08/04/2020
We are now seven months into the pandemic, which continues to spread rapidly across the nation. Unless we are to place our faith in the hands of pharmaceutical companies rushing to produce a vaccine, it's time to take our health into our own hands and do everything we can to strengthen our bodies so that we don't become seriously ill with covid-19 or other ailments during this precarious time.
Chiropractic medicine is an empowering health model. We strive to address the root of your physical complaints with a combination of education, manual therapies, nutrition and customized supplementation. Recently, many scientifically focused medical publications have focused on the human microbiome, a complex landscape inside and on the human body composed of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. The majority of these tiny microbes live in the gut. It is now thought that the root cause of many illnesses and diseases stem from a disruption in the delicate balance of the microbiome due to the use of chemicals, antibiotics, improper diet and numerous other factors. For these reasons, I want to introduce you to a theory that is sometimes referred to as "terrain theory", a concept extremely relevant to all of us in our relationship with covid-19.
“Germs seek their natural habitat – diseased tissue – rather than being the cause of diseased tissue.” - Antoine Béchamp
Terrain theory is attributed to the work of of Antoine Bechamp, a 19th century scientist who was a contemporary of Louis Pasteur. In a nutshell, terrain theory proposes that if our body is well balanced and healthy, the germs that are a natural part of the world will be handled by the body without serious consequences. Pasteur's work focused more on viruses and bacterias as invading pathogens that we simply need to kill or fight off; we describe this as germ theory.
The problem with germ theory, when it ignores terrain theory, is that it doesn't always recognize or have the capability to differentiate between the "good" germs and the "bad germs". The human microbiome DEPENDS on an abundance of many types of bacteria for good health. Now, with the national conversation focusing solely on finding a vaccine in the "fight" against covid-19, I feel it's important to also focus on our inner landscape; our gut health.
Here are five steps you can take today to improve your gut health. Please keep in mind that people with chronic illnesses or autoimmune disease, a history of heavy antibiotic use, or high chemical exposure, may need a more individualized and in-depth protocol. For most of us, these simple steps are a good start!
1. Most importantly, pay attention to your digestion. Excess gas, bloating, food intolerances or stomach pain is a sign that your microbiome needs some help.
2. Eat less sugar and refined carbohydrates. Sugar is known to feed the "bad" bacteria.
3. Add fermented foods and fiber to your diet.
4. Avoid taking antibiotics whenever possible.
5. Exercise regularly, sleep more, and reduce stress.
For digestive support, I highly recommend a new product from Standard Process product GI Stability. This product is a prebiotic and so it supports the growth of your microbiome. This can also support your immune system and help with normal bowel elimination. GI Stability when purchased in the office is currently 20% off until 8/15/20.
This is an exciting time in medical history. We are beginning to recognize the potential of our bodies to powerfully defend us from pathogens without destroying the delicate balance within. As we restore our inner landscape we will be more in harmony with nature and less vulnerable to viruses.
