Dietary Risks for Colon Polyps

Colon polyps often do not cause symptoms. They are often discovered when the patient is tested for something different. However, your doctor may want to remove the polyps if they are cancerous or have the potential to turn into cancer. Certain lifestyle habits may put you at risk for developing polyps. Diet is one of them.

What Are Colon Polyps?

• According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), a colon polyp is a growth on the surface of the colon or large intestine. A polyp can be raised or flat, and some people have more than one polyp. Polyps can be benign or cancerous or have the potential to develop into cancer. The NDDIC says people older than 50 are more likely to have polyps, as well as patients who have relatives who have had colon cancer or polyps. You are also likely to develop polyps if you drink alcohol, smoke, eat fatty foods, do not exercise or are obese. While many people don't show symptoms, sometimes polyps can cause blood in stool or bleeding from the anus. According to an article at John Hopkins Health Alerts, an "analysis revealed that the flat lesions were more than five times as likely to be cancerous as similarly sized regular polyps."

Dietary Risks

• A diet high in fat puts you more at risk for developing polyps. Try limiting your intake of red meat as well as processed meat such as hotdogs, sausage or brats. They contain saturated fat, which is unhealthy. Other foods that contain saturated fat include whole milk, cheese and ice cream. But not all fat is bad. According to the Mayo Clinic, "healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts and olive oil, may protect you from cancer." Alcohol poses another risk for developing polyps. Limit your consumption to no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.

Diet Recommendations

• According to the Mayo Clinic, calcium can significantly protect against colon polyps and cancers. Calcium is found in foods such as milk (and other dairy products), salmon and broccoli. A variety of calcium supplements are available over the counter. A diet high in fiber may also cut your risk for developing colon polyps. According to the Mayo Clinic, foods such as deep green and dark yellow or orange fruits and vegetables such as Swiss chard, bok choy, spinach, cantaloupe, mango, acorn or butternut squash are high-fiber choices.

Removing Polyps

• Polyps are removed during a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, your doctor will insert a long, flexible tube into your rectum and into the colon. He will be able to examine the entire large intestine. The tube has a camera on the end, as well as an instrument to remove polyps. You will be sedated during this procedure.

Prevention

• According to the NDDIC, there is no sure way to prevent polyps. Besides adjusting your diet, you can also lower your risk by losing weight, not smoking and starting a regular exercise program.