Today I’ve brought back Steven Wright of the Healthy Gut Company to talk about the tremendous impact short-chain fatty acids have on the gut microbiome.
Short-chain fatty acids are produced when the good bacteria in your gut break down certain dietary fibers, which is why dietary and supplemental fiber sources are so important for optimal health.
Both clinical application and peer-reviewed research have shown that short-chain fatty acids enhance intestinal barrier function, regulate the immune system, and reduce oxidative stress. They can also help with insomnia, food sensitivities, histamine intolerance, and autoimmune diseases.
We discuss good sources of the right kinds of dietary and supplemental fibers, as well as how and when to supplement short-chain fatty acids like butyric acid.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
- How short-chain fatty acids are produced in the gut and why they’re so important for maintaining the health of your microbiome
- How butyrate interacts with the immune system to protect against leaky gut and autoimmune issues
- What to eat to support your body’s ability to produce short-chain fatty acids
- What to look for in a butyrate supplement
Get $15 off plus free shipping with coupon code: eatforlife15 at Healthy Gut Company
Learn more about Steven Wright:
Resources:
- Sanna, S., van Zuydam, N.R., Mahajan, A. et al. Causal relationships among the gut microbiome, short-chain fatty acids and metabolic diseases. Nat Genet 51, 600–605 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-019-0350-x
- Abdul Rahim, M.B.H., Chilloux, J., Martinez-Gili, L. et al. Diet-induced metabolic changes of the human gut microbiome: the importance of short-chain fatty acids, methylamines, and indoles. Acta Diabetol 56, 493–500 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00592-019-01312-x
- Weronika Ratajczak et al. Immunomodulatory potential of gut microbiome-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Acta Biochimica Polonica, Vol. 66 No. 1 (2019). https://doi.org/10.18388/abp.2018_2648
- Magzal, F., Even, C., Haimov, I. et al. Associations between fecal short-chain fatty acids and sleep continuity in older adults with insomnia symptoms. Sci Rep 11, 4052 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-83389-5
