Macrobiotic philosophy categorizes all diseases into two grand divisions, diseases of degeneration, and diseases of adjustment. Diseases of degeneration consist of those in which bodily functions are either halted or diminished such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, arthritis, nervous system disorders and other organ or tissue failures. In general they are caused by the habitual intake of toxic substances over time. Diseases of adjustment are those of an infectious nature and can occur suddenly in a matter of hours.

An infection occurs when a microorganism enters the body and causes harm. This could be from bacteria, fungi, or other types of microorganisms, but by far the most numerous type is that of viruses. Most viruses are submicroscopic entities, meaning they are too small to be seen with an optical microscope and can only be visualized with an electron microscope. There is no consensus on whether viruses are a life form. They exist as genetic material wrapped in a protein covering, but do not have a cellular structure, which is considered the basic unit of life. They have been regarded as organisms at the edge of life. Viruses can be found wherever there is life, and have likely existed for as long as there has been life. They are thought to be a means of the transference of genes between species, which plays a role in evolution. Viruses are more abundant than all other biological entities put together and they infect all types of life -- plant, animal, bacterial, and fungal. Some affect only one species, while others can infect a range of species. They play a role in virtually all aspects of life, from the regulation of ecosystems to species diversity.

Viruses cannot reproduce outside the host cell since they do not have their own metabolism. Within the cell they can make multiple copies of themselves and eventually burst out of the cell, resulting in cell death. Each copy can then seek another cell to enter and reproduce. Symptoms of disease are not experienced until the viral load, the number of viruses within a particular host, reaches a significant amount. With or without symptoms, viruses can be shed from the host organism and encountered by other organisms in the environment.

Although viruses are essential for all forms of life, there must exist a counterbalance in order to prevent viruses from destroying all life, and therefore themselves. That counterbalance is known as the immune system of the host. In humans the immune system produces two responses to a virus, known as TH1 and TH2. A TH1 response results in Killer T cells which destroy virus infected cells and therefore their ability to reproduce. A TH2 response creates antibodies which aid macrophages in identifying and destroying the viruses outside the cells. In a vaccine induced response however, the TH1 is lacking, therefore any viruses that get by the antibody defense and into the cells can reproduce. Once out of the cells they can be tagged and destroyed by the antibody defense, but any that get past and into another cell can reproduce again, so it is possible to end up with a chronic case of the disease which never fully manifests, but does use up immune system resources, thus suppressing the entire system.

While virtually everyone is inevitably exposed to a particular virus, their experience of it is dependent upon how their immune system is functioning, and upon the condition of their internal environment. A well functioning immune system can eliminate the virus from the host without the host ever experiencing any symptoms. This occurs when the immune system encounters a virus that it has responded to previously, which enables it to quickly multiply antibodies and killer T cells before the virus can significantly reproduce, and can also occur when the immune system is not suppressed by other degenerative diseases or toxins in the body. In the case of a virus that has not been encountered before, it can take more time for the immune response to be sufficient, and therefore increased viral load and its corresponding symptoms are more likely to occur, but a well functioning immune system will still eliminate the virus.

If, however, the internal environment of the host is in the proper condition, it may not even be necessary to rely on the immune system. Human viruses are pH sensitive. They do not thrive in alkaline conditions. If the intercellular fluid of the host is alkaline, viruses will not be able to survive and enter the cells. The intercellular fluid pH is the result of the metabolism of what we consume. Thus, an alkaline forming diet is the best defense against a viral infection, and we intuitively turn to it when we do experience a viral infection, as we may prefer to fast, or consume only salty broths. That is why infections are called diseases of adjustment. We must adjust our internal environment in order to recover from them efficiently. Fortunately, an alkaline intercellular fluid is also the best defense against diseases of degeneration.

What I have described above is known as terrain theory. In the 19th century, an ongoing debate between Louis Pasteur and Antione Bechamp resulted in the acceptance of germ theory (Pasteur), and the rejection of terrain theory (Bechamp) by the medical community. Germs were deemed the enemy and the cause of disease. Ironically, most bacteria are very beneficial and necessary for human function, and viruses, as we have seen, are essential for all life on earth. How can these be our enemy? Conversely, Bechamp believed that germs were scavengers of weakened or poorly defended (acidic intercellular fluid) tissue. Ironically, near the end of his life Pasteur himself came to agree with Bechamp, stating, "The germ is nothing, the soil is everything."

Avoiding viruses is not only unwise, it is impossible. Today we are constantly reminded to wash our hands, not touch our face, sanitize our surfaces, wear masks and gloves, and worst of all, avoid contact with other human beings. This is not human life, this is mind control. Germ theory makes you a victim. Terrain theory puts you in control. The choice is yours.

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