Postbiotics for Gut Health: Why These “After Effects” Matter More Than You Think
If you have been exploring gut health, you have probably heard about probiotics, which are the beneficial bacteria, and prebiotics, which are the food those bacteria thrive on. There is also a third player in the mix that is just as important, and that is postbiotics.
As a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner in Eugene, Oregon, I often see clients who focus on probiotics and prebiotics but do not realize that the end result, postbiotics, is where much of the magic happens.
What Are Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)?
SCFAs are a special type of fatty acid created when your gut bacteria break down dietary fiber. They are small in size but have a big impact, influencing everything from inflammation levels to immune health. The main SCFAs include:
Butyrate – The star player for gut health. It nourishes your colon cells, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the gut lining. Butyrate is so beneficial that it is also available in supplemental form for targeted support.
Acetate – Helps regulate the pH of your gut, making it harder for harmful bacteria to thrive. It also plays a role in appetite regulation and supports healthy cholesterol levels.
Propionate – Supports blood sugar regulation and may help reduce cholesterol. It also contributes to satiety, helping you feel satisfied after meals.
Valerate – Less studied than the others but believed to help maintain a balanced gut environment and support anti-inflammatory processes.
Together, these SCFAs help keep your gut ecosystem in balance and your body functioning at its best.
How Postbiotics Support Your Health
Together, these SCFAs help keep your gut ecosystem in balance and your body functioning at its best.
Battling inflammation – By calming inflammatory responses in the gut and beyond, postbiotics may help with conditions like IBS, colitis, and other chronic issues.
Boosting immunity – Around 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. Postbiotics help regulate that immune activity so it is ready to protect you without overreacting.
Nourishing your colon cells – A well-fed gut lining is essential for preventing leaky gut, improving nutrient absorption, and supporting overall digestive function.
How to Increase Postbiotic Production Naturally
If you want more postbiotics working for you, the goal is simple. Give your gut bacteria what they need to thrive by:
Increasing beneficial bacteria – More “good guys” means more postbiotic production. This can come from probiotic-rich foods or quality supplements.
Eating enough prebiotic foods – Fiber is the fuel your bacteria ferment into postbiotics. Aim for at least 40 grams of fiber daily from sources like garlic, onions, asparagus, oats, apples, and legumes.
Enjoying fermented foods – Foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kefir, and kombucha provide probiotics and also contain postbiotics themselves.
Why This Matters for Long-Term Gut Repair
When I work with clients in Eugene, Oregon and beyond, I do not just focus on adding more probiotics. We look at the entire chain, feeding those probiotics with prebiotics and making sure your body benefits from the postbiotics they produce.
If you have been struggling with digestive symptoms, low immunity, or chronic inflammation, addressing your postbiotic production could be the missing link.
Ready to support your gut from start to finish?
I help clients create personalized gut health plans that address the root causes of discomfort and focus on lasting change. Let’s work together to increase your beneficial bacteria, optimize fiber intake, and ensure your microbiome is producing all the postbiotic benefits your body needs.
Call me at 541-914-9147 or book a consult at nicolejoycehealthcounseling.com/contact to start your gut repair journey today