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Preventing Colon Polyps

Preventing colon polyps typically involves minimizing or eliminating certain factors (such as being overweight) that increase the risk of getting them. By adding more calcium and folate to your diet, you can help lower your risk of getting colon polyps. Other measures for preventing colon polyps include exercising regularly, not smoking, and eating more fruits and vegetables.

 

Preventing Colon Polyps: An Overview

Doctors don't know of any sure method of preventing colon polyps. But you might be able to lower your risk of getting them if you:
 
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables and less fatty food
  • Don't smoke
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Exercise on most or all days of the week
  • Lose weight (if you're overweight).
     
Eating more calcium and folate can also lower your risk of getting colon polyps. Some foods that are rich in calcium include milk, cheese, and broccoli. Some foods that are rich in folate include chickpeas, kidney beans, and spinach.
 
Taking daily aspirin for as little as three years was shown to reduce the development of colon polyps. But be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning any type of medication program.
 
(For more information on polyps in the large intestine, see the full eMedTV article on Colon Polyps.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD