Gut instincts

Mucosal membranes act as a network that provides a connection between the gut and vital organs, like the lungs or the brain, but presumably the entire body. Short-chain fatty acids are formed in the colon through the fermentation of soluble fiber, and researchers are interested in finding out more about their role as signaling compounds. More research is needed to decisively say that one diet is better for the microbiome over another.