Germ Theory vs. Terrain Theory
Why are some of us are more prone to disease than others? Why is it that in a group of people exposed to a virus or bacteria, some suffer with symptoms, others have no symptoms and a few become seriously ill? We all know the short answer – it depends on the strength of each person’s immune system. Many health choices can be made to give the ‘terrain’ the best possible function.
In the media, the only information we hear about is based on the germ theory, with little to no time discussing the terrain. The ‘germ theory’ vs ‘terrain theory’ is basically the argument that germs are what we need to worry about and we need to keep finding ways to kill them off. Terrain theory argues that if the body is well and balanced then germs that are a natural part of life and the environment will be dealt with by the body without causing sickness.
“Germs seek their natural habitat – diseased tissue – rather than being the cause of diseased tissue.” – Antoine Béchamp
The germ theory vs. terrain theory debate doesn’t always have a clear winner. Because of poor soils and the prevalence of toxic chemicals and metals in our foods, air and water, today’s bodies are generally weaker. Add to that the stress, insufficient diets and fast food, radiation and electromagnetic fields (EMFs), it is important that we have life-saving drugs to help us combat invading microbes if our bodies do not have a strong enough immune system to deal with them naturally.
“It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.” – Hippocrates
Healing from the Inside
But what is more important, is working on the ‘terrain’, the body’s inner environment making it inhospitable to viruses and parasites etc. This is a life long endeavour, but the fruits of your labour will be realized within a much shorter time. Noticing you become resistant to the latest flu going round will prove to you that balancing your body, decreasing stresses and removing interference to strengthen your immune system was worth making the effort.
You know all the things to do: move your body, drink lots of water, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, go to bed on time, take mental breaks when you’re busy and stay connected with your friends and family.
Pick one from the list above and work on it this week. Just make a little change compared to last week. No one else is going to do it for you. Creating health isn’t difficult, but it takes time, energy and focus. You can do it!
Here’s another quick read about the debate.
