GERM THEORY VS TERRAIN THEORY
​
​
The history behind germ theory versus terrain theory is extensive.
In 1861, Louis Pasteur announced his finding of Germ Theory — a concept that had proved germs cause disease.
Around the same time, Antoine Bechamp introduced the notion of Terrain Theory which states that disease can’t develop in a truly healthy environment, and that germs and viruses can only become disease if they are inhabiting an unhealthy organism.
There has been much debate on this topic with opposing sides advocating for and against each theory.
​
Germ theory focuses on external pathogens (bacteria and viruses) invading our body.
Popularised by Louis Pasteur, and aligned with the politics of the time, germ theory became the scientifically accepted theory.
And so today we anxiously do battle with germs, destroying them with antibacterial agents and creating super-bugs;
our beneficial bacteria the casualties of war as we neglect our greatest weapon.
We focus on immunisation instead of creating a healthy ecosystem,
effectively externalising the responsibility for our health and wellbeing to doctors and the pharmaceutical industry.
This approach naively assumes we understand our complex environment and works to dominate nature, rather than acting in concert with it.
Germ Theory sets up the foundations of modern Western medicine. It states that illness is when external pathogens attack the sterile body.
It also states that in order to be healthy, we need to avoid contact with all germs and viruses, with the ultimate goal being to kill all viruses.
Germ Theory emphasizes the virus/germs as the foundation of all illness, and does not include the body as part of the theory.
This emphasis on germs has led to the development of antibiotics and vaccines.
It is important that we have medicine that can help us combat illness if our bodies are not strong enough to combat them on our own.
It is also important to continue taking precautions to keep yourself protected from germs,
such as washing your hands, staying away from those who are sick, etc.
​
​
Terrain theory is focused on the terrain, i.e. the body, and puts the emphasis on maintaining a state of wellness and internal balance to stave of disease. Once this terrain is compromised it gives the disease causing pathogens, whether internal or external, a chance to proliferate, leading to disease.
This internal balance also includes the microbiomes in the gut and on the skin.
Our bodies contain billions of bacteria, many of which can cause inflammation and disease if the body’s capability is unable to keep them in check.
Chronic stress caused by anxiety and depression have been shown to negativity impact the gut microbiome, which in turn dysregulates immune response.
On the other hand, good nutrition and wellbeing can positively influence gut bacteria and improve immunity.
Similarly, an imbalance in the skin microbiome can be caused by the overuse of chemical cleaners and antibacterial agents, leading to skin problems.
Toxic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and even preservatives can disrupt our natural bacteria, especailly when ingested.
As important as our microbiomes are, our emotional and mental health play a pivotal role in our immunity, and our ability to recover from disease.
Chronic stress causes issues with our digestive system, circulatory system and hormonal system.
Stress induced hypertension results in damage to the arterial walls as small lesions begin to form and cholesterol builds up, leading to heart disease.
Chronic stress has also been shown to reduce the number of T-cells that fight off infection.
Basically, Terrain Theory states that the more unhealthy a person is and the more out of balance their body is,
the more susceptible the person is to illness, and the sicker they will get when they come into contact with germs or a virus.
This theory aligns with the idea that the better you treat your body and the healthier your lifestyle is, the better your body is at fighting off illness.
Doing what you can to strengthen your immune system through a healthy diet, lifestyle, and good mental health will help keep the immune system strong, ensuring that your body has a strong defense against illness. Germs and viruses thrive in sick environments.
If your body is at optimal health, your inner environment will become inhospitable to foreign invaders.
Terrain theory is often denounced as pseudoscience by Big Pharma, the mainstream media, and the "education system" in collaboration.
However, Louis Pasteur is reported to have recanted his work on his deathbed, stating "It is not the germs we need worry about. It is our inner terrain."
​​