What Really Makes Us Sick? Pathogens, Fast Lifestyles, and Natural Healing
Back in the day, the hospital was a sacred place. I remember going to the hospital for the dentist to fix my teeth after a terrible accident at the playground, and when I broke my hand after falling from a tree. It was there that you would see dim faces on the hospital beds and in the corridors. The wards were never full, and health staff would have plenty of time to reconnect over meals, signified by their laughter.
Fast forward to today: we are witnessing a myriad of diseases and poor lifestyles that seem like a competition. We live fast lives, eat fast food at fast speed, and expect fast digestion. Our fast-paced lifestyles are sending us fast to the grave, regardless of age. To counter this, we need to consider intermittent fasting and holistic wellness more often.
Being sick is the worst part of life. Understanding what really makes us sick requires looking at both modern medicine and holistic health practices. Sickness is primarily caused by:
Pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites)
Lifestyle factors (such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and chronic stress)
Underlying chronic health conditions
The exact cause of illness depends on the specific type of sickness:
Infectious Diseases: Caused by microscopic organisms like viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, which spread from person to person through the air, contaminated food or water, or insect bites.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Frequently triggered by viral gastroenteritis, bacterial food poisoning, or chronic digestive conditions like acid reflux (GERD).
Lifestyle & Environmental Factors: Chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and poor nutrition actively suppress the immune system, making your body more susceptible to infections. Exposure to toxins and environmental pollution also degrades immune function.
Genetics & Chronic Illness: Innate genetic traits, autoimmune disorders, and chronic diseases (like diabetes) reduce the body's natural ability to fight off illness.
Neurological or Systemic Causes: Tension headaches, severe migraines, and inner ear issues (like vertigo) frequently trigger systemic sickness.
Understanding Dr. Sebi’s Philosophy: Acidity, Mucus & Disease
Dr. Sebi’s philosophy posits that sickness stems from excess mucus and the body becoming too acidic. He believed that disease cannot exist in an alkaline environment. To prevent and reverse illness, he advocated for an alkaline plant-based diet, herbal remedies, and strictly avoiding meat, dairy, and processed foods.
Core Principles of Dr. Sebi's Natural Healing Philosophy:
The Mucus Theory: Posits that excess mucus accumulating in the organs, respiratory tract, and gut is the root cause of all disease.
Acidity vs. Alkalinity: Consuming acid-forming foods (meat, refined sugar, dairy, and processed items) damages cells. His framework focuses on restoring the body's natural alkaline state through an alkaline diet.
The Nutritional Guide: His dietary protocol consists of consuming natural, "electric" plant foods and drinking herbal compounds designed to detoxify and nourish the cells.
No Hybrid Foods: His diet strictly forbids hybridized foods (like most modern wheat and certain fruits), focusing strictly on natural, unadulterated plant life.
How to Not Get Sick: 8 Practical Steps for Stronger Immunity & Prevention
Practice Strict Hygiene: The scourge of COVID reminded us that good hygiene is mandatory. Scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol after being in public. Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and smartphones.
Strengthen Your Immunity: The backbone of your health is your immune system. Prioritise 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep nightly, as sleep deprivation severely compromises your immune response. Maintain a balanced diet rich in Vitamin C (citrus fruits) and Vitamin D (salmon, fortified milk).
Go Green: Make sure you have more green leafy vegetables on your plate alongside whole grain starches and organic meat. This applies to all meals—eat that covo or rape in the morning too!
Keep Your Distance: Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or sneezing, and wear a face mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas to reduce airborne exposure. Always keep a mask with you just in case. Never be ashamed to take care of your personal health.
Hydrate and De-Stress: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mucus membranes moist, and practice active stress reduction techniques to prevent chronic stress from suppressing your immune system. If you don’t like plain water, throw in some cucumbers, strawberries, mint, or basil for better taste and natural infusion.
Keep Moving: Don’t just sit there—do something! Exercise, clean the garden, walk around, and play with the children. "Be still and know that I am God" does not mean being stagnant. Trust in God and actively take care of your health.
Observe Proper Eating and Drinking Habits: Breakfast is best taken in the morning. Ensure that you eat dinner at least three hours before you sleep to avoid acid reflux, indigestion, and unwanted weight gain. Always eat fresh fruits on an empty stomach for optimal digestion.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy: I sometimes remind myself that one of my ancestors went through what I am going through right now—that gives me the strength to carry on and do better. Being able to control your emotions is the greatest skill to keep you happy. Life with all its challenges can make you happy, and at times, hit you hard in the face. Loved ones may betray you, and strangers may celebrate you. That mixed bag can make you go nuts, but if you learn the art of managing your emotions, practicing forgiveness, engaging in meditation, and maintaining healthy boundaries in all relationships, you will keep your mental health in check.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.
About the Author
Dr. Precious Sibiya is a mother, sister, daughter, friend, and so much more. She is a certified Wellness Practitioner, stroke survivor, and advocate for natural healing, holistic health, and healthy lifestyle transformation.
📩 Contact Dr. Precious Sibiya for more Wellness insights:
Email: precioussibiya2014@gmail.com
What makes us sick
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