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.)