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The benefits of butyrate, a postbiotic short-chain fatty acid produced in the colon, begin in the gut and extend to a host of other important body systems. A key component of the gut microbiome, butyrate has been found to support gut function, hormone regulation, control centers of the brain, and more.*
Here are the top ten reasons why butyrate is widely considered by functional and holistic health professionals to be a foundation of total body health.
Butyrate benefits:
1. Fuel the Gut Lining*
Butyrate is produced naturally in the gut when you eat foods that are high in &#;resistant starch&#;. Special cells in the gut called colonocytes use butyrate as their primary fuel source. Colonocytes make up the lining of your colon, which helps your body absorb nutrients and protects it from harmful bacteria, yeast, and other pathogens that reside in your gut.
When you don&#;t eat enough foods consisting of resistant starch, the bacteria in your gut don&#;t produce enough butyrate, and your gut lining suffers. Carefully increasing your prebiotic dietary fiber (resistant starch) intake and/or supplementing butyrate can nourish the gut lining, help restore healthy nutrient absorption, and more [1]. We discuss butyrate and diet more in-depth here.
2. Support Healthy Gut Permeability*
Your gut lining is the gatekeeper of your large intestine. When your gut lining is healthy, its permeable barrier allows good things such as vitamins and minerals to pass through to your bloodstream, where they travel on to the organs and systems that need them. At the same time, a healthy gut lining must also not allow substances like toxins and pathogens to enter the bloodstream; it keeps them inside so that they can continue on their path towards being removed from the body.
When your gut lining lacks the butyrate &#;fuel&#; it needs to maintain healthy gut permeability, toxins and pathogens can slip through. This may cause what is commonly called leaky gut syndrome [2]. Leaky gut syndrome is believed to cause an array of uncomfortable symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress and low energy levels. By keeping the gut lining healthy, butyrate may be a key means of how to heal leaky gut.
3. Promote a Healthy Inflammation Response in the Gut*
The lining of your gut is also responsible for maintaining proper levels of inflammation. When the cells in your immune system fight off invading germs, they produce substances called &#;free radicals&#; as part of the process. Free radicals are oxidized, inflammatory substances.
Some inflammation - a very small and controlled amount - helps protect the gut. Chronic inflammation in the gut occurs when your immune system is constantly fighting off what it views to be pathogens. Sometimes, these pathogens are actually invading germs, but sometimes the body overreacts (as with allergies) and fights off substances that are ultimately not harmful.
Regardless, too many free radicals over time can lead to oxidative damage and chronic inflammation. Butyrate prevents the action of inflammatory processes that would normally put stress on our cells by increasing the production of the antioxidant glutathione [3].
4. May Combat Chronic Inflammation, Colonic Diseases, and Cancers*
Chronic inflammation of the gut can cause diseases like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease - the umbrella term for Crohn&#;s disease and ulcerative colitis) and colorectal cancer down the line.
By neutralizing free radicals, butyrate does more than lowers inflammation: it reduces the risk of immune system reactivity, developing chronic diseases like IBD or colorectal cancer, and more [3].*
While increasing butyrate levels in the colon would help prevent colonic diseases from manifesting in the first place, by strengthening the gut lining, controlling pathogens, lowering inflammation, and modulating the immune system, it may be useful in treating pre-existing colonic conditions as well.* In other words, one of the most exciting prospects of butyrate is its ability to manage and support healthy gut functions for those who already struggle with gastrointestinal issues.*
Butyrate has been shown to modulate the gut microbiome in patients who have inflammatory bowel disease [4].* Research also indicates that butyrate has therapeutic potential for IBD patients, particularly with immunomodulation and mucosal healing [5, 6]. This therapeutic potential is exciting since rates of IBD continue to increase globally and patients are looking for more alternative and complementary treatment solutions [7].
Finally, one of butyrate&#;s key functions in the gut is to regulate gut motility, how fast or slow food is processed and moves through the colon. Many people with IBS and IBD suffer from either fast motility, diarrhea, or slow motility, and constipation. No matter which type you have, butyrate helps to restore normal colonic motility [8].
5. Promote Healthy Blood Sugar Levels*
Both mice and cell studies show that butyrate has a positive effect on blood sugar balance. Butyrate may increase insulin sensitivity, encourage the body to use stored fat as an energy source, and suppress hunger hormones. Because of these effects, butyrate has been shown to reduce weight gain in mice with &#;diet-induced obesity,&#; suggesting that increasing butyrate levels in the gut may also encourage weight loss [X, X, X].
