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Full Notes
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
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