaya-26".

Indications for medical use of Borjomi mineral water

Borjomi mineral water is indicated for the treatment of the following diseases (outside the acute phase):

gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophagitis
chronic gastritis with normal and high acidity
stomach and duodenal ulcer
irritable bowel syndrome
intestinal dyskinesia
diseases of the liver, gallbladder and biliary tract
chronic pancreatitis
rehabilitation after surgery for gastric ulcers
postcholecystectomy syndrome
diabetes
obesity
disturbance of salt and lipid metabolism
chronic diseases of the urinary system: cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis, urolithiasis.

Mineral water "Borjomi" is a medicinal table mineral water and, like other mineral waters of this class, is not recommended as a daily drink for a long time. Treatment with Borjomi mineral water is not carried out during exacerbation of diseases; there are other contraindications. For therapeutic or long-term use, consultation with a specialist is necessary.

Professional medical publications addressing the use of Borjomi mineral water in pediatrics

During the rehabilitation period, children who have suffered from gastric and duodenal ulcers are recommended to drink warm Borjomi mineral water (25-30°C) for 30-40 days, 2 times a year (Khavkin A.I. et al.).
Mineral water "Borjomi" is useful in the balneological treatment of chronic gastritis and gastroduodenitis in children. To reduce the increased secretory function of the stomach, Borjomi is prescribed at the rate of 3-5 ml of mineral water per kg of child’s weight per day, 1.5-2 hours before meals. If necessary, stimulate the secretory function of the stomach, mineral water is taken in the same amount 20-30 minutes before meals (Privorotsky V.F., Luppova N.E., 2005).

Children with GERD may be prescribed low-mineralized alkaline mineral waters, in particular Borjomi, at the end of an exacerbation of the disease or during remission. Mineral water is taken warm and degassed 30-40 minutes before meals for 4 weeks. After drinking mineral water, it is advisable for the patient to lie down, which ensures longer contact of water with the gastric mucosa; To enhance the therapeutic effect, we can recommend taking Borjomi mineral water through a straw in a lying position (Privorotsky V.F., Luppova N.E., 2005).

Sanatorium-resort treatment of older children with chronic gastroduodenitis or gastritis is carried out in local balneological sanatoriums or at the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters. Mineral waters of low mineralization are recommended: in particular, “Borjomi” at the rate of 3 ml/kg 3 times a day, with increased secretory function - 1-1.5 hours before meals in a warm form, with reduced secretory function - 15-20 minutes before meals, with normal secretion, water at room temperature - 45 minutes before meals (Shabalov N.P.).

Taking Borjomi mineral water is recommended for the prevention of disorders of bile rheology and bile flow. Take 1 glass of water, without gas, 30 minutes before meals, 3 times a day, for a course of up to 1-3 months, up to 2-3 times a year (Mekhtiev S.N.).

Publications for healthcare professionals regarding the use of Borjomi water in the rehabilitation of patients with diseases of the digestive tract

(according to the Guide to Gastroenterology edited by F. I. Komarov, S. I. Rapoport)

“Borjomi” restores the excitability of brain neurons and the motor function of the stomach, relieves spasm of the pylorus and reduces the secretory function of the stomach. During the rehabilitation of patients with GERD, a single intake of water is carried out at the rate of 3 mg/kg body weight (start with 75–100 ml and gradually increase) taking into account food intake 3–4 times a day. In case of hyperacidity, Borjomi is taken 60–90 minutes before meals, heated to 30–45 °C, quickly in large sips; in a hypoacid state - take 15-20 minutes before meals, temperature 20-25 ° C, slowly in small sips (Lyadov K.V., Preobrazhensky V.N.).

Borjomi mineral water is used in the rehabilitation of patients with pancreatic diseases in order to enhance insulin production. When taking Borjomi, stretching of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and irritation of the mechanoreceptors located here lead to stimulation of the secretion of gastric juice, increased secretion of gastrin, hydrochloric acid and histohormones. Due to the close functional relationships of gastric histohormones with insulin within a single gastroenteropancreatic system, the early phase of insulin secretion is activated predominantly, stimulating the enzymatic utilization of glucose in hepatocytes, and carbohydrate metabolism is restored. These processes are enhanced by magnesium ions Mg2+. Cl− ions, combining with hydrogen H+ in the stomach, form hydrochloric acid, stimulate the choleretic function of the liver, increase the intensity of glycolysis and lipolysis in liver cells. Sulfate ions SO42− reduce gastric secretion; practically without being absorbed in the intestine, they stimulate its motor function, stimulate the tone of the muscles of the gallbladder and relax the sphincters of the biliary tract (Lutkens and Oddi), which leads to an acceleration of the directional movement of bile into the duodenum and an increase in bilirubin in its composition. In combination with Ca2+ ions, they activate the microsomal enzyme system of the liver, thicken the vascular wall, and reduce the content of intracellular water and mucus during inflammation of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. Borjomi is drunk depending on the acid-forming function of the stomach: in a hypoacid state - 15-20 minutes before meals, in a normacid state - 30-45 minutes, and in a hyperacid state - 60-90 minutes. The water temperature should be 36–45 °C. Taking Borjomi starts with 100 ml and gradually increases to 200–250 ml. Drink in small sips, slowly. Depending on the diet, Borjomi is taken 3 or 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 21–24 days at the resort and 28–40 days on an outpatient basis. Repeated course after 4–6 months (Lyadov K.V., Preobrazhensky V.N.).

