Digestive Diseases Discussion Home

Monday, February 28, 2005

How can I prevent colon polyps?

Doctors don't know of any one sure way to prevent 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 every day
  • lose weight if you're overweight

Eating more calcium and folate can also lower your risk of getting polyps. Some foods that are rich in calcium are milk, cheese, and broccoli. Some foods that are rich in folate are chickpeas, kidney beans, and spinach.

Some doctors think that aspirin might help prevent polyps. Studies are under way.

Illustration of women walking and two men sitting on a bench eating.

source: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonpolyps_ez/index.htm

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home