6. Support Healthy Yeast levels*
A study found that sodium butyrate has &#;significant antifungal activity&#; on pathogenic yeasts like Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, and Cryptococcus neoformans.* Researchers noted that sodium butyrate inhibited the yeasts from spreading and decreased the production of protective biofilms, making them easier to eradicate. Sodium butyrate also enhanced the activity of antifungal drugs, suggesting it might do well as a complementary therapy with medications such as &#;azole&#; drugs. [9]
7. Promote Cell Differentiation*
Butyrate promotes cell differentiation, our cells&#; ability to change to a specific type like a liver cell or a blood cell. When cells don&#;t differentiate properly and simply proliferate, we can end up with tumors which then lead to cancer. Butyrate also helps prevent these serious complications by inducing cell apoptosis, the natural death of a cell. [10]
Butyrate is also an HDAC inhibitor.
8. Regulate the Immune System*
Butyrate influences most immune cells, which have receptors to detect it whether in the gut or other parts of the body and bloodstream. Research shows that butyrate upregulates anti-inflammatory immune pathways and downregulates inflammatory ones, even when faced with an inflammation trigger like allergens or toxins.
In your gut, butyrate influences tissues called the gut associated lymphoid tissues, or GALT. The GALT determines the intensity of an immune response based on the microbial balance in the gut. If there are more adverse bacteria or yeasts present, for example, it will launch an attack. This can cause damage and inflammation to the gut tissues over time [12].
Butyrate can modulate the immune system not only by having a direct effect on certain pathogens (like candida overgrowth), but also by fueling the gut tissues, promoting microbial balance in the gut, and lowering inflammation, all of which help the GALT become less reactive.
9. Combat Brain Fog and Improve Sleep*
Butyrate is one of the ultimate players in the gut-brain connection. It increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a critical metabolite that supports our learning and memory abilities [13]. Butyrate also sequesters ammonia, a toxic byproduct that can cause brain fog.* It may also enhance the brain&#;s plasticity, the ability to &#;rewire&#; new thought pathways, such as when learning a language or changing a habitual behavior. [14, 15]
And here&#;s the icing on the cake: a study on mice showed that both oral butyrate and intraportal butyrate injection increased non-rapid eye movement sleep by 70% in six hours. It also decreased sleep latency, the time it takes to fall asleep. This is still a new area of research, but the theory is that butyrate may have an effect on sleep-promoting hormones via signaling from the intestinal microbiome [16].
10. Support Healthy Blood Pressure*
Butyrate corresponds inversely to blood pressure, meaning low blood pressure = higher butyrate levels, and higher blood pressure = lower butyrate levels. In a study with 205 participants, researchers found that increasing butyrate production in the microbiome may help regulate blood pressure in obese pregnant women [17]. A study on rats also showed that sodium butyrate had antihypertensive effects [18].
How to Reap the Benefits of Butyrate
There are three main ways to boost butyrate levels in your microbiome:
1. Increase your intake of foods that already contain butyrate
What foods are high in butyrate? Unfortunately, many of the foods that already contain comparatively large amounts of butyrate, such as butter and some cheeses, are not suitable for consumption in large quantities. However, you can always include them as a balanced part of your diet!
2. Increase your intake of foods that support the microbiome&#;s creation of butyrate
If you&#;re looking to increase your butyrate levels via dietary changes, consume foods that are high in fiber, particularly those with high levels of resistant starch. These include:
Cold rolled oats
Legumes
Potatoes (cooked then cooled)
White rice (cooked then cooled for at least 24 hours)
Underripe bananas
Plantain flour
Whole grains
Are you interested in learning more about butyric acid benefits? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Fibrous plant parts such as asparagus ends, broccoli stems, apple skins, etc.
For more information, check out our in-depth resources on butyrate foods and why fiber is important to the body.
3. Butyrate supplementation
Most people find it difficult to eat the recommended 25 grams of fiber a day. Some are sensitive to the types of foods that support butyrate production (typically legumes), while others simply don&#;t like them (hard asparagus ends and cold potatoes, anyone?). If you are having a hard time integrating butyrate foods into your diet, butyrate supplements can help.
Try BodyBio Butyrate Supplements for Gut & Body Health
When considering all of the supplementation options for your personal health and well-being, it can be overwhelming to try to narrow down just a few&#;or even just one&#;key player. While prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics all have a place in a well-rounded diet and health-supportive regimen, postbiotics like butyrate have the most therapeutic bang for your buck.
