In Functional Medicine, we often find gut dysfunction as a root cause of symptoms or what we like to call “dis-ease”. A healthy gut impacts our brain health, immune system, nutritional levels, hormones, and overall health. Most people have heard about the benefits of probiotics or maybe even prebiotics but butyrate can be hugely impactful in not only restoring digestive health but improving our overall health. So what is butryate, where do you get it, and why is it important?
Butyrate, also known as butyric acid, is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that is produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers by gut bacteria. It plays a critical role in maintaining the health of the gut and has been shown to have a variety of other health benefits as well.
Butyrate is the primary energy source for the cells lining the colon, also called the colonocytes. These cells use butyrate as a fuel to produce ATP, the main energy currency of the body. Without sufficient butyrate, colonocytes cannot function properly, and the integrity of the gut lining can be compromised. This can lead to a variety of gastrointestinal problems, such as inflammation, leaky gut, and even colon cancer.
Butyrate also plays a key role in regulating the immune system. It has anti-inflammatory effects, and can help to reduce the severity of autoimmune diseases and allergies. Butyrate also helps to maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, known as gut microbiome, which is important for overall health. A healthy gut microbiome can improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and also reduce the risk of infections and chronic diseases.
Additionally, butyrate has been shown to have a variety of other health benefits. For example, it can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, which may be beneficial for people with diabetes. Butyrate has also been shown to have a positive effect on weight management, by reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass.
Butyrate can be produced in the gut by bacteria that ferment fibers, such as inulin and resistant starch. These fibers can be found in foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains. Butyrate supplements are also available in the market. We linked to our favorite Butyrate in our FullScript store below. The typical dose is 2 capsules 2-3x per day. However, it is important to keep in mind that supplementing with butyrate may not be appropriate for everyone, and it is always best to speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Butyrate is also being studied for its anti-inflammatory properties with COVID, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and role in cancer treatment. It is also important to note that the gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem and changing it has its own set of risks and benefits. Simple things such as high sugar and low-fiber diet, stress, medications, etc can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can reduce the production of butyrate and other beneficial SCFAs. To support the production of butyrate and overall gut health, it is important to eat a diet high in plant-based foods, and to reduce stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In conclusion, butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that is produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers by gut bacteria. It plays a critical role in maintaining the health of the gut and has a variety of other health benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects, improved insulin sensitivity, weight management, and many more. Eating a diet high in plant-based foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support the production of butyrate and overall gut health. However, if you have any concerns or underlying conditions, it is important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Want to work with STAT Wellness and further evaluate your gut health? Give us a call or text 404-254-5905 or book a free 15 min consult with one of our Providers HERE.
