Many individuals today have extraordinary gut inflammation, leaky gut and dysbiosis. When the gut is in such a state of degradation, there is a high amount of toxicity and dysregulation in the body. When the intestinal mucosa is compromised, chaos ensues: there are abnormally high or abnormally low levels of secretory immunoglobulins, immune signalling is haywire, and localized and systemic inflammation ensues.
As a result of tissue inflammation and destruction, pathogenic infections often appear. At this stage, the intestinal immunity is less and less capable of handling the presence of pathogens. Infections are common and inflammation is commonplace.
SCFA’s & Gut Immunity
Short chain fatty acids (SCFA’s) such as butyrate exist in certain foods such as butter and parmesan cheese. The body produces SCFA’s as a result of anaerboic (without oxygen) fermentation. SCFA’s have been studied extensively for many years for their role in gut immunity.
Research has uncovered that certain SCFA’s such as butyrate can powerfully modulate gut mucosal immunity. Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis tend to respond very favorably to butyrate administration. Studies have shown that butyrate modulates pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 andTNF-a (tumor necrosis factor alpha).
Butyrate inhibits the production of colon cancer.
SCFA’s such as butyrate can be increased through the use of certain prebiotics such as inulin and guar gum. Prebiotics feed probiotic species in the gut, and have a very stimulating effect on their growth and colonization.
Michael McEvoy has a private nutritional consulting practice. He works with clients nationally and internationally. Please contact him to learn more about his nutritional consulting services and programs.
Interested in our Health Consulting services?
We can help you with your complex health condition.
Are you a Health Practitioner? Learn about our Clinical Training Program & Tools for Health Professionals
