Germ theory vs terrain theory

Have you ever wondered why some of us are more prone to disease than others? Take COVID-19, for example, some people suffer severely, while others only experience mild symptoms. Some won't catch it at all.

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There is such a thing as 'viral load', so healthcare workers, for example, can be infected multiple times, which can overwhelm a person. This is why healthcare workers need excellent protection. It is also a reason why sitting on trains and buses on a daily basis is not necessarily a good idea, and why the guidance during the peak of the pandemic was to socially distance and stay at home.

While there is no magic solution that will promise you a healthy, working immune system, eating the right foods (a balanced diet, plenty of water) and moving your body regularly will ensure your immune system is working to its best ability. Viruses, germs and illness will always be a part of our world, but by living a healthy lifestyle and eating the right foods, we are helping our immune system, building the right "terrain" and creating the defence against potential threats. 


Germ theory vs terrain theory

“Germ theory” suggests that germs are what we need to worry about and we need to keep finding ways to kill them off. Whereas “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

Both theories are, in fact, important. 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 our daily stressors, generally insufficient diets and fast food, radiation and electromagnetic fields (EMFs), it is important that we have medicines to help us combat invading microbes if our bodies do not have a strong enough immune system to deal with them naturally. Taking precautions to protect yourself from catching the latest sickness, such as COVID-19, is important.

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 lifelong endeavour but the fruits of your labour will be realised within a much shorter time. Noticing how you become resistant to the latest flu or cold going around will prove to you that balancing your body chemistry to strengthen your immune system was worth making the effort. 


What can you do to support your immune system?

So, how do you remineralise the body so that it is replenished with the correct minerals and vitamins to create a good immune, strong stomach acid, and good working organs?

  • Eat sufficient protein plus cooked vegetables. Cooking the vegetables will release the minerals by breaking down the tough fibres. 
  • Drink spring water; it's a 'whole food'.
  • Hair mineral analysis will reveal what diet you need and what supplements you need to correct your body chemistry so that it is optimal. The right minerals will strengthen glands and organs to push out the inflammatory metals and help you resist disease and chronic illnesses.

Nutritional balancing

This process is called "nutritional balancing and development" because the body and mind will develop, as will your awareness and abilities. Remember, fear will weaken the body because when you are in “flight or fight” mode or in an 'alarm' state, your calcium, magnesium and zinc will deplete within minutes. Some people have low reserves from long-term stress and poor diet and therefore cannot cope with stress. Minerals will buffer stress so you can cope and get through it.

If you are not on a nutritional balancing programme, what can you take to offer you some measure of protection? Vitamin A and C, kelp, selenium, zinc and a little copper. If you get sick, remedies such as elderberry syrup (which you can make), colloidal silver and more vitamins A and C will help your body deal with it. 

*If you are thinking about introducing vitamins and supplements into your diet, it is advised you seek professional support and guidance, such as your GP or a nutrition professional.

So, ensuring you are eating a balanced diet is highly recommended to create a stronger immune system against illness. 


For more information about how you can protect yourself and heal with nutritional balancing, send me a message via my profile.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Nutritionist Resource are reviewed by our editorial team.

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Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18
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Written by Cressida Reese, Hair Mineral Analysis Practitioner, Nutritional Consultant
Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18

Author of Green Smoothie Joy Books on Amazon.
Paleo Diet and Nutritional Balancing Nutritionist Diplomas.
Expert in Hair Mineral Analysis and Analytical Research Laboratories and Endomet Supplements.

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