Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid and when working with gluconic acid, it can help combat yeast infections such as Candida and thrush. Gluconic acid makes an acid medium with a low pH that is inhospitable to bacteria, mould, and fungi known as microbes.
The highest concentration of butyric acid is found in the gut. That is because it is produced by intestinal flora from carbohydrate that the host cannot digest, such as cellulose and pectin. Indigestible carbohydrate is the main form of dietary fibre.
Health benefits of butryric acid
- Increases energy expenditure by increasing body heat production and increasing physical activity.
- Massively increases the function of mitochondria, the tiny power plants of every cell.
- Lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Regulates insulin levels.
- Controls metabolism, stress resistance and the immune system.
Butyric acid also has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects and can treat inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, although, some inflammatory disorders may be caused or exacerbated by a deficiency of butyric acid in the first place. Parkinson’s disease is one of these.
Natural sources of butyric acid in alphabetical order
- Brewer’s yeast
- Butter
- Milk
- Parmesan and other aged cheeses
- Pickled cucumbers
- Sauerkraut (unpasteurised)
NOTE: The intestinal flora in the guts produces butyric acid naturally when fed high-fibre resistant starch foods such as bananas (unripe), beans, chickpeas, coconut, fruit, leafy vegetables, lentils, nuts, psyllium husks, sweet potatoes and other root vegetables and properly prepared whole grains. See>> Feed your friendly bacteria
Related subjects
- A-Z of nutrients
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Brine pickling for health
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Excretory system disorders (Crohn’s disease)
- Feed your friendly bacteria
- Fungal and yeast infections
- Heart disorders (high LDL cholesterol)
- Intestinal disorders (ulcerative colitis)
- Obesity
- Parkinson’s disease
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