Gastrointestinal polyps are elevated lesions of the epithelium of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Depending on the location of the polyps, they are called esophageal polyps, gastric polyps, small intestine polyps, and large intestine (colon and rectum) polyps, among which stomach and large intestine polyps are the most common. There are many reasons for the development of gastrointestinal polyps, mainly related to family genetic factors, inflammation and other chronic irritation, race, and dietary composition (high fat, high animal protein, low fiber).
Patients with gastric polyps are mostly associated with gastric acid deficiency or low gastric acid, so they often have symptoms such as mild pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, nausea, anorexia, weight loss and diarrhea. Intermittent or persistent bleeding may occur if there is erosion or ulceration on the polyp surface. The clinical manifestation of colorectal polyps varies, which may be asymptomatic in the early stage, or may manifest as abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, and mucus in the stool, accompanied by a feeling of urgency.
Some gastrointestinal polyps are cancerous and some are not. Research has proved that malignant polyps and inflammatory polyps are not cancerous, while adenomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract are prone to cancer and are considered to be the pre-cancerous lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. The best treatment for gastrointestinal polyps is currently endoscopic removal, but they are prone to recurrence, appearing in the stomach this time and possibly in the large intestine next time. Therefore, colonoscopic removal is not a one-off procedure; prevention is the key.
Clinical studies have found that only 20% of gastrointestinal polyps are related to genetic factors, and most of them are still closely related to improper diet, so most of them can be prevented. The incidence of adenoma, which has the highest cancer rate among gastrointestinal polyps, is related to fat intake in the diet, especially when fat intake exceeds 40% of total calories, which can increase the synthesis of cholesterol and bile in the liver, thus leading to an increase in the content of both in the colonic lumen and feces and promoting the generation of adenoma. Therefore, in order to prevent intestinal polyps and reduce the occurrence of adenomas, it is necessary to develop a healthy diet and lifestyle. It is generally recommended to have a low-fat, high-fiber diet and to take vitamin and mineral supplements, such as more vegetables and fruits, less meat, seafood and spicy foods; to maintain good bowel habits; and not to drink alcohol for a long time. In addition, participate in physical exercise within the ability to enhance physical fitness and maintain a relaxed mood can also help prevent the occurrence of gastrointestinal polyps.