Diet for intestinal polyps: what to eat and what to avoid

The diet for intestinal polyps should be low in saturated fats found in fried foods and industrialized products, and rich in fiber found in natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, leaves and cereals, for example, in addition to including the consumption of at least 2 liters of water per day.

This balanced diet aims to reduce growth, the chances of inflammation and the appearance of new polyps, in addition to avoiding possible bleeding after a bowel movement.

However, even with adequate nutrition, in some cases the general practitioner or gastroenterologist may recommend the removal of intestinal polyps, to prevent them from transforming into colon cancer. See how polyps are removed.

Diet for those with intestinal polyps

In case of intestinal polyps, it is important to consume foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains, as they will help the intestine to work without extra effort and maintain the intestinal flora, which prevents the polyps from bleeding, in addition to reducing the chance of new polyps appearing. These foods can be:

• Sheets: lettuce, kale, arugula, chard, watercress, celery, endive and spinach;
• Legumes: green beans, pumpkin, carrots, beets and eggplant;
• Whole grains: wheat, oats, rice;
• Fruits: strawberry, pear with skin, papaya, plum, orange, pineapple, peach, fig and apricot, avocado;
• Fruits oilseeds: walnuts, chestnuts;
• Nuts: raisins, dates;
• Good fats: olive oil, coconut oil;
• Seeds: flaxseed, chia, pumpkin and sesame;
• Probiotics: yogurts, kefir, kombucha and sauerkraut;
• Skimmed milk and derivatives: white cheeses such as ricotta, minas frescal and cottage.

Generally, intestinal polyps are not a sign of something more serious, but it is recommended to pay attention to bleeding and pain, as it may indicate an evolution, and in this case the gastroenterologist may recommend removal, in order to avoid complications such as inflammation and cancer. Find out the cause of intestinal polyps and how they are treated.

Foods that should be avoided

To prevent intestinal polyps from becoming inflamed or growing, you should not eat foods rich in saturated fats, such as fried foods, cakes, snacks, frozen or processed foods such as sauces, broths, fast food, sausages and yellow cheeses.

Furthermore, it is also important to avoid refined and processed foods, such as white bread and products made with refined flour.

Menu option

The following table indicates an example of a 3-day menu, which can be used in the diet for intestinal polyps, and is a diet rich in fiber, nutrients and low in saturated fat:

This menu is just an example and therefore, other foods should be added to the diet throughout the week, and the quantities may vary according to nutritional needs and age, in addition to the fact that the person may have another disease.

Therefore, the recommendation is that a nutritionist be consulted so that a complete assessment can be carried out and a food plan created according to the needs.