Top 5 Butyrate Foods for Gut Health You Need to Try Tonight

Feeling like your gut could use a boost?  Me too, but it’s hard to know where even to know where to start. 

It might be time to get acquainted with butyrate.  What’s that?  

I’m glad you asked. As discussed in more detail below,  it’s a short-chain fatty acid that provides numerous benefits for your digestive health  – from keeping inflammation down to healing the gut lining, this superfood is a little powerhouse. 

What is Butyrate and Why Does Your Gut Love It?

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that’s responsible for a lot of good things happening in our gut. Produced by some types of gut bacteria when they ferment dietary fiber, butyrate can also be found pre-formed in some high-fat foods, particularly butter. (Get it, BUTter…?) 🙂

But why the sudden interest in butyrate foods and butyrate-producing bacteria? Well, recent research suggests that the implications of SCFAs on gut health are far-reaching, with sodium butyrate leading the way.

Foods High in Butyrate (Butyric Acid)

So how do you get more of this SCFA in your diet?  Keep reading to learn the top 5 Butyrate foods you need for gut health – try ‘em tonight!

1. Dairy Products

Ok, while dairy might get a bad rap, you might want to consider still moo-ving over to the dairy aisle.  Yes,  dairy products are the cream of the crop when it comes to the best butyrate foods to add to your diet. 

As someone who loves to  nosh on some butter (thanks carnivore diet!), I’m thrilled to share that these dairy delights are rich in saturated fat that act as a direct source of butyrate and fuel our gut’s bacteria to give us a healthier gut lining. 

So, go ahead and savor that butter, yogurt, or cheese tonight and give your gut the butyrate boost it deserves! 

Note: If you’re suffering from autoimmune conditions or chronic disease, dairy might be a trigger food and cuase leaky gut or digestive symptoms.  Try low-lactose dairy such as butter or A2 Milk.  (That’s what I do!)

2. Vegetables & Fermented Foods

As if you needed another reason to veg out! Yes, vegetables and fermented foods happen to be incredible sources of butyrate with numerous health benefits for a healthy gut.  

Eating foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes are not only bursting with vitamins and dietary fibers but also provides the fuel that our gut bacteria need to produce that gut-loving butyrate. 

And let’s not forget about the funky fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt, which are loaded with probiotics that supercharge butyrate production in our microbiome. 

Note: Certain foods such as cold potatoes and cold rice, are options that pack the most Butyrate punch due to their resistant starches!

3. Fruits 

Fruits are not just nature’s sweet candy but also a great way to increase butyrate levels for our gut health. 

Whether it’s the fresh berries, zesty citrus fruits, or the popular apple-a-day, these colorful fruits are packed with fiber and antioxidants that nourish our gut bacteria and pave the way for increased butyrate production in our microbiome. 

Not only does it help improve digestion, but it also plays a role in reducing inflammation and even protecting against cancer. 

Note: Green Bananas, apples, and kiwifruit are some of the BEST!  And if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, take it easy on fructose. 

4. Grains & Nuts

Grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice not only provide a hearty dose of fiber but also serve as a delicious fuel for our gut bacteria to produce that gut-loving butyrate. 

And let’s not forget about the nutty wonders like almonds, walnuts, and pecans, which are chock-full of healthy fats and good bacteria that support butyrate production in our gut. 

Grab a handful of almonds for a snack, sprinkle some chia seeds on your morning oats, or sneak in a little quinoa with walnuts on your salad—these tasty additions will fuel your gut with butyrate and keep you feeling satisfied and nourished. 

Note: If you’re suffering from an autoimmune disease like me (and/or gluten sensitive) try gluten-free oatmeal, brown rice, or stick to the nuts!  And choose natural sources, keep processed food versions to a minimum. 

5. Beans & Legumes

Beans and legumes like chickpeas, black beans, and lentils are not only versatile and delicious but also loaded with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients fueling our gut bacteria, encouraging them to churn out the gut-loving butyrate. 

Resistant starch and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) found in legumes kick off the fermentation that produces butyrate. 

So, whether you’re whipping up a zesty hummus dip, savoring a hearty bean burrito, or adding lentils to a nourishing soup, these legume wonders will keep your gut happy, healthy, and smiling from ear to ear. 

Three cheers for beans, beans the musical fruit!

Note: Opt for fresh beans and soak them to rid of any molds or toxins.

The Science of Butyrate & Short Chain Fatty Acid

Let’s dig deeper into the world of butyrate. This molecule is a powerhouse player, providing multiple benefits for our health. It acts as an energy source for colon cells, keeping them resilient and robust. 

But that’s not all. Butyrate wields anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe gut issues, and has even been suggested to protect against colorectal and colon cancer. 

Plus, its antioxidant qualities make it an all-around go-to for health support. Not only that, but butyrate is also a savvy strengthener of the intestinal barrier, helping you maintain optimum gut function. It stimulates mucus secretion to keep things running smoothly while also increasing the absorption of fluids and electrolytes. 

And as a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDAC inhibitor for short), butyrate can help reduce cancer risk by promoting controlled dying of damaged cells. 

Benefits of Butyrate

Not only does it improve your gut microbiome and gut barrier, but it also helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels, improve immune response, shield your brain from diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, protect against the big C-word (cancer cells), AND prevent obesity! Who knew the butyrate benefits were so far-reaching? 

