Dr. Terry Wahls Discusses Her Multiple Sclerosis Protocol

Dr. Terry Walls on Micronutrients and Mitochondria

• Dr. Terry Walls focuses on the importance of obtaining micronutrients from diet 
  • Prevent and reverse neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases
  • Importance of micronutrients for mitochondrial function
• Mitochondria are the energy-​​producing machines in cells 
  • Require certain micronutrients to function properly
  • B vitamins, minerals (magnesium, zinc, sulfur), essential fats
• As we age, cell membranes become more rigid 
  • Micronutrients may not enter cells as readily
  • May need higher levels of micronutrients to overcome this
• Many people are deficient in essential micronutrients 
  • 56% of the US population is deficient in magnesium
  • Magnesium is important for mitochondrial function and DNA repair
• Micronutrient deficiencies can contribute to diseases of aging 
  • Normal mitochondrial metabolism generates prooxidants
  • Prooxidants damage DNA, lipids, and proteins over time
• Triage theory: body prioritizes short-​​term survival over long-​​term health 
  • Micronutrients are shunted to repair work, leaving other processes lacking
• Importance of greens in the diet 
  • Provide magnesium and vitamin K
  • Nature has color-​​coded micronutrients in plants
• Sulfur is critical for brain function and detoxification pathways 
  • Necessary for maintaining inner membrane structure of mitochondria
  • Important for antioxidant function (e.g., glutathione)
    Epigenetic Changes and Diet
• Broccoli, cauliflower, and collard greens activate tumor suppressor genes 
  • Help selectively kill off precancerous cells
• Mushrooms
  • Contain sulfur, B vitamins, and betalactins
  • Stimulate natural killer cells
  • Ergosionine found in mushrooms accumulates in mitochondria, potentially acting as an antioxidant

Dr. Terry Wahls’ Journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Diagnosed with relapsing-​​remitting MS in 2000
• Conventional medicine and pharmaceutical drugs failed to halt disease progression
• Decided to research and focus on mitochondrial function and micronutrients 
  • Adopted a paleo diet in 2002, removing gluten, dairy, and eggs
  • Discovered functional medicine and reorganized diet to maximize micronutrients
• Experienced significant improvement in mobility and overall health 
  • Able to walk without a cane and even bike long distances

Clinical Trial and Research

• Dr. Wahls received funding and started a clinical trial in 2010 
  • First ten participants showed that the protocol was safe, well-​​tolerated, and had a dramatic impact on fatigue
• 20 people have gone through the trial, with more papers expected to be published
• Dr. Wahls’ research aims to transform the treatment of MS and other autoimmune/​​chronic diseases by focusing on cellular health and micronutrients

The Wahls Protocol

• A book by Dr. Terry Wahls detailing her personal story and the micronutrients/​​macronutrients needed for optimal health
• Provides a step-​​by-​​step program for taking control of one’s health through diet and lifestyle changes