I have posted elsewhere on this site how I “arrested” my IBS that I had going on for a decade 1983-1993. I had started CR and coincidentally I started taking in epic amounts of fiber. That stopped any and all IBS symptoms and episodes. There was also a kind of natural experiment, wherein I would travel for vacation and off my regular diet, and after about 3 weeks the IBS would come back. I quit CR after some 8 years, but kept up my epic fiber intake. Same story, the IBS was gone unless I was off the diet for a few weeks. That’s how I know it wasn’t the CR that was responsible for stopping the IBS. It’s the fiber. But again, I take in epic amounts, which is why I can’t reproduce it just through diet away from home when traveling - I take a ton of supplemental fiber as well (oat bran, wheat bran, wheat germ, psyllium powder, brewer’s yeast, flaxmeal, FOS, inulin, cranberry powder, blueberry powder etc). I can’t take all those with me when traveling, so that’s when I only get fiber from diet (I’m mostly plant based).
I don’t believe I saw this recent paper in this thread from Nov 20th on tributyrin supplementation in Parkinson’s patients. They used labeled tributyrin to do PET scans in 10 of the patients and confirmed brain uptake to specific regions. For the rest of the study at 500mg 3x/day, they saw decreased systemic inflammation and improvements in motor and cognitive scores. Pretty promising IMHO.
https://www.neurotherapeuticsjournal.org/article/S1878-7479(25)00269-7/fulltext
edited for typo
Bravo! Wonderful. I had read about beta hydroxy buturate years ago and it was very inexpensive. Now I will have to consider which form to add. Thank you so much!
I think I missed that narrative… but I’m grateful you summarized and restated it for me here.
I’m so pleased that you too have found a solution to your IBS.
CR triggers a stress response (which of course has some benefits). SCFA’ s signal our brain that “everything is good, fuel is here and steady, you can focus on repair and maintenance, the world is quiet and predictable”.
That SCFA’s “kill ketosis”, is unfortunate, because some in that tribe see soluble fibre as “an enemy”.
Cut plants out of your diet and focus on protein and animal fats. Inflammation will plummet
Most resistant starches aren’t guaranteed to increase butyrate… Inulin, Potato Starch etc are particularly suspect – the responses are highly individualized and you won’t know if you’re responding well or not. After much research, I’ve found the following solutions most promising, and have been taking them for ~5 yrs:
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Green banana flour most consistently increased butyrate across subjects [1] (attaching the figure from the paper down below). I take 1-2 tsp/day of Jonnys Good Nature Organic Ultra High Resistant Starch Premium Green Banana Flour. “Nothing but bananas” makes me think it ought to be more natural and healthier then some of the refined options.
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Clostridium butyricum (Probiotic) [2]. Butyrate producing bacteria. Most robustly tested effects against active cancer in human trials (made immunotherapy more effective). Resolved IBS in human trials.
I’d be curious to learn more about other’s experiences. One thing I know: if you’re having an episode of hemorroids or similar, Green banana flour (2-3x/day) eliminates bleeding and inflammation in that area rapidly. This makes me think it’s quite health promoting. Best of luck!
References:
![From [1]](https://www.rapamycin.news/uploads/default/original/3X/7/e/7e42eca3ccb3b24a95389948210013604238abd7.jpeg)
How do you consume this? I don’t my ind adding new things to my existing eating and drinking habits, but I prefer to combine to keep things simple. Can you combine this with any other drinks or foods
This is a great chart in that it shows we are all so different and you may not be getting what you think. I still think people should start with a couple weeks of XOS while low carb and therefore low fiber to cull the herd. This link you provided is great:
I actually found a good source (though quite expensive) It’s a thousand pills though:
There is something special about the CBM 588 strain. It won’t live forever in your gut, but is pretty good and if you feed it right this should last for months. It’s anerobic and spore producing so this is the only way. It will be alive in your gut, but you can’t make any yogurt or anything out of it.
Gemini on the CBM 588 Strain:
The scientific and clinical evidence for Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI 588 (CBM 588) is substantial, particularly for gut health and, more recently, for enhancing cancer therapies.
