22/10/2025
https://newsroom.uw.edu/blog/butyrate-microbiome-abates-host-ills-studies-find #:~:text=Butyrate%20is%20produced%20when%20these,side%20effects%2C%22%20he%20said.
Diet and food choices to assist butyrate production
Increase fiber intake:
Aim for a diet rich in fiber from a variety of plant-based foods, as gut bacteria use fiber to produce butyrate.
Eat resistant starch:
This type of starch resists digestion in the small intestine and is fermented by gut bacteria in the large intestine.
Cook and cool potatoes and rice:
Allow them to cool in the refrigerator to increase resistant starch content.
Choose green bananas:
They are higher in resistant starch than ripe, yellow bananas.
Consume prebiotics:
Include foods high in prebiotics like garlic, onions, and apples.
Add legumes:
Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are excellent sources of fiber.
Incorporate whole grains:
Oats, quinoa, and brown rice provide ample fiber.
Include nuts and seeds:
Almonds and other nuts, as well as flax and chia seeds, support gut health.
Eat high-pectin fruits: Berries and apples are good sources of this type of fiber.
Other strategies to boost butyrate production......
Exercise regularly:
Cardiovascular exercise can help increase butyrate production and gut microbiome diversity.
Consider supplements:
If a dietary approach isn't enough, supplements containing prebiotics or butyrate can be an option, especially for those with gut issues, but it's often best to discuss this with a healthcare provider first.
Ensure adequate sleep: Getting enough sleep is beneficial for gut health.
Chamomile tea especially is beautifully perfect as a before bed tea, the antioxidant apigenin in chamomile binds to brain receptors, which can help reduce insomnia and improve sleep quality.
Let the bacteria do the work by feeding them right, advises UW Medicine gastrointestinalist.