Imagine being diagnosed with a chronic, progressive disease that leaves you wheelchair-bound, facing a future of increasing disability and pain. This was the reality for Dr. Terry Wahls, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa, when she was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).
Today, she not only walks but bikes to work, conducts groundbreaking research, and empowers others to take control of their health. In a recent episode of my Integrative Health Podcast with Dr. Jen, Dr. Wahls shares her remarkable journey of reversing her MS symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes. This blog delves into her inspiring story, the science behind her recovery, and the lessons we can all learn about the power of functional medicine.
>> Watch the full episode here! <<

The Onset of Multiple Sclerosis
Dr. Wahls was at the peak of her medical career when she began experiencing symptoms of MS. It started with weakness in her left leg, which progressively worsened. Despite consulting top MS specialists and following the best conventional treatments available, her condition deteriorated. Within three years, she was confined to a tilt-recline wheelchair, unable to sit up, facing severe pain from trigeminal neuralgia, and experiencing brain fog.
Turning Point: Discovering Functional Medicine
Unwilling to accept a life of disability, Dr. Wahls began researching alternative approaches. She dove into medical literature, studying the latest research on neurological diseases, brain health, and nutrition. This led her to the field of functional medicine, which focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms.
She attended a functional medicine course that specifically addressed neurological conditions. This course opened her eyes to the possibility of using nutrition and lifestyle interventions to support her brain health. She started to understand the critical role of mitochondria—the energy powerhouses of cells—in neurological diseases.
Implementing Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Armed with new knowledge, Dr. Wahls redesigned her diet. She developed a nutrient-rich plan aimed at supporting mitochondrial function and brain health. The diet emphasized:
Vegetables:Â Especially green leafy vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals.
Sulfur-rich foods:Â Such as cabbage, onions, and mushrooms, to support detoxification pathways.
Colorful fruits and vegetables:Â For their antioxidant properties.
High-quality proteins and fats:Â Including omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
In addition to dietary changes, she incorporated:
Electrical Muscle Stimulation:Â To strengthen her muscles.
Stress Management Techniques:Â Including meditation and mindfulness.
Physical Therapy and Exercise:Â Gradually increasing her activity levels.
Remarkable Recovery
The results were nothing short of miraculous. Within a few months:
She experienced increased energy levels.
Her brain fog began to lift.
She was able to sit up and eventually walk short distances.
Nine months later, she completed an 18.5-mile bike ride.
Her recovery defied conventional medical expectations and demonstrated the profound impact of diet and lifestyle on chronic disease.
Changing the Standard of Care
Dr. Wahls' experience led her to a new mission: to change the standard of care in medicine. She began conducting clinical trials at the University of Iowa to study the effects of her protocol on others with MS. Her research showed that patients who adopted her dietary and lifestyle interventions experienced:
Reduced fatigue.
Improved mood and cognitive function.
Enhanced physical capabilities.
Despite initial skepticism from the medical community, her work gained recognition. She published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and became a sought-after speaker. Her TEDx talk, "Minding Your Mitochondria," has been viewed millions of times, spreading awareness about the power of nutrition in healing.
Understanding the Science
Dr. Wahls emphasizes that chronic diseases like MS involve a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors. Key points include:
Mitochondrial Dysfunction:Â Mitochondria are crucial for energy production. Dysfunction can lead to cell damage, especially in high-energy-demand organs like the brain.
Nutrient Deficiencies:Â Modern diets often lack essential nutrients necessary for mitochondrial function and brain health.
Inflammation:Â Chronic inflammation contributes to disease progression. Anti-inflammatory foods can mitigate this.
By addressing these factors through a nutrient-dense diet and lifestyle changes, the body can begin to repair and restore function.
Overcoming Skepticism
Dr. Wahls faced significant skepticism and even criticism from colleagues who found it hard to believe that diet could reverse a disease like MS. However, her rigorous scientific approach and published research gradually changed minds. She notes that changing the standard of care is a slow process, often taking decades, but is committed to continuing her research and advocacy.
Empowering Patients
A key message from Dr. Wahls is the importance of patient empowerment. She encourages individuals to:
Educate Themselves:Â Learn about the role of nutrition and lifestyle in health.
Be Proactive:Â Take charge of their health journey rather than passively accepting a diagnosis.
Collaborate with Healthcare Providers:Â Seek out practitioners who are open to functional medicine approaches.
Advice for Newly Diagnosed Patients
For those newly diagnosed with MS or other autoimmune diseases, Dr. Wahls suggests:
Start with Diet:Â Begin incorporating more vegetables and whole foods into your meals.
Eliminate Inflammatory Foods:Â Reduce or eliminate processed foods, sugars, and potential allergens like gluten and dairy.
Seek Support:Â Engage family and friends in making lifestyle changes.
Consider Supplements:Â Under guidance, use supplements to address nutrient deficiencies.
Future Directions and Research
Dr. Wahls continues to conduct clinical trials, exploring the effects of different diets, including ketogenic and modified paleo, on MS patients. She is also interested in expanding research to other chronic diseases like fibromyalgia and long COVID. Her upcoming book will delve deeper into nutrition's impact on various disease states, aiming to reach a broader audience.
Conclusion
Dr. Terry Wahls' journey from wheelchair-bound to vibrant health is a powerful testament to the body's ability to heal when given the right tools. Her work underscores the critical role of nutrition, lifestyle, and functional medicine in treating chronic diseases. For anyone facing health challenges, her story offers hope and a roadmap to potentially transform their lives.
Call to Action
If you're inspired by Dr. Wahls' story, consider:
Reading "The Wahls Protocol":Â To learn more about her dietary recommendations.
Visiting Her Website: www.terrywahls.com for resources and information on clinical trials.
Consulting a Functional or Integrative Medicine Practitioner:Â To explore personalized treatment options.
Remember, it's never too late to take control of your health and embark on a journey toward healing and vitality.

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