Colon polyps are benign tumors that develop in response to cell damage within the inner lining of the colon, according to the University of Missouri Department of Internal Medicine. A diet high in saturated fats contributes to the development of colon polyps, and most colon cancers progress from colon polyps. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown some promise in the prevention of colon cancer. Speak to your doctor or health care provider about healthy fats if you are at risk for colon polyps.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats may contribute to your risk of developing colon polyps, according to the MayoClinic.com. Saturated fats occur in animal sources such as red meat, full-fat milk, cheese, ice cream and eggs; they also exist in such plant sources as coconut oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil. Individuals at risk for colon polyps should avoid saturated fats from processed meats such as hot dogs, sausage, bratwurst and salami.
Carcinogens
According to the University of Missouri, the breakdown of fats in the body may release cancer-causing compounds known as carcinogens. Excess fat in the diet therefore increases the risk not only of developing colon polyps but of developing colon cancer. A lack of dietary fiber also intensifies this risk, since high-fiber foods remain instrumental in evacuating the bowel quickly and disposing of potential carcinogens before they can do harm.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
According to a 2007 study conducted by researchers from the St. George Hospital department of colorectal surgery in London, omega-3 fatty acids demonstrated a preventative effect on the proliferation of colon polyps. The researchers gave 30 subjects 2 g per day of omega-3 fatty acid over three months and found that the health of their colonic cells increased substantially compared with the control group. This research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the formation of polyps and may also help prevent colorectal cancer.
Ulcerative Colitis
A diet high in saturated and processed fat has also been linked to ulcerative colitis, one of the most significant risk factors for colon polyps and colorectal cancer, according to the University of Missouri. If you have colon polyps and ulcerative colitis, it is best to avoid saturated fats altogether. Switch from red meats and processed meats to omega-3 fatty acid--rich sources such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil.
References
- University of Missouri Department of Internal Medicine; Gastroenterology; Colorectal Cancer; 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Colon Polyps: Prevention; July 2009
- International Journal of Colorectal Disease; Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Reduces Crypt Cell Proliferation and Increases Apoptosis in Normal Colonic Mucosa in Subjects with a History of Colorectal Adenomas; E.D. Courtney, et al.; July 2007
- Health Castle; Good Fats and Bad Fats; Gloria Tsang, R.D.; November 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ulcerative Colitis; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; December 2008
