Let's Talk Fiber

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber, serves as both an energy source for colon cells and an important signaling molecule for immune regulation

• By inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDAC) and suppressing the NF-κB pathway, butyrate acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, helping prevent chronic inflammation that contributes to various diseases

• Butyrate promotes regulatory T cell development while modulating other immune cells, helping maintain immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune responses while supporting balanced immune function

• Butyrate plays a significant role in managing chronic diseases like IBD, multiple sclerosis and Type 2 diabetes by reducing inflammation and supporting gut barrier function

• Emerging research suggests that butyrate influences brain health by modulating the gut-brain axis; it reduces neuroinflammation and supports cognitive function, and plays a supporting role in the prevention of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease and depression

Complete article can be found at mercola.com