Polyps, also known as colon polyps, are small growths that develop in certain parts of your colon, or large intestine. In most cases, these growths are benign or harmless, notes Mayo Clinic, although some polyps may become cancerous and must be removed as soon as possible to help reduce your risk for colon cancer. Certain dietary changes may be helpful in treating your colon polyps, although you should always check with your primary healthcare provider before using this natural treatment approach for this purpose.
About Polyps
Several risk factors may increase your chances of developing colon polyps including a past history of polyps, a family history of polyps or colon cancer, and being over 50 years of age. Though symptoms associated with this condition are often rare, you may experience prolonged diarrhea or constipation and bloody stools. Polyps are usually detected during a colonoscopy -- a procedure in which your physician performs an internal examination of your large intestine using a tool called a colonoscope.
Dietary Strategies
One of the principle dietary strategies in treating colonic polyps involves the use of high-fiber foods. Examples of high-fiber foods that may be helpful in treating your colonic polyps, states certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," include sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, spinach, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, cauliflower, cantaloupe, broccoli, raspberries and strawberries. Removing dried foods, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods from your diet may also be particularly helpful in treating your polyps.
A Useful Food
According to Mayo Clinic, Swiss chard is a dark-green, leafy vegetable that is rich in fiber and antioxidants and thus may help reduce your risk of developing colon polyps and colon cancer. Swiss chard contains significant quantities of dietary fiber and certain vitamins and minerals.
Warning
Because polyps seldom cause symptoms and may increase your risk for colon cancer, you should speak with your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy, especially if you are middle-aged or older. In most cases, a combination of therapies, including both allopathic and alternative therapies, may be most effective in treating this condition. To better understand the risks and benefits associated with dietary changes in treating this condition, schedule an appointment with a clinical nutrition specialist.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Colon Polyps
- MedlinePlus: Colonic Polyps
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Colon Polyps: Prevention
