I talk today with Dr. Terry Wahls on MS and the possibilities for a cure. Terry Wahls has an inspiring story of reversing her own progressive relapsing MS using a Paleo/Primal Diet. As an MD, she first worked with traditional medicines, but came to believe that increased fats and vegetable and fruit intake was the key. (Real Food – what a concept!)
She began researching micronutrients needed by cell mitochondria to help strengthen her weakening back muscles. Although she had already been Paleo for a few years, Dr. Wahls increased her vegetable and fruit intake to get more of those magic micronutrients, a key to reversing her health decline. Less supplements – more food!
We talk about the 6 to 12 cups of veggies and fruits she likes to get daily, and how to best incorporate that. Her book “Minding My Mitochondria” (about to go out of print, so get it quickly) has great recipes and information on toxins and detoxification, nutrient deficiencies, sample menus, and some interesting stuff on Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation. E-Stim for short…
Her new book “The Wahls Protocol” will come out in early 2014 and incorporates plenty of details for all natural health patients. Dr. Wahls was a marathoner, skiier, and competitive Tae Kwon Do athlete before her illness, and she really inspires with her commitment to recovery.
Dr. Wahls shared some new insights (for me) about the demonizing of fat in our culture, and how it came about. After World War II, it was observed that many disease states improved and the conclusion was made that it was the rationing of meat, eggs and butter that caused it. Dr. Wahls points out that SUGAR was also highly rationed, but that the damage to fat’s reputation had been done.
We also talk about challenges to doing Clinical Research in the natural health model and how the public can best educate themselves.
You’ll get a lot from listening to Dr. Wahls and reading her books, blog and Facebook page. Catch her as a speaker when you can! Her focus on food is refreshing and helpful. Dr. Wahls is currently running clinical research on MS, teaches, and treats traumatic brain injury in Iowa.
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