CBM 588 is a unique probiotic because it is a butyrate-producer . Unlike common lactic acid bacteria (like Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium ), CBM 588 produces butyric acid (butyrate), a short-chain fatty acid that serves as the primary fuel for colon cells and regulates the immune system.
Mechanism of Action: How it Works
CBM 588 works differently than standard probiotics. Its benefits stem from three key biological pathways:
- Butyrate Production:
- It produces large amounts of butyric acid.
- Benefit: Butyrate repairs the gut lining (epithelial barrier), preventing “leaky gut” (intestinal permeability).
- Upregulation of IL-10 (Anti-Inflammatory):
- CBM 588 instructs the immune system to produce Interleukin-10 (IL-10), a master anti-inflammatory cytokine.
- Benefit: This calms gut inflammation without suppressing the immune system’s ability to fight infection.
- Induction of Protectin D1:
- It stimulates the production of Protectin D1 , a specialized lipid mediator that actively resolves inflammation.
- Benefit: This is unique to CBM 588 and helps “turn off” inflammation after an infection or injury, promoting faster healing.
3. Dosing Used in Clinical Trials
While specific medical advice requires a doctor, the dosages used in successful human clinical trials are consistent:
| Condition | Typical Dosage in Studies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Immunotherapy | 3 grams / day | Often divided into smaller doses (e.g., 1g three times daily). |
| Depression (TRD) | 60 mg - 3 g / day | Studies vary between using pure spore weight vs. formulated powder weight. |
| General Gut Health | 1.5 - 3 grams / day | Standard prophylactic dosage seen in Asian markets (Miyarisantablets/powder). |
Export to Sheets
Summary Table of Benefits
| Condition | Evidence Level | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea | High (Standard of Care in parts of Asia) | Prevents diarrhea; restores gut flora. |
| Cancer Immunotherapy | Moderate/High (Clinical Trials) | Improves survival & drug response (Lung/Kidney cancer). |
| IBS (Diarrhea Type) | Moderate | Reduces pain, bloating, and diarrhea frequency. |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Moderate | Reduces relapse of pouchitis in Ulcerative Colitis. |
| Depression | Preliminary | 70% response rate in treatment-resistant patients. |
Export to Sheets
Safety Profile
CBM 588 is widely regarded as safe. It does not carry toxin-producing genes (unlike pathogenic Clostridia species) and has been available over-the-counter in Japan since the 1940s with a very low incidence of adverse events.
I happen to take chicory root inulin (from Bulk Supplements) for my butyrate production. It causes gas when taken in sufficiently high amounts (often hours later), which is a sign that it’s working, as it typically means gut bacteria are fermenting it and forming short-chain fatty acids, including butyrate.
Inulin also happens to be famous for its “bifidogenic effect”, increasing the population of bifidobacteria in the gut. That particular type of bacteria was the kind that the 117-year-old woman Maria Morera had in very high amounts in her gut, though in her case she maybe got it through consuming large amounts of yogurt. You would probably need much less yogurt to achieve the same effect if you take sufficient amounts of inulin.
RapAdmin
Shifting to green banana flour after reading this, I plan to use it the same way as with potato flour. Mixing a full tablespoon inte my mix of low-fat yoghurt, berries, nuts and seeds.
FWIW: Asking perplexty.ai “Which combination of green banana flour, tributyrin, acarbose and Clostridium bytericum CBM588 is most beneficial for increasing butyrate”. (In one-to-one comparisons, tributyrin is the strongest)
For maximally increasing butyrate, the most rational focus is on a fermentable substrate + a butyrate‑producer + a defined butyrate prodrug, with acarbose as an optional amplifier depending on your glycemic status and GI tolerance. ����
Roles of the four Green banana flour:
Major resistant‑starch source; directly feeds colonic microbiota and increases SCFA (especially butyrate) when tolerated.
��Clostridium butyricum CBM588: Live butyrate‑producing probiotic that can raise colonic butyrate and support microbiota diversity, especially when given fermentable carbohydrate. ��
Tributyrin: Direct, quantifiable butyrate prodrug that raises both luminal and systemic butyrate independent of your existing microbiota.
��Acarbose: Drug that shifts more starch to the colon, modulating microbiota and SCFAs, but with frequent gas/bloating at higher doses and mixed human data on microbiome impact.
