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Colonoscopy and Polyps
Discovering Colonoscopy Polyps Means You Should Consider Simple Dietary Changes
So now that colonoscopy and polyps are part of your life, what can you do about preventing future polyps and colon cancer? The value of exercise has been established by medical studies at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and it is described in detail elsewhere on this web site.
The value of a diet high in fiber in reducing colon cancer occurrence is less established. Some say it prevents colorectal cancer; some say it does not prevent polyps and cancer. But, its value has been established for healthy colon activity. Dietary fiber is best known for preventing constipation, but it is also helpful in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Adding Fiber to Your Diet is Simple
Your colonoscopy and polyps findings are a wake up call. Heed the bell. You can make changes that will benefit your health. Adding fiber to your diet is easier than you think. Start by buying a jar of wheat germ or a box of bran fiber.
You can:
- Add them to your cereal
- Add them to your meat loaf
- Add them to bread crumbs when cooking
- sprinkle them in baking dough – cookies or cakes
There, you have added fiber to your diet.
The next step is to buy some shelled walnuts, or almonds and put some in a sandwich baggie everyday. It makes an excellent snack in the mid-morning of late afternoon. In addition to adding fiber to your diet, eating a handful of nuts is a great weight control because it eliminates the hunger you may feel before lunch or before dinner.
Fiber includes all parts of plant food your body cannot digest. There are two types of fiber – soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stools.
Insoluble fiber includes:
- wheat bran
- nuts
- and many vegetables, especially green leafy ones
Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like material that is helpful in lowering cholesterol and glucose levels.
Soluble fiber includes:
- fruits
- oats
- peas
- barley
- and psyllium.
Benefits of a High Fiber Diet
The benefits of adding fiber to your food choices include:
- preventing constipation
- lowering your risk of bowel disorders, such as IBS and diverticular disease
- lowering blood cholesterol
- and controlling blood glucose levels
How much fiber do you need each day? “The National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine, which provides science-based advice on matters of medicine and health, gives the following daily recommendations for adults: 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women;” and a little less if you are over age 50.
Make Changes to Your diet and Exercise Routines
Since colonoscopy and polyps are part of your medical history now, you can accept the fact, and gradually make changes to your diet and your exercise routines. The payoff is huge, but unless you try, you will never know that. Be brave, take a deep breath and do something for yourself for a change. Go out and buy the wheat bran and nuts, and park your car far away from the door to the store, so you have to walk farther.
Back to topRelated pages:
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