COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 742
Microbial resilience represents the microbiome's ability to maintain
stability and recover from disturbances [22]. Modern testing can
assess resilience through various measures:
● Presence of key stabilizing organisms [23]
● Diversity of functional pathways [24]
● Competitive balance between different microbial
populations [25]
● Evidence of resistance mechanisms against potential
pathogens [26]
A resilient microbiome typically correlates with improved clinical
outcomes and reduced symptom recurrence [27].
Understanding Functional Outputs
Rather than merely identifying which microbes are present,
advanced testing examines what these microorganisms are
actually doing [28]. Key functional analyses include:
Fermentation Patterns
Saccharolytic Fermentation
Saccharolytic fermentation involves the breakdown of complex
carbohydrates by beneficial bacteria [29]. This process:
● Produces beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) [30]
● Supports gut barrier integrity [31]
● Provides energy for colonocytes [32]
● Regulates gut pH to discourage pathogen growth [33]
Low saccharolytic fermentation often indicates insufficient
prebiotic intake or depletion of beneficial fiber-fermenting
bacteria [34].
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