��Most beneficial core combo for butyrate Green banana flour (titrated RS dose) / CBM588/Tributyrin
This triad:Supplies fermentable substrate (green banana), a specialized butyrate producer (CBM588), and a guaranteed butyrate load (tributyrin), creating both ecosystem‑level and direct butyrate gains. ���
Avoids adding a fourth variable drug (acarbose) that can strongly alter glucose handling and often limits dose by GI side effects, especially if you already use high‑RS foods. ��
When to consider acarboseAcarbose can be layered only if:You have impaired glucose tolerance / post‑prandial spikes where acarbose is clinically justified. �You tolerate gas/bloating and accept additional microbiota shifts beyond what RS + CBM588 already provide. ��In that case, acarbose is an adjunct to the above triad rather than part of the base stack.
Thanks for posting this, it’s very good info. I’ll probably do as it suggests. 
I take Pendulum Metabolic Daily. I also take acarbose 50 mg twice daily before lunch and dinner. I recently started one scoop of Thorne Fiber supplement daily. The gas is tolerable. Pendulum Metabolic Daily contains the following bacterial strains.
The probiotic blend in Pendulum Metabolic Daily typically includes the following live bacterial species: 
1. Akkermansia muciniphila – A keystone gut bacteria associated with strengthening the gut barrier and producing metabolites that support metabolic health. 
2. Clostridium butyricum – A butyrate-producing strain that supports digestion and metabolic processes. 
3. Clostridium beijerinckii – Another butyrate producer that helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome. 
4. Anaerobutyricum hallii – A butyrate-producing bacterium involved in carbohydrate fermentation and gut health. 
5. Bifidobacterium infantis – A beneficial species that digests complex carbohydrates and supports overall digestive and immune health. 
I don’t feel any need to add Tributryin.
This is a great issue to discuss and ask the AI about. I wanted a little more information, then I wanted to dig into the issues around dosing levels, proportions, side effect tradeoffs, and scheduling.
I started with a more indepth analysis by Gemini Deep Research, that can be found here: https://gemini.google.com/share/aaba2816a74e
THen went into the related issues around dosing levels, proportions, side effect tradeoffs, and scheduling. See here:
Based on the pharmacological mechanisms and clinical data analyzed in the previous report, here is the optimal dosing strategy, ratio, and timing for the “Butyrate Triad” and the optional amplifier.
The Optimal “Butyrate Stack” Protocol
To achieve maximal butyrate production while minimizing the risk of severe gastrointestinal distress (“the fermentation storm”), the components should not necessarily be taken in equal ratios, but rather balanced by their functional roles.
1. Dosing and Ratios (Target Daily Intake)
| Component | Role | Starting Dose (Day 1–7) | Target Optimal Dose | Notes & Brand Equivalents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Banana Flour | Fuel | 5–10 g (1 tsp – 1 tbsp) | 15–30 g (1.5 – 3 tbsp) | Must be RAW (unheated). Contains ~50% Resistant Starch (RS2). Target dose provides ~8–15g of pure RS. [] |
| C. butyricum (CBM588) | Engine | Standard Label Dose | High Therapeutic Dose | Standard: ~3 “Strong” tablets (or 9 “Standard” tablets) daily. Therapeutic: Clinical trials often use ~400mg–1g of active bacterial powder (approx. 10⁸–10⁹ CFU). |
| Tributyrin | Bridge | 300 mg | 500–1,000 mg | Look for “CoreBiome” or equivalent postbiotics. 300mg is the standard efficacious floor; 1,000mg is a high functional dose. |
| Acarbose(Optional) | Amplifier | 25 mg (once daily) | 50–100 mg (per carb-heavy meal) | Rx Only. Start very low. Dose must be matched to the carbohydrate content of the meal. |
The “Golden Ratio” Logic: The ratio is functionally 30:1:1 (by weight)—roughly 30g of Substrate (GBF) to support the colonization of the Probiotic and the effects of the Prodrug. Without the massive substrate load (GBF), the probiotic (CBM588) will not have enough fuel to produce therapeutic levels of butyrate, rendering high doses of the bacteria less effective.
2. Timing and Administration Strategy
You can take these supplements together, but splitting them based on meal composition is more effective for reducing side effects and maximizing coverage.