BodyBio&#;s Butyrate Supplements aren&#;t just for gut health support, though they exert many benefits there. Butyrate supplements can also promote a healthy brain, immune system, basic cell functions, blood pressure, inflammation, and even your sleep.
Looking for a total body health supplement? Concerned you&#;re suffering from butyrate deficiency symptoms? Check out BodyBio&#;s Butyrate Supplements and our Butyrate/Gut+ Get Started Guide. Try either our Calcium/Magnesium Butyrate and Sodium Butyrate formulations by themselves or as part of our popular Foundation Bundle today!
Butyric acid plays a big role in keeping your gut healthy and happy. Who wouldn't want that, right? By the end of this blog post, you'll be ready to embrace this gut-loving superstar and support your overall wellness goals.
Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid that supports gut health and inflammation
You can find it in many food sources, including butter, ghee, and certain cheeses
Butyric acid supplements are available for people who want to make sure they're getting enough of this beneficial fatty acid
Butyric acid, also known as butanoic acid, is a short-chain fatty acid that is naturally produced in the human body by gut bacteria during the fermentation of dietary fiber and hydrolysis-resistant starches. Some butyrate is also produced as proteins and peptides are digested in the bowel.
Further, it's found in small amounts in some dairy products and meats, such as butter and parmesan cheese. Butyric acid is an important source of energy for the cells that line the colon, and it plays a role in maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal tract.
It's thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and may potentially help reduce the risk of developing certain disorders.
Butyric acid is a gut powerhouse, nourishing your colon cells, and keeping your gut environment balanced and healthy. Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that's naturally produced in your colon through the fermentation of dietary fiber and hydrolysis-resistant starches by gut bacteria.
Think of it as a little treat from your gut microbes for feeding them the good stuff. This fatty acid is like a VIP nutrient for the cells lining your colon, providing energy and promoting their overall health. And here's the real kicker: it also helps maintain a balanced environment in your gut by providing support against inflammation and harmful bacteria.
While supplements can be super helpful, they shouldn't replace a healthy and balanced diet.
Now that we're well-versed in the wonders of butyric acid, it's only natural to wonder where you can find it in your meals. First things first: your gut bacteria produce butyric acid when they munch on the fiber you consume.
So, to keep your gut microbes well-fed and the butyric acid flowing, be sure to load up on fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes, or sources of hydrolysis-resistant starch. It's a win-win situation, really. Your gut will thank you.
But wait, there's more! You can also find butyric acid in some dairy products, particularly butter, and ghee.
The word "butyric" comes from the Latin word "butyrum," which means butter. How cool is that?
To help you visualize the many food sources of butyric acid, we've put together a list for you. It highlights some of the top dietary sources of butyric acid and their respective amounts. Consider incorporating these into your meals!
Food Source
Butyric Acid Content (per 100g)
Butter
3-4%
Ghee
3-4%
Parmesan cheese
0.2-0.3%
Blue cheese
0.1-0.3%
Goat cheese
0.1-0.3%
Caption: Butyric acid content in various food sources (Data source: USDA FoodData Central)
Before you go all-in on butyric acid, it's always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons. In the spirit of balance and informed decision-making, let's dive into the advantages and disadvantages of increasing butyric acid in your diet and lifestyle.
We get it &#; sometimes life gets busy, and it's not always easy to make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need from your diet alone. That's where supplements come to the rescue!
If you're wondering if there are any butyric acid supplements out there, the answer is a resounding "yes!" Butyric acid supplements usually come in the form of sodium or calcium butyrate.
They can be a great addition to your wellness routine, especially if you're looking to give your gut health some extra support. So, if you're all about that supplement life, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Quality matters: When shopping for butyric acid supplements, look for reputable brands with good manufacturing practices. You deserve the best, so don't skimp on quality!
Dosage deets: Always follow the recommended dosage on the label or consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Remember, too much of a good thing can be, well, not so good!
Pair with a healthy diet: Supplements complement a healthy diet, so keep focusing on those fiber-rich foods to make the most of your butyric acid supplements.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about butyric acid.
As you can see, this under-the-radar fatty acid has much to offer regarding gut health, inflammation, and overall well-being. It may not be the star of the show, but it sure packs a punch when it comes to supporting your body's functions. So, go ahead and give butyric acid a try &#; your gut will thank you!
For more information, please visit isobutyric acid manufacturer.