Nutrition plays a vital role in boosting our health. And if you live with multiple sclerosis (MS), you know all too well how critical diet is in managing the symptoms that come with this autoimmune disease.
The Wahls Protocol diet is a favorite among the MS community, and it’s easy to see why. Created by Terry Wahls, MD, this method focuses on the role food plays in the management of MS symptoms.
After her MS diagnosis in 2000, Dr. Wahls decided to do a deep dive into the research around food and the role it plays in autoimmune diseases. What she discovered is that a nutrient-rich paleo diet — high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids — helped reduce her symptoms.
The Wahls Protocol differs from the paleo diet in one way: It calls for more fruits and veggies.
If you decide to try the Wahls Protocol, you’ll enjoy plenty of spinach, kale, cabbage, mushrooms, onions, broccoli, carrots, and beets. You’ll also feast on color-rich fruits, such as blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries, as well as grass-fed meats and wild fish.
Here are three recipes to get you started on the Wahls Protocol.
Both kale and walnuts are anti-inflammatory foods, which is a key component of the Wahls Protocol. We recommend using green apples for this recipe, as they are lower in sugar than other apples.
The chicken, butternut squash, and mixed greens in this meal include essential micronutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats that are key for supporting brain and immune health, and they are all part of the Wahls Protocol.
Blackberries are a low glycemic fruit, rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, which make them well-suited for the Wahls Protocol. It’s paired with Greek yogurt, which is a high quality fat. The addition of coconut flakes and pistachios provides healthy fats and fiber, aligning well with the Wahls Protocol’s emphasis on nutrient-dense, whole foods.
The Wahls Protocol diet, which is similar to the paleo diet, emphasizes nutrient-dense foods to help manage MS. More research is needed to better understand its effect on MS.
Maintaining a balanced diet is beneficial for overall well-being and may help ease MS symptoms. If you have MS, it’s important to consult with your doctor and a registered dietitian to determine the best dietary approach for your needs.