Mushroom Mystery: Are White Mushrooms Wahls-Friendly?

The Wahls Protocol is a diet and lifestyle program created by Dr. Terry Wahls, a clinical professor of medicine who has multiple sclerosis (MS). The protocol is a modified Paleolithic diet that includes meat, vegetables, fruit, fermented foods, seaweed, algae, and nutritional yeast. It also recommends exercise, physical therapy, and meditation. The Wahls diet excludes refined carbs, sugar, artificial sweeteners, gluten, grains, legumes, nightshade vegetables, dairy, and eggs. Mushrooms are not specifically mentioned in the Wahls diet, but they are allowed in small amounts as part of the sulfur-rich vegetable group. White mushrooms are the most cultivated type of mushroom and offer multiple health benefits, including improved heart health and cancer-fighting properties. They are low in calories but high in protein and vitamin D, making them a good option for those following a plant-based diet.

White mushrooms are rich in vitamin D, selenium, phosphorus, and folate

White mushrooms are a rich source of vitamin D, selenium, phosphorus, and folate.

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis, mineralization defects, and muscle weakness. White mushrooms are a natural, non-animal source of vitamin D2, which the body converts to its active form to absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones.

Selenium is an important mineral that acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body from oxidative damage and contributing to overall health. White mushrooms contain selenium, which may offer anticancer properties and enhance immune function.

Phosphorus is a mineral that plays a crucial role in bone health and energy production. White mushrooms provide phosphorus, contributing to their nutritional value.

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is particularly important during pregnancy as it supports fetal development. White mushrooms are a source of folate, making them beneficial for pregnant individuals.

In addition to these key nutrients, white mushrooms offer a range of other health benefits due to their bioactive compounds. They have potential cancer-fighting properties, promote heart health by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels, improve blood sugar control, and enhance gut health by acting as prebiotics for beneficial gut bacteria.

White mushrooms are a versatile and nutritious food that can be enjoyed in various dishes, making them a valuable component of a healthy diet.

The Wahls diet recommends 6-12 oz of meat and fish per day

The Wahls diet is a modified Paleolithic diet created by Dr Terry Wahls, a clinical professor of medicine who has multiple sclerosis (MS). The diet is intended to help people with MS find natural relief and healing from the disease. Wahls was diagnosed with secondary progressive MS in 2000 and would require a tilt-recline wheelchair. She supplemented her treatment plan with the Wahls Protocol, a diet and lifestyle program that she designed specifically for her brain health.

The Wahls diet is more than just a diet; it is a lifestyle. In addition to dietary recommendations, the Wahls Protocol includes suggestions for exercise, physical therapy, and meditation. Dr Wahls also recommends getting 7.5-8.5 hours of sleep every night.

The Wahls diet has three basic levels, and you can start at the level that best suits your needs. Level 1 and 2 involve eating three meals a day, with options for snacking, while Level 3 recommends eating two meals per day and fasting for 12 to 16 hours each night.

The Wahls diet is a holistic and functional nutrition plan that focuses on meeting certain micronutrient intake levels, primarily through the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and functional foods. It is important to note that the Wahls diet restricts the consumption of certain food groups, such as dairy, and may result in nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet.

The diet includes 9 cups of vegetables and fruits per day

The Wahls diet plan is a modified Paleolithic diet created by Dr. Terry Wahls, a clinical professor of medicine who has multiple sclerosis (MS). The Wahls Protocol is a holistic and functional nutrition plan that focuses on consuming 9 cups of fruits and vegetables each day, divided into 3 cups of specific food groups.

The first group consists of deeply coloured vegetables and fruits, such as berries, carrots, beets, and winter squash. These foods are rich in antioxidants, which help protect healthy cells and reduce inflammation. Antioxidant-rich foods are an important component of the Wahls Protocol as they can help protect the body against the harmful effects of oxidative stress, which is linked to increased risk for diseases like MS.

The second group includes 3 cups of leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and lettuce. Leafy greens are a good source of vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which plays a crucial role in myelin formation. Myelin surrounds and protects nerve fibres, and its damage can lead to neurological issues.

The third group comprises 3 cups of sulfur-rich cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and mushrooms. Sulfur-containing vegetables are also a source of antioxidants and have been linked to improved gut health.

The Wahls diet recommends a daily intake of 6-12 ounces of grass-fed or wild-caught protein, such as meat and seafood. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, the plan suggests including a complete protein source with gluten-free grains and legumes, along with B12 supplements.

In addition to the 9 cups of fruits and vegetables, the Wahls Protocol also encourages the consumption of healthy oils, such as avocado and olive oil, and non-gluten grains and legumes that are soaked or sprouted. It is important to note that the Wahls diet excludes certain food groups, such as dairy, eggs, grains containing gluten, legumes, and nightshade vegetables.

The Wahls diet is a modified Paleolithic diet

• Excludes eggs
• Allows legumes (e.g. soy milk) and two servings of gluten-free grains (e.g. rice) per week
• Specifies nine or more cups of fruits and vegetables per day, with one-third each from dark-green leafy vegetables, sulfur-rich vegetables, and deeply coloured