Bloated or irregular? Discover how short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by your gut microbes – and stool markers like calprotectin – reflect your gut health.
Your gut health is closely tied to your daily habits – especially what you eat. The trillions of bacteria in your intestines produce substances called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) when they digest fiber. SCFAs like butyrate are hugely beneficial: they serve as fuel for your colon cells and keep your intestinal lining strong and intactgutmicrobiotaforhealth.com. Butyrate also helps regulate your immune response in the gut, acting as a natural anti-inflammatory agentgutmicrobiotaforhealth.com. If you’re not getting enough fiber or have an imbalanced microbiome, your SCFA levels may drop, which could lead to a weaker gut barrier, more inflammation, and symptoms like bloating or irregular bowel habits.
Stool testing can reveal hidden clues about your digestive wellness. For example, a low butyrate level in a stool sample might suggest insufficient fiber intake or a less diverse gut microbiome. Another key marker is calprotectin – a protein that, when elevated in stool, signals intestinal inflammation (often used to distinguish irritable bowel syndrome from more serious inflammatory bowel disease)healthline.com. By measuring SCFAs and calprotectin, you and your healthcare provider can pinpoint whether simple dietary changes (like eating more fiber or fermented foods) might help, or if further evaluation is needed. Keeping an eye on these gut biomarkers can guide you toward a happier, healthier digestive system.
💡 Practical Takeaways:
Test for these Biomarkers: