Terry Wahls Diet

The Terry Wahls Diet, also known as the Wahls Protocol, is a therapeutic nutrition program developed by Dr. Terry Wahls, a clinical professor of medicine who used dietary interventions to manage her own progressive multiple sclerosis. The diet is based on Paleo principles with a strong emphasis on nutrient density, focusing on cellular health through the consumption of specific quantities of vegetables, high-quality proteins, and healthy fats while eliminating foods that may contribute to inflammation and autoimmune responses. The protocol has three levels of increasing restriction: Wahls Diet (basic), Wahls Paleo, and Wahls Paleo Plus (ketogenic), allowing individuals to choose the intensity that works best for their condition. The diet emphasizes consuming 9 cups of vegetables daily, divided into 3 cups each of leafy greens, sulfur-rich vegetables (cruciferous vegetables, onion family), and deeply colored fruits and vegetables (rich in antioxidants). It includes grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, organ meats (especially liver and heart for their nutrient density), seaweed or algae, fermented foods, and healthy fats from sources like coconut oil, olive oil, and avocados. The diet strictly excludes gluten, dairy, eggs (in stricter versions), legumes, grains, and processed foods. Added sugars and nightshade vegetables may also be eliminated depending on individual tolerance and the protocol level being followed. The Wahls Protocol primarily targets autoimmune conditions, particularly multiple sclerosis, but has shown benefits for other neurological disorders, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, inflammatory conditions, and general mitochondrial dysfunction. The diet aims to reduce inflammation, support mitochondrial health, promote myelin repair, optimize neurotransmitter production, and improve gut health. Dr. Wahls' clinical trials and observational studies have demonstrated improvements in fatigue levels, mobility, and quality of life for MS patients, though larger randomized controlled trials are still needed for definitive scientific validation. This diet is most beneficial for individuals with autoimmune diseases (especially MS and other neurological conditions), those experiencing chronic inflammation, people with mitochondrial dysfunction, individuals seeking to optimize brain health, and those who have not responded well to conventional treatments. The protocol requires significant commitment due to its restrictive nature and emphasis on specific daily vegetable intake, but many followers report substantial improvements in energy, cognitive function, and symptom management. Those with severe food restrictions, eating disorders, or certain medical conditions should consult healthcare providers before beginning this protocol.