We often blame a pathogen ie ‘bug for example virus or bacteria’ for us being unwell with colds and flu.
Consider that it might not necessarily be the pathogen but our general state of poor health that is the issue and that maybe each year the pathogen usually a ‘virus’ seems 'stronger' because we as a population are actually weaker.
In clinical practice it does appear that people are on the whole mentally, emotionally and physically unhealthier these days, possibly than ever before. There seems a general lack of robustness.
Blaming ‘the bug’, as modern medicine tends to do, fits in with Louis Pasteur's Germ Theory which suggests that microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi etc) cause disease and we have to go to war on them for our survival.
I believe this theory puts us in the victim category.
I choose not to be a victim.
An alternate theory and one that sits more comfortably with me was suggested by one of Louis Pasteur's rivals, Antoine Beauchamp who developed the Pleomorphic Theory of Disease.
Very simply this theory suggests that pathogens develop in unhealthy environments. A more empowering viewpoint that is possible, if not probable, is that they do so to our benefit. To help clean up the mess. The mess being our unhealthy bodies (terrain) created by our unhealthy diet and lifestyle.
Beauchamp's theory was also supported by one of Pasteur's colleagues Claude Bernard. His theories are what we now refer to as homeostasis - a state of healthy balance or equilibrium, within the body. Bernard introduced the 'milieu interieu' or internal environment ie our body fluids that nourish cells and tissue. So an unhealthy terrain (body) creates what we experience as an unwell/diseased state as a form of cleanse and recalibration in order to return to homeostasis.
All of this is an inside job. Pathogens are created and change (pleomorphism) according to the internal environment. Rarely is there an external pathogen involved and doing damage
It is said that on his deathbed Louis Pasteur recanted his germ theory declaring that "Bernard was correct. I was wrong. The microbe (germ) is nothing. The terrain (milieu) is everything."
A good analogy is, "the Germ theory proposes you get rid of the flies, while it makes more sense to clean up the garbage attracting them."
To me this is really powerful as it means I can have the ultimate say in how healthy I choose to be by nourishing my body with quality; hydration, sunlight, grounding, rest, sleep, relaxation, food, fresh air, relationships, connection and regular movement. Also addressing unhelpful behaviours and the thoughts that keep us awake at night. It's about eating intuitively not academically, living mindfully not mindlessly, with conscious awareness. All which support and calm the nervous system.
Yes initially it takes effort.
Most worthwhile things do.
You're creating a new normal.
Eventually it starts becoming a way of being instead of a choice that requires effort and is ultimately, hugely rewarding on so many levels.
Building and maintaining healthy 'milieu interieu' or internal environments makes so much more sense to me than bombarding what in most people’s cases is an already fragile system, with an assault of toxins, live or killed microbes and synthetic ingredients.
A healthy body, mind and spirit doesn’t mean I won't ever be unwell. Our bodies are dynamic - in a constant state of change according to the internal & external environment however, to me, there’s a satisfaction in knowing that when things get out of whack, my body knows exactly how to rebalance itself with my support and that I have a strong foundation to aid recovery.