Had a Bowel Polyp Removed? How to Support Gut Health and Prevent Future Polyps

Had a Bowel Polyp Removed? How to Use Food to Support Gut Health and Prevent Future Polyps

A member of my family had a polyp removed some years ago, and naturally they were worried. Polyps can sometimes be precancerous, which can sound alarming if you don’t know what to do next. Thankfully, there are simple, evidence-based steps you can take that help protect your bowel health over time.

If you've had a bowel polyp (adenoma) removed, it’s a good moment to consider what your daily habits might be doing to either support or strain your gut. Alongside follow-up screening, your diet plays a key role in reducing the risk of new polyps or bowel cancer in the future.

This article outlines what the current research shows about the best nutrients and foods to include, and which are worth limiting.

Fibre: The Most Consistent Protective Factor

Fibre helps protect the bowel in several ways:

• It increases stool bulk and reduces transit time, limiting contact between waste and the bowel lining

• It binds bile acids that can irritate the colon

• It feeds beneficial bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, known to reduce inflammation and support the integrity of the bowel lining

Top fibre-rich foods include:

• Beans and pulses

• Wholegrains such as oats, barley and brown rice

• Vegetables and fruit

• Seeds such as flax and chia

A wide variety of plant foods provides the best results. Fibre supplements do not appear to offer the same level of protection.

Calcium: Supporting Healthy Cell Function in the Colon

Calcium plays a role in regulating cell division and may help reduce polyp recurrence. It also binds with bile acids in the gut.

The Calcium Polyp Prevention Study found that people who took 1000 to 1200 mg of calcium per day had a 20 percent lower risk of polyp recurrence.

Best sources of calcium include:

• Dairy products like yoghurt, milk and cheese

• Fortified plant-based milks

• Tofu set with calcium

• Leafy greens and almonds

If supplementing, consult a nutritional practitioner like me to ensure the right dose and formula (stay away from calcium carbonate).

Vitamin D: Helps Regulate Cell Growth and Immune Function

Vitamin D works alongside calcium to support immune regulation and healthy cell turnover. Low vitamin D levels are linked with increased risk of colorectal cancer, and many people in the UK are low, especially during the winter.

Ask your doctor for a blood test to check your levels.

Sources of vitamin D include:

• Safe sun exposure

• Fortified foods

• Mushrooms exposed to sunlight

• Quality supplements when needed

Combining vitamin D with calcium appears to be more effective than calcium alone.

Cruciferous Vegetables: Detox and Cell Protection Compounds

Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts contain glucosinolates, which are converted during digestion into compounds that support liver detox pathways and may help slow abnormal cell growth.

Enjoy them raw, steamed or lightly stir-fried several times a week for optimal effect.

Garlic and Onions: Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Support

Members of the allium family, including garlic, onions, leeks and shallots, are rich in sulphur compounds that have been studied for their protective effects. These foods support immune function and may reduce inflammation linked to cancer development.

Include them regularly in your meals, either raw or cooked.

Resistant Starch: A Special Type of Fibre That Feeds the Colon

Resistant starch resists digestion in the small intestine and is fermented by bacteria in the colon, producing butyrate and other beneficial short-chain fatty acids.

Good sources include:

• Cooked and cooled potatoes, rice and pasta

• Lentils and peas

• Green bananas

• Oats

The CAPP2 trial showed that resistant starch helped reduce the incidence of certain cancers in people with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition associated with higher bowel cancer risk.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Gentle, Ongoing Anti-Inflammatory Support

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have been shown to help reduce inflammation and may contribute to lower bowel cancer risk.

Best sources include:

• Sardines, salmon and mackerel

• Flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts

• Algae-based omega-3 supplements for those avoiding fish

If you’re not eating oily fish regularly, a high-quality supplement can help support a healthy balance of inflammation. You can order the super product that I recommend here:
👉 https://www.zinzino.com/shop/2006027695/GB/en-GB/products

What to Reduce or Be Mindful About

Processed Meat

There is strong evidence linking high intake of processed meats like bacon, sausages and salami with bowel cancer risk. This is more relevant when these foods are eaten frequently and in larger amounts over time.

You do not need to cut them out entirely if they’re occasional treats, but it’s best to enjoy them sparingly and not as part of your daily diet.

Red Meat

Red meat can be included as part of a balanced diet, especially when consumed in modest amounts. Grilling or frying at high temperatures can create harmful compounds, so try to use gentler cooking methods such as baking, steaming or stewing.

Aim to keep red meat to two or three servings per week, and focus on variety.

Alcohol

Alcohol is linked to increased bowel cancer risk, especially with higher and more frequent consumption. If you have had a polyp removed or have a family history of bowel conditions, reducing alcohol intake or having alcohol-free days each week may be a helpful choice.

Final Thoughts: Create a Gut-Friendly Diet That Supports Long-Term Health

If you or a loved one has had a bowel polyp removed, now is a good time to review your eating habits. A diverse, plant-focused diet rich in fibre and protective compounds can support the gut environment and reduce the risk of recurrence over time.

There’s no need for restriction or fear. Small, steady changes to what you eat can help create a more resilient digestive system and support your overall health.

If you’d like help tailoring your diet to support your gut, feel free to reach out for a consultation.