Germ theory vs. Terrain theory… and flaws of both

Terrain theory offers a different perspective on disease causation, and emphasizes the hosts condition over pathogen exposure.

Terrain theory is the idea that the “terrain” (the internal body environment: tissues, immune system, metabolism, cellular health) is the primary determinant of whether disease occurs. In this view, pathogens may be present but whether they cause disease depends mainly on the state of the hosts terrain. If the terrain is strong and robust, the pathogen will not lead to illness; if the terrain is weak or unbalanced, illness is more likely.

Terrain theory educates us that when microbes flock to an area, creating infection or the destruction of cells, it is because the relevant tissues are damaged (by poor host health/ terrain), and in order to keep the whole body healthy, the affected area is best destroyed. This system can lead to disease progression throughout the body if terrain is not addressed holistically and with urgency. This usually means a complete turnaround of dietary and lifestyle habits.  

Terrain theory returns health accountability to the individual, meaning prevention and treatment focus less on eliminating the pathogen and more on improving the body’s internal conditions through nutrition, detoxification, stress management, and optimizing the microbiome.

Here’s a comparison of the two viewpoints:

Germ Theory = Pathogens (viruses, bacteria) are the primary causes of infectious disease. Prevent/treat by killing/controlling the pathogen: vaccines, antibiotics, hygiene.

Terrain Theory = the internal condition of the body is what determines whether pathogens cause disease. Pathogens are secondary or opportunistic. Prevent/treat by improving host health, optimizing internal environment so pathogens cannot cause disease.

Flaws in both perspectives:

Germ theory overlooks the fact that many people exposed to pathogens don’t get sick, or the severity of illness varies greatly depending on host factors.

When germ theory is perceived to be the cause of disease, the focus is on destroying pathogens. This focus misses key preventive opportunities (like addressing nutritional deficiencies, toxic burden, congested liver and reduced immune strength). Germ theory focuses instead on the use of antibiotics, vaccines and other pharmaceutical products.

Terrain‐theory often downplays or rejects the pathogen side. In a world where most people are bombarded with health-harming factors every day, such as EMF’s, pollution, stress, pesticides and other chemicals, susceptibility to pathogens still matters.

Terrain theory emphasises that viruses have never been proven to exist, which is true. However bacteria, parasites, fungus and other microbial pathogens definitely exist.

Terrain theory challenges germ‐theory. But, perhaps the theories don’t have to be seen as mutually exclusive. Surely everyone can agree that host condition does matter.

My personal opinion:

The fact that pharmaceutical interests rely on widespread acceptance of germ theory is an obvious red flag.

But, some terrain theory advocates leave you feeling guilty for trying to protect yourself and your children from pathogens, which is off-putting.

I believe that a cold or a flu is a natural detox process which is helpful and should not be obstructed or ‘medicated’. Natural symptoms of detoxing, as anyone who has ever done a detox will confirm, are cold and flu symptoms. The bodies innate intelligence uses colds/flus as methods of drainage to expel build up toxins and waste that can’t be eliminated via the bowel or kidneys. You often find you feel even better after a cold. I don’t believe we ‘catch colds’ from others. Mucous is great stuff, the way it wants to work its way up and out to free you from the contaminants it has caught. Let it do it’s thing! Use binders if needed, but let the detox processes do their job! If you are getting sick all the time, your detox pathways are likely congested and might need support.

The ‘mystery’ of kids throwing ‘bugs’ at each other so ubiquitously in kindergartens is a real phenomenon, and even my terrain-theory-mum-friends can’t fully explain this. My view is that perhaps there is more to it than what we currently have the knowledge to comprehend. Perhaps our frequencies or bioelectrical fields are part of the equation, and when one child’s field is in close proximity of another’s all day, their terrain health (or frequency, or immune strength) can be influenced. Sick kids don’t necessarily behave in a low-energy state, they can still be running around full of happiness and vibrancy, so putting it down to an ‘energetic merge’ also doesn’t explain it.

I would love to hear other mum’s views on how/why kids appear to throw ‘bugs’ at each other constantly, from a terrain-theory perspective!