Yes, you read that right. Now, who wouldn’t want to add this to their daily routine of these health benefits?  (More butyrate, please!)

Benefits of Butyrate at a Glance:

Boosts Gut Health

Butyrate acts as a fuel source for the cells lining the colon, which helps support and maintain a healthy gut barrier function with its short-chain fatty acids. (Keep leaky gut at bay!) It also promotes the growth of the good bacteria in the gut, creating a more balanced microbiome.

Reduces Inflammation

With its pro-inflammatory molecules, butyrate helps to reduce inflammation in the gut. Which can extend to other areas of the body, helping other conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune disorders.

Supports Digestive Function 

With proper butyrate levels, it stimulates the movement of the intestinal muscles, helping us poop with regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. It also promotes the absorption of water and electrolytes, contributing to solid and healthy stools 

Controls the Immune System

Butyrate plays a role in regulating immune responses, helping to maintain immune balance and lessen immune reactions, which is helpful for people like me with autoimmune conditions! 

Defends Against Colorectal Cancer

Studies have shown that butyrate has potential anti-cancer effects, particularly in colorectal cancer, promoting cell death of those nasty cells.

Helps Weight Management 

Butyrate has been linked to improved metabolism and insulin sensitivity, which obviously helps manage weight. It also promotes the feeling of fullness, potentially reducing our calorie intake.  

Improves Mental Health 

Research suggests that the gut-brain axis plays a significant role in mental health. Butyrate’s positive impact on gut health and increase in dietary fiber intake may indirectly contribute to improved mood and mental well-being.

Do Probiotics Affect Butyrate Levels? (Sodium Butyrate)

If you’re anything like me, you want to keep that butyrate fatty acid flowing. That’s where probiotics come in. 

Studies have shown that certain probiotic strains can increase butyrate levels in the gut, giving your colon a little extra love and support. 

While food is the best medicine, supplementing with probiotic supplements can go a long way in supporting your butyrate and overall gut health. My favorite is by Standard Process – Check it out on Amazon here!

How to Incorporate Butyrate Foods into Your Diet

But the question remains: how do you incorporate these magical butyrate foods into your daily diet? Or, do you need to consider butyrate supplements? 

Try mixing avocado into your morning smoothie or whip up some roasted sweet potatoes topped with grass-fed butter (yum!) for a gut-healthy meal.

Or, if you’re struggling to find healthy options of butyrate foods, try supplementing with BodyBio Butyrate with Calcium & Magnesium on Amazon here!

Still, looking for ideas? 

Recipes for Delicious Butyrate-Rich Meals 

With these butyrate-rich ingredients, you can transform your meals into yummy gut-healing meals…Here are a few of my favorite ideas!

Creamy Chickpea Curry

This recipe combines the creaminess of coconut milk, the richness of spices, and the fiber-packed goodness of chickpeas—all contributing to a butyrate-rich delight. Try it with brown rice or whole wheat naan to make it a meal.

GO TO RECIPE

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Roast a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet potatoes, and toss them with protein-packed quinoa. The combination of fiber from quinoa and vegetables adds to the butyrate goodness!

GO TO RECIPE

Lemony Grilled Salmon with Asparagus

Marinate the salmon in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, then grill to perfection. The healthy fats in salmon and the fiber-rich asparagus make this dish a nutritional powerhouse that supports butyrate production and improves gut health. 

GO TO RECIPE

Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Lime Crema

Fill soft corn tortillas with protein-packed black beans, fresh veggies, and a dollop of creamy avocado lime crema. The combination of black beans and avocado delivers a one-two punch of fiber and healthy fats, promoting a thriving gut while satisfying your taco cravings.  Taco Tuesday, anyone?

GO TO RECIPE

The Wrap – Top 5 Butyrate Foods For Gut Health

As you can see, incorporating butyrate-rich foods into your meals is essential for supporting gut health and healing. 

If your mouth is watering as much as mine after reading, it’s time to switch up dinner plans. 

Imagine all the deliciousness that can come from these top five butyrate foods when given some culinary love. So what’ll it be tonight? Bon appetit!

XO,

Jules

FAQ’s

What is butyrate, and why is it important for gut health?

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced by beneficial bacteria in the gut. It plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut lining, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall gut health. By incorporating butyrate-rich foods into your diet, you can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and enhance your gut health.

What are the top five butyrate foods for gut health?

The top five butyrate foods for gut health are dairy products, vegetables, fermented foods, fruits, and whole grains. These foods provide a rich source of dietary fiber, prebiotics, and other essential nutrients that support the production and utilization of butyrate in the gut.

Can I still consume butyrate foods if I have lactose intolerance or dairy allergies?

Yes, even if you have lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, there are alternatives available. Opt for lactose-free dairy products, such as lactose-free milk or yogurt. Additionally, you can explore non-dairy sources of butyrate, such as vegetables, fermented foods, fruits, and whole grains, which are equally beneficial for gut health.

How can I incorporate butyrate foods into my diet if I follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle?

If you follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, there are plenty of options to incorporate butyrate foods into your diet. Focus on plant-based sources such as vegetables, fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. These foods offer a variety of nutrients and fiber to support your gut health.

Can I consume too much butyrate?

While butyrate is beneficial for gut health, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet. Consuming excessive amounts of any nutrient can have potential side effects. It’s recommended to focus on a varied and balanced diet that includes a moderate intake of butyrate foods, along with other nutrient-dense foods, to support overall health and well-being.