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Green Banana Flour: Do not heat.
- Best Time: Morning or Mid-day smoothie.
- Reason: Heating GBF above 55°C (130°F) gelatinizes the starch, destroying its resistant properties and turning it into simple digestible carbs. It must be consumed cold or room temperature.
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CBM588 (Probiotic):
- Best Time: After meals.
- Reason: While CBM588 forms spores that are acid-resistant, taking it after a meal (when stomach pH is slightly higher) ensures maximum survival into the colon. Taking it with the GBF ensures the “Engine” arrives with the “Fuel.”
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Tributyrin:
- Best Time: With any meal (Breakfast/Dinner).
- Reason: Tributyrin is a fat (triglyceride). Taking it with food stimulates lipase release, which is necessary to cleave the butyrate from the glycerol backbone.
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Acarbose (The Critical Timing):
- Best Time: Strictly with the first bite of a starch-containing meal.
- Reason: Acarbose works by competitively inhibiting enzymes (alpha-glucosidase) in the small intestine. If you take it 15 minutes after eating, it is useless. If you take it with a zero-carb meal (e.g., steak and eggs), it does nothing.
3. Side Effects and Trade-offs
The primary trade-off in this protocol is Gas Production vs. Butyrate Yield. Maximizing fermentation inevitably produces gas (H₂ and CO₂).
A. The “Fermentation Storm” (Bloating/Gas)
- Risk: High. Combining Green Banana Flour (fermentable substrate) + Acarbose (which dumps more starch into the colon) + CBM588 (which actively ferments) can create extreme distension, flatulence, and discomfort.
-
Mitigation:
- Titrate GBF: Start with 1 teaspoon for 3 days. If tolerated, move to 1 tablespoon.
- Do Not Stack Acarbose with GBF: This is “double-dipping.” Use GBF in your morning smoothie (low carb/high RS). Use Acarbose at dinner with pasta or rice. This spreads the fermentation load across the day rather than hitting the colon all at once.
- Simethicone/Charcoal: Keep these on hand if bloating becomes painful during the adaptation phase (first 2 weeks).
B. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
- Risk: Low to Moderate (mainly with Acarbose).
- Context: GBF improves insulin sensitivity, and Acarbose blocks sugar absorption. If you are already on insulin or sulfonylureas, this combination can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar. If you are non-diabetic, Acarbose rarely causes hypoglycemia alone, but you may feel “flat” or low-energy if you block too many carbs without replacing calories.
C. Contraindication: SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
- Trade-off: If you have SIBO, this entire protocol (except Tributyrin) is contraindicated. Adding fermentable starch (GBF) or blocking absorption (Acarbose) will feed the bacteria in the small intestine, worsening SIBO symptoms significantly. In this case, use Tributyrin only (softgels), as it absorbs before reaching the bacterial overgrowth.
Summary of Daily Routine (Example)
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Breakfast (The “Fuel” Meal):
- Smoothie with 5–15g Green Banana Flour (Raw).
- 3 Tablets CBM588 (Probiotic).
- 1 Capsule Tributyrin (300–500mg).
-
Lunch:
- Normal eating (no supplements required).
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Dinner (The “Amplifier” Meal):
- If eating rice, potatoes, or bread: 25–50mg Acarbose with the first bite.
- Note: Do not take GBF at this meal if taking Acarbose to minimize bloating.
Where would I find this in the US (besides maybe a Japanese store? Google said it is popular in Japan, but not apparently in the US. Anyone found it?
Thanks, I appreciate the link. 
Top 20 Lowest Cost Raw Green Banana & Plantain Flour Options (USA)
This list prioritizes raw, unripe green banana and plantain flours available for purchase and shipment within the USA. Cost analysis includes package sizes up to 5kg (approx. 11 lbs).
Criteria:
- Type: Raw Green Banana or Plantain Flour (excluding cooked/processed “fufu” unless specified raw).
- Weight: Up to 5kg (11 lbs).
- Ranking: Lowest cost per 100g.
