Does RFK Jr believe in germs?

“Germ theory” suggests that germs are what we need to worry about and we need to keep finding ways to kill them off. Whereas “terrain theory” argues that if the body is well and balanced, then germs that are a natural part of life and the environment will be dealt with by the body without causing sickness. 

“Germs seek their natural habitat – diseased tissue – rather than being the cause of diseased tissue.” Antoine Bechamp

The terrain theory is an ideology that ranges from total denial of the existence of viruses and bacteria to the belief that lifestyle choices alone force otherwise benevolent microbes to transform into pathogens.

This conversation represents a longstanding feud between Louis Pasteur (germ theory) and Antoine Bechamp (Terrain theory), two chemists from 19th century France.  Pasteur laid the groundwork for modern vaccination and perfected the process of Pasteurization which heats liquids like wine and milk, killing off dangerous bacteria making it safe to drink.

"Bechamp believed that microorganisms are essentially benign, and that pathogens emerge when structures inside our cells, called microzymes, transform into bacteria in response to unhealthy environmental conditions—like tiny Dr. Jekylls transforming into Mr. Hydes. In other words, he believed that disease causes pathogens, and not the reverse."

The Terrain Theory is not accepted by the medical and science community.  We appreciate the importance of inflammation in the role of chronic disease, cardiovascular disease and immunity.  There is no doubt that patients with metabolic syndrome are more likely to suffer from greater inflammation than those that don't have any signs of inflammation. We saw this during COVID when there was an increased risk of severe COVID in patients with diabetes, coronary artery disease, obesity, high blood pressure, etc. This observation supports the need to encourage patients prioritize self-care and stay healthy.  The divergence happens when we suggest that these healthy people don't need vaccination because they are healthy and therefore, can't get diseases such as measles, meningitis and polio.  

The terrain theory suggests that pathogens don't become dangerous if the terrain is healthy.  Staying healthy and encouraging adjunct treatments with a focus on lifestyle, behavioral change, nutrition and movement is helpful and we call it Integrative care.  If patients decide to forgo medicine and only utilize these therapies, we call it alternative medicine.  Patients are choosing one over the other instead of incorporating it all into a multifactorial treatment.  This is why we hear of patients switching to a frutatarian (eating only organic fruit) diet instead of getting treatment for their cervical cancer or choosing a detox over antibiotics.  

It is so important to stay metabolically healthy but it will not prevent you from getting an infectious disease or skin cancer.

Our Health and Human Services Secretary believes in terrain theory.  In a recent committee meeting, RFK Jr. stated  "I don't want to seem like I'm being evasive, but I don't think people should be taking medical advice from me." 

Physicians need to speak up and refute and clarify some of these claims.  There is the book answer, the Instagram answer and the truth is somewhere in the middle.  That is the art of medicine and nuance of personalized care.  We can simultaneously hold germ theory to be true but also recognize the importance of metabolic health. While I have not heard Dr. Casey Means, the nominee for surgeon general, speak to this theory.  It is clearly in line with her content creation.  She is not a practicing physician, nor has she ever been outside of residency.  Her content is theoretical and we have to remember that. As with RFK Jr, I don't think anyone should be taking advice from Dr. Means.  

Quick detour about a Hungarian obstetrician named Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis.  Prior to the recognition of germ theory, Dr. Semmelweis noticed that women delivered by physicians had a higher mortality rate from childbed fever than those delivered by midwives, who didn't perform autopsies. 

Semmelweis's observations in Vienna hospitals led him to believe that doctors were transferring a "morbid poison" from autopsies to the delivery room, which he later identified as "cadaveric particles". 

To test his theory, Semmelweis mandated that doctors wash their hands with a chlorinated lime solution after autopsies before examining patients. This simple practice dramatically reduced the mortality rate in the doctors' ward, bringing it down to a level comparable to the midwives' ward. 

Although Semmelweis's specific explanation of the cause of childbed fever was not entirely accurate, his work laid the groundwork for understanding the importance of hygiene and infection control. His findings eventually contributed to the broader acceptance of germ theory and the importance of handwashing in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. 

Semmelweis's story is a powerful example of how scientific observation and practical intervention can lead to significant improvements in public health, even before a complete understanding of the underlying mechanisms is developed. His work is celebrated as a critical step in the development of modern antiseptic practices and the fight against infection. 

I don't see how this direct causality be explained by terrain theory.  Terrain theory leads to shame and feelings of failure.  We need to address food and healthcare inequality so all Americans have the opportunity to cultivate a healthy terrain. That will help to make Americans healthy again.  Lets get everyone eating better and give them a living wage and time to exercise.  Also, let's give them access to modern medicine when/if they get sick.