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Dr. Terry Wahls is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and the visionary behind The Wahls Foundation. Despite facing the challenges of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, she triumphed over her condition by implementing a personalized diet and lifestyle program designed specifically for her brain.
Dr. Terry Wahls has not only revolutionized her health journey but has also empowered others through her written works. She authored the influential books, "The Wahls Protocol: How I Beat Progressive MS Using Paleo Principles and Functional Medicine", "The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles", and the invaluable cookbook "The Wahls Protocol Cooking for Life: The Revolutionary Modern Paleo Plan to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions".
In today's episode with Dr. Terry Wahls, you’ll hear us take a deep dive on:
1. The Wahls Protocol: Dr. Terry Wahls chose to broaden her book's scope beyond MS, focusing on autoimmune disorders as a whole. Assigned to a traumatic brain injury clinic with no established treatment, she introduced a different approach. Through nutrition, supplements, exercise, and lifestyle changes, she witnessed remarkable improvements in patients' conditions. Her success led to the creation of a Therapeutic Lifestyle Clinic, transforming the lives of those with complex chronic diseases. Despite initial skepticism, Dr. Wahls' unconventional methods gained recognition and support, making her a celebrated figure in the field of diet and lifestyle research.
2. Transforming MS: After being diagnosed with MS, Dr. Wahls become frustrated with the progressive nature of the disease. Despite trying the newest drugs, her condition worsens, and within three years, she is confined to a wheelchair. As a parent with young children, she contemplates what truly matters and strives to be resilient. Driven by a desire to find solutions, she delves into research and discovers the role of mitochondria dysfunction in disability. Through a specific diet and supplements, combined with electrostimulation of muscles, she experiences significant improvements in her health and embarks on a healing journey. Dr. Wahls redesigns her diet to be nutrient-dense and meet the requirements of her mitochondria. Eventually, Dr. Wahls reaches the optimal range and avoids the progression of macular degeneration, a condition prevalent in her family.
3. Nutrients that help your mitochondria function: B vitamins are essential nutrients and co-factors for the functioning of the crop cycle and mitochondria. They are complemented by important minerals such as magnesium, zinc, selenium, and iodine. These mineral co-factors play a crucial role in agricultural practices. Additionally, B vitamins, along with compounds like lipoic acid and carnitine, aid in the efficient utilization of fatty acids within mitochondria. Coenzyme Q, found in meat, particularly in the heart and liver, serves as another crucial co-factor. The conversion of beta-carotene, a plant-based precursor of vitamin A, to retinol varies significantly in terms of efficiency in different individuals.
4. Early indicators of chronic illnesses: Depression and anxiety are chronic illnesses similar to other disorders discussed. Nutrient interventions and lifestyle changes can be beneficial in healing these conditions. Before the onset of multiple sclerosis or autoimmune disorders, symptoms such as pelvic pain, endometriosis, infertility, asthma, skin problems, chronic headaches, and migraines may occur. It can be overwhelming to experience multiple symptoms, but it is important to note that they can be related. Eventually, neurological symptoms like dim vision and differences in color perception may manifest, leading to a diagnosis of MS. However, it is common to have these symptoms, including headaches, anxiety, depression, pelvic pain, severe periods, and infertility, for five to fifteen years before being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Hashimoto's, or psoriasis.
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