Content
The diet for intestinal polyps should be low in saturated fats found in fried foods and in industrialized products, and rich in fibers that are in natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, leaves and cereals, for example, in addition to including 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 preventing possible bleeding after evacuation.
However, even with adequate food, in some cases the general practitioner or gastroenterologist may indicate the removal of intestinal polyps, to prevent them from becoming colon cancer. See how the polyps are removed.
Diet for those with intestinal polyps
In the case of intestinal polyps it is important to consume foods such as vegetables, legumes, 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:
- Leaves: lettuce, cabbage, arugula, chard, watercress, celery, endive and spinach;
- Vegetables: green beans, pumpkin, carrots, beets and eggplants;
- Whole grains: wheat, oats, rice;
- Fruits: strawberry, pear in shell, papaya, plum, orange, pineapple, peach, fig and apricot, avocado;
- Oil fruits: nuts, chestnuts;
- Dried fruits: 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 attention is recommended for bleeding and pain, as it may indicate an evolution, in which case the gastroenterologist can recommend the removal, in order to avoid complications such as inflammation and cancer. Know the cause of intestinal polyps and how is the treatment.
Foods to Avoid
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, fastfood, sausages and yellow cheeses.
In addition, 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 it is a diet rich in fiber, nutrients and low in saturated fat:
Meal | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
Breakfast | Wholemeal bread, with orange juice and an apple with peel. | Banana smoothie and natural yogurt with mint. | Natural yogurt with pieces of unpeeled fruit, and granola to taste. |
Morning snack | Avocado smoothie with oat bran. | Mix fruit with flaxseed flour. | Brown bread with ricotta and strawberry juice. |
Lunch | Oven rice with shredded chicken breast, and chard, watercress and raisins. | Eggplant stuffed with ricotta and aromatic herbs (basil, parsley, chives) + brown rice and lettuce, tomato and plum salad. | Grilled chicken leg, rice, beans, spinach salad with arugula, assorted vegetables seasoned with olive oil. For dessert, a slice of pineapple. |
Afternoon snack | Natural yogurt with fruits and oat flakes. | Natural frozen banana ice cream with chia and dates + 1 whole toast. | Glass of papaya smoothie with 2 two tablespoons of flaxseed and whole toast.
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Dinner | Mix of leaves with steamed vegetable salad. | Pumpkin broth with cabbage and sesame. | Hake cooked with vegetables, and for dessert, strawberries to taste. |
This menu is just an example and therefore, other foods should be added to the diet throughout the week, and the amounts may vary according to nutritional need and age, in addition to the fact that the person may have another disease.
In this way, the orientation is that a nutritionist should be sought so that a complete assessment can be made and an eating plan prepared according to needs.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- NHS. Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Colon Polyps What type of eating plan is best to prevent colon polyps?. Available in: . Accessed on 08 Sep 2020
- NUTR CANCER. Foods and Food Groups Associated With the Incidence of Colorectal Polyps: The Adventist Health Study. 2011. Available at:. Accessed on 08 Sep 2020