12. The Role of Physical Activity: Moving Away From Polyp Formation
The idea of exercise impacting the internal folds of your colon might sound like a stretch, but believe it or not, physical activity has been examined for its role in polyp prevention. You might consider the relationship between exercise and polyp risk as an unusual connection, yet it is backed by scientific inquiry and logic.
The foundation of this argument lies in metabolism. Regular physical activity is known to improve metabolic health, including improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation—both factors that contribute to cell growth regulation. Through this lens, it’s not too far-fetched to see how exercise can tip the balance against the growth of colon polyps.
More interestingly, the type of exercise may matter. Aerobic exercises like jogging and swimming are generally recommended for cardiovascular health, but emerging evidence suggests that they could also be beneficial for colon health. The science behind this goes beyond just burning calories; it extends to how these activities influence gut motility, reducing the time potential carcinogens spend in contact with the colon lining. (12)
