In this week’s episode, we discuss the relationship between infectious and chronic disease, and between germ theory and terrain theory of disease. Pathogens are real, and exogenous treatments like antibiotics can kill them. The health of the body is affected by diet, exercise, stress, and the microbiome, all of which can affect how susceptible a person is to getting sick from pathogens. We discuss gastric ulcers, Covid-19, pneumococcal disease, and comorbidities. Also: how do traditional vs modern diets affect the health, dental and otherwise, of people? Why do pre-industrial people not get cavities, or need orthodontia? Why do squirrels fed by humans develop similarly malformed skulls as babies fed modern diets? Finally: do we have a responsibility to point out the carnage that will result as the Trump administration goes after decades of entrenched interests?

*****

Our sponsors:

Caraway: Non-toxic, beautiful, light ceramic cookware. Save $150 on a cookware set over buying individual pieces, and get 10% off your order at http://carawayhome.com/darkhorse10.

Manukora: the most flavorful, delicious, and nutritious honey you’ll ever have. Get $25 off your starter kit at http://www.Manukora.com/DarkHorse

ARMRA Colostrum is an ancient bioactive whole food that can strengthen your immune system. Go to http://www.tryarmra.com/DARKHORSE to get 15% off your first order.

Mentioned in this episode:

*****

Join us on Locals! Get access to our Discord server, exclusive live streams, live chats for all streams, and early access to many podcasts: https://darkhorse.locals.com

Heather’s newsletter, Natural Selections (subscribe to get free weekly essays in your inbox): https://naturalselections.substack.com

Our book, A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century, is available everywhere books are sold, including from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AGANGg (commission earned)

Check out our store! Epic tabby, digital book burning, saddle up the dire wolves, and more: https://darkhorsestore.org

*****

Mentioned in this episode:

RFK Jr on chronic and infectious disease: https://x.com/ChildrensHD/status/1885018213701800387

RFK Jr on The Real Anthony Fauci: https://amzn.to/40INnxF (commission earned)

Marshall et al 1985. Attempt to fulfil Koch's postulates for pyloric Campylobacter. Med J Aust. 142:436–9:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1985.tb113443.x

Evolutionary Lens Livestream #88 – w discussion of Covid x comorbidities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSWu6DUFFt4&t=337s

Hanada et al 2021. Multiple comorbidities increase the risk of death from invasive pneumococcal disease under the age of 65 years. Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy, 27(9): 1311-1318: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1341321X21001252

Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, by Weston Price (1939): https://amzn.to/4jXciXl (commission earned)

Chandler et al 2025. Morphological change in an isolated population of red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in Britain. Royal Society Open Science, 12(1): 240555.https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240555

Support the show