When rehabilitating patients with irritable bowel syndrome, Borjomi with a temperature of 40–45 °C is drunk on an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before meals, in small sips, the course of treatment is 21–26 days. Sodium cations Na+, entering the interstitium and blood, restore their osmolarity, which leads to a decrease in intestinal motility. Ca2+ ions enhance the contractile function of the smooth muscle elements of the intestinal wall. K+ ions restore increased intestinal motility and its evacuation function (Lyadov K.V., Preobrazhensky V.N.).

Bottled mineral water "Borjomi"

Currently, the only company engaged in bottling Borjomi mineral water (in glass and plastic bottles) is IDS Borjomi Georgia, which is part of the international company IDS Borjomi International.
Like most medicinal table waters, Borjomi bottled mineral water is sold only as carbonated water. When used for medicinal purposes, it is advisable to release the gas (partially) from such water. It is recommended to store bottles of Borjomi at home in a dark, cool place, in a supine position. For most medicinal table waters, precipitation of a small amount of mineral salts is allowed.

Some problems associated with sales of Borjomi outside Georgia

Since May 2006, for 7 years, formally, due to the decision of Rospotrebnadzor, Borjomi (as well as other Georgian mineral water Nabeglavi) was not supplied to Russia.
After the break, the Certificate of Registration for Borjomi bottled water was received on 04/11/2013. In 2007, an EU directive was issued banning the sale of Borjomi from wells 38 and 41 due to excess barium content. In Latvia and Estonia, due to the increased concentration of barium (6 mg/l instead of the 1 mg/l allowed in the EU), batches of Borjomi were withdrawn from sale.

After the cessation of supplies to the Russian market of mineral water from the Borjomi deposit in Russia, under the name “Russian Borjomi” and similar ones, mineral water “Nagutskaya-26”, similar in composition and therapeutic effect, began to be sold (see image on the right), but in mid-2007, by an arbitration decision court, the sale of water with that name, but not from the Borjomi field, was prohibited.

According to some experts, a number of Russian ) in 2006–07. deliberately designed their products in such a way that they were similar to Borjomi, banned in Russia. Back to section

How to drink Borjomi correctly for pancreatitis

The table below shows the dosage and permissible frequency of drinking mineral water.

Form and phase of the disease	Dosage rate and frequency
Acute	up to 600 ml per day if well tolerated
Chronic	up to 600 ml per day in the absence of negative effects
Period of stable remission	up to 600 ml per day

In this case, it is permissible to use only degassed water (without gas). This means that after opening a bottle of mineral water, you need to wait about 20-30 minutes until all the gases come out.

The duration of the course can be from 3 to 6 weeks. You need to drink water slowly, in small sips and no more than 3 times a day before meals.

"Borjomi" and chronic pancreatitis

During the current exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, medium-mineralized Borjomi is used very carefully, constantly assessing the patient’s tolerability of this therapeutic method. Some doctors try to use it already in the rehabilitation phase.

If the gland's ability to produce pancreatic juice (enzymes) is preserved, Borjomi should be consumed 1.5 hours before meals. Then mineral water reduces the synthesis of digestive secretions. Its initial amount, as a rule, does not exceed a quarter of a glass. Further, in the absence of clinical and laboratory manifestations of inflammation activation, you can slowly increase the single dose (up to a full glass) and the frequency of administration (up to 3 per day).

If the secretory activity of the pancreas decreases with a deficiency of its enzymes, it is recommended to drink Borjomi half an hour or an hour before the planned meal. If the patient has developed diabetes mellitus associated with pancreatitis, then Borjomi can enhance insulin production.

Borjomi water contains up to 60 minerals, among them the highest concentrations are: sodium, calcium, silicon, potassium, sulfur, magnesium, aluminum, chlorine, boron, fluorine, titanium, strontium.

Reviews of the medicinal drink

Nina, 44 years old. I have long-term chronic pancreatitis. I carefully follow all the instructions of my gastroenterologist, but periodic attacks make themselves felt. After another exacerbation, the doctor prescribed Borjomi to drink. Surprisingly, this mineral water really has healing properties. Got rid of the annoying symptoms of heartburn and unpleasant cramps.

Ivan Petrovich, 68 years old. I have been buying Borjomi medicinal table water for a long time, because I not only know about its healing abilities, but also felt its positive effect on my inflamed pancreas. The main thing is to take it correctly, following the advice of your doctor, otherwise there may be a new attack.

Igor, 31 years old. A few months ago I had my first attack of pancreatitis; before that, I felt painful discomfort in the epigastric region several times. I chalked it up to a heavy meal and drinking alcohol during parties. In fact, everything turned out to be much more serious. The gastroenterologist recommended reconsidering my diet and also prescribed Borjomi for prevention. After a month of treatment with this mineral water, my health improved, and the pain no longer bothered me.