A colon polyp is a clump of abnormal cells that forms on the lining of your large intestine, or colon. In most instances, you may not know you have colon polyps because they generally do not cause symptoms. Polyps may take years to form and over time become larger, increasing your risk of the polyp turning cancerous. A high-fiber diet can help reduce your risk of polyp formation and may shrink existing benign polyps.
Risk and Treatment
A variety of factors can increase your risk of polyp formation, including age, family history of polyps, dietary habits, use of alcohol or tobacco, being overweight and a sedentary lifestyle. Untreated colon polyps can grow, multiply or become cancerous, and it is imperative if you are age 50 or older to get annual screenings to detect and treat polyps early. Once a polyp is detected, your physician may remove it immediately to reduce the chance of it growing and turning cancerous. Removal of polyps is the first line of treatment, but you can help prevent recurrence by increasing your daily fiber intake.
Fiber and Colon Polyp Research
Preliminary research from the University of California, Davis, indicates that a diet high in fibrous vegetables and vitamin D-3 may shrink existing colon polyps to the point of disappearance. According to the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada, the researchers from the UC Davis study hypothesize that a chemical called butyrate, a fatty acid, in the fibrous foods may be the component causing shrinkage. However, ongoing research is warranted to evidence results conclusively. Similarly, a 2006 study published by the American Gastroenterological Association Institute found that the plant-derived polyphenolic substance quercetin, which is found in vegetables such as onions, may also inhibit polyp cell growth when paired with the herb curcumin. The authors concluded that although the five study subjects had polyp shrinkage from this dietary combination, more clinical studies are needed to validate the findings.
Fiber Information
Fiber represents the indigestible portion of plant-based foods. It serves the purpose of adding bulk to your stool, regulating bowels, nourishing healthy bacteria in your colon and ushering the carcinogens you may consume out of your colon to prevent polyp formation. The daily recommended intake of fiber for adults is 25 to 35 g. You can get this intake met with a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Beans and whole grains such as wheat bread or pasta, brown rice, bran and oats are fiber rich. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain moderate amounts of fiber and are a significant source of antioxidant vitamins, important for fighting harmful molecules that can damage your cells.
Additional Prevention Tips
High dietary fat intake can increase your risk of colon cancer, notes MayoClinic.com. Eat a primarily plant-based diet, but include lean sources of protein and unsaturated fats such as fish or baked poultry instead of red meat, processed meat and whole dairy. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation to reduce your risk of polyps. Limit your alcohol consumption to two standard drinks or fewer per day. Engage in regular physical activity, approximately 30 minutes a day three to five times a week, and keep your weight at a healthy level.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Colon Polyps; July 2011
- Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada; Can High Fiber Diets Possibly Shrink Colon Polyps?; Anne Hart; April 2011
- American Gastroenterological Association Institute; Combination Treatment With Curcumin and Quercetin of Ademonas in Familial Adenomateous Polyposis; Marcia Cruz-Correa, et al.; 2006
- Colon and Rectal Surgery Associates: High-Fiber Diet
- Harvard University Health Services; Fiber Content of Foods in Common Portions; May 2004
- University of California Davis; Some Facts About Fiber; Andrea Benjamin, et al.; April 2004
