Why Your Internal Environment Matters More Than Germs
For over a century, mainstream medicine has focused on germ theory, the idea that bacteria and viruses invade the body and cause disease. However, an alternative view — terrain theory — suggests that microbes are not the main cause of illness but rather opportunistic actors that use a weaker internal environment to proliferate. This concept shifts the focus from eradicating germs to strengthening the body's natural defences.
Understanding Terrain Theory
The terrain theory posits that the body's internal environment determines susceptibility to infection. If the body's "terrain" is strong — meaning a well-functioning immune system, a balanced gut microbiota, proper pH, and optimal nutrient levels — then harmful bacteria and pathogens will have a much harder time causing disease.
I defer now, to Dr Sam Bailey and her husband, Dr Sam Bailey:
Key Principles of Terrain Theory
Bacteria, fungi, and viruses are ubiquitous and even beneficial in many cases. The human microbiome consists of trillions of microbes that contribute to digestion, immune function, and overall health.
If the body's internal defences are compromised (due to malnutrition, toxicity, or chronic stress), microbes that are usually harmless can become pathogenic.
Germinal entities pervade every corner, yet they flourish predominantly within enfeebled organisms.
A poor diet, chronic inflammation, high sugar consumption, and environmental toxins weaken the body's ability to defend itself.
Disease originates from an intricate internal imbalance, not merely from external assaults
Instead of focusing solely on killing bacteria with antibiotics, terrain theory suggests that supporting the body's healing mechanisms is the key to preventing infections.
Pasteur vs. Béchamp
Louis Pasteur, the father of germ theory, argued that external pathogens invade the body and cause disease. His ideas led to widespread use of vaccines, antibiotics, and sanitation measures.
Antoine Béchamp, a contemporary of Pasteur, proposed that microbes do not "cause" disease but rather proliferate in response to a diseased terrain. He introduced the concept of "microzymas," tiny living particles in the body that could transform into bacteria depending on the body's condition.
Interestingly, Pasteur admitted on his deathbed, "The germ is nothing, the terrain is everything."
Toxicity and Infections Are Linked
Modern lifestyles expose us to toxins (pesticides, heavy metals, processed foods, and pollutants) that weaken the immune system.
This toxic burden creates an environment where bacteria proliferate as part of a cleanup process, attempting to break down waste and dead tissue.
Applying Terrain Theory to Health and Disease Prevention
Instead of focusing solely on eradicating bacteria with antibiotics and antiseptics, terrain theory emphasises optimising the body's internal environment. Here is how, and this is where I come into my own:
1. Nutrient-Dense Diet
Prioritise whole, unprocessed foods: Grass-fed meats, eggs, raw dairy, vegetables (70 percent cooked, 30 percent raw), and healthy fats.
Reduce sugars and grains: High sugar intake fuels pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and viral infections.
Include powerful phytonutrients: Foods rich in quercetin (New Zealand blackcurrant), vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory compounds support immunity.
2. Improve Gut Health
Consume fermented foods: Raw yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir help maintain a balanced microbiome.
Increase fibre intake: Supports beneficial bacteria and improves digestion.
Avoid overuse of antibiotics: These kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, weakening long-term resilience.
3. Strengthen Detoxification Pathways
Support liver function: Consume liver-supporting foods such as milk thistle, dandelion root, and citrus peels.
Use natural binders and detoxifiers: Fulvic acid helps remove toxins that compromise the terrain.
Sweat regularly: Exercise, sauna use, and outdoor activity assist in detoxification.
4. Optimize Mineral Balance
Calcium-magnesium balance: Essential for neuromuscular function, including bladder and urinary tract health.
Zinc and selenium: Critical for immune resilience.
Collagen and vitamin A, D, E, K2: Help maintain soft, pliable tissue, reducing the risk of scarring and dysfunction in organs like the bladder.
5. Reduce Chronic Inflammation
Incorporate proteolytic enzymes like serrapeptase: Helps break down scar tissue and reduce inflammation.
Maintain healthy omega-3 to omega-6 ratios: Reduce processed oils and focus on fatty fish, flaxseeds, and grass-fed animal products.
Engage in intermittent fasting: Promotes cellular repair and resets immune function.
6. Prioritise Restorative Sleep and Stress Management
Chronic stress suppresses immunity: Implement stress-reduction strategies such as meditation, time in nature, and deep breathing.
Adequate sleep is crucial: Poor sleep weakens immunity and increases inflammation.
Where Does the Truth Lie? Germ vs. Terrain?
Both germ theory and terrain theory contain valuable insights, and they are not mutually exclusive. While pathogens can cause disease, they only thrive in individuals with compromised terrain. Modern research into gut health, immune function, and metabolic disease supports the idea that internal imbalances dictate infection susceptibility.
Body Heal Thyself - and "Let Food by Thy Medicine"
Resilience - the Final Word!
Instead of waging war on microbes, we should focus on strengthening our body's natural defences — resilience. As the old saying goes: "It is not the strongest that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most adaptable to change." Strengthening the terrain is the ultimate strategy for resilience.
Don't wait for a disease to be diagnosed, such as by a colonoscopy, breast exam, or prostate PSA test — they are all far too late — the horse is bolting into the darkness by then. Be proactive by investing in your resilience today. Keep at least 20 years ahead of all diseases.
thanks; I watch the Baileys and read what they have said; I read Jamie Andrews substack; I had what seemed to be a bad chest infection over Christmas; that dragged on and was coughing up mucopurulent phlegm; all very troublesome; so I just don't know; I continue to read and listen; and reflect;