Note on “Plantain” vs. “Green Banana”: Plantains are a member of the banana family. In flour form, both “Green Banana” and “Green Plantain” flours are nutritionally similar, high in resistant starch (RS2), and used interchangeably for health benefits. “Plantain” flours are often significantly cheaper due to their staple status in African and Caribbean cuisines.
| Rank | Product Name | Vendor / Brand | Weight | Price (US$) | Cost per 100g |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plantain Flour (Unripe Green) | Iya Foods (Wazobia Market) | 5 lb (2.27 kg) | $19.99 | $0.88 |
| 2 | Khitan Food 100% Natural Plantain Flour | Khitan / Walmart | 4.85 lb (2.2 kg) | $29.99 | $1.36 |
| 3 | Plantain Flour (Amala) Unripe | Generic / Walmart | 5 lb (2.27 kg) | $33.50 | $1.48 |
| 4 | Organic Dried Green Banana Powder (8 lb) | Food to Live | 8 lb (3.63 kg) | $58.32 | $1.61 |
| 5 | Dogah Foods Plantain Flour | Dogah Foods | 2 lb (907 g) | $15.00 | $1.65 |
| 6 | Let’s Do Organic Green Banana Flour | Edward & Sons / Walmart | 14 oz (396 g) | $6.74 | $1.70 |
| 7 | Green Banana Powder (11 lb Bulk) | Rainforest Supply | 11 lb (4.99 kg) | $88.49 | $1.77 |
| 8 | Organic Green Banana Flour (4 lb) | Food to Live | 4 lb (1.81 kg) | $36.05 | $1.99 |
| 9 | Yupik Organic Green Banana Flour | Yupik | 2.2 lb (1 kg) | $24.99 | $2.50 |
| 10 | LiveKuna Organic Banana Flour | LiveKuna | 2 lb (907 g) | $22.99 | $2.53 |
| 11 | Spicy Yum! Green Plantain Flour | Spicy Yum! | 1.5 lb (680 g) | $16.99 | $2.50 |
| 12 | Unripe Plantain Flour (Bulk) | Generic / Walmart | 2.21 lb (1 kg) | $26.95 | $2.69 |
| 13 | Green Banana Powder (Organic) | Z Natural Foods | 1 lb (454 g) | $16.82 | $3.70 |
| 14 | Nutricost Organic Green Banana Flour | Nutricost | 2 lb (907 g) | $29.99 | $3.31 |
| 15 | Blue Lily Organics Green Banana Flour | Blue Lily Organics | 1 lb (454 g) | $17.95 | $3.95 |
| 16 | Natural Evolution Green Banana Flour | Natural Evolution | 1 lb (454 g) | $19.95 | $4.39 |
| 17 | Judee’s Green Banana Flour | Judee’s | 12 oz (340 g) | $14.99 | $4.41 |
| 18 | Hearthy Foods Green Banana Flour | Hearthy Foods | 16 oz (454 g) | $21.99 | $4.84 |
| 19 | Terrafertil Green Banana Flour | Terrafertil | 1 lb (454 g) | $22.50 | $4.96 |
| 20 | Peregrine / Pereg Banana Flour | Pereg Natural Foods | 16 oz (454 g) | $23.90 | $5.26 |
Cost Calculation Notes:
- Shipping: Prices listed are for the product only. Shipping costs vary by location and vendor (e.g., Walmart+ or Amazon Prime may offer free shipping, while direct suppliers like Rainforest Supply charge based on weight/distance).
- Bulk Advantage: The lowest costs are consistently found in 5lb+ bulk bags or ethnic market brands (Iya, Khitan) rather than specialty health-food brands sold in small pouches.
- Raw/Resistant Starch: All selected options are “raw” or “unripe,” preserving the Type 2 Resistant Starch content critical for longevity and metabolic health applications.
Key Market Observations
- Lowest Absolute Cost: Iya Foods and Khitan Food offer the best value, utilizing the “plantain” supply chain which is more established and commoditized than the “green banana superfood” market.
- Best Bulk “Superfood” Brand: Food to Live provides the most accessible mid-range bulk option (8lb) with high reliability for raw/organic certification if you prefer to avoid generic brands.
- Best Small Package Value: Let’s Do Organic (Edward & Sons) is surprisingly competitive per 100g compared to other small-pack premium brands.
Would you like me to identify specific high-resistant starch recipes or dosage protocols for longevity based on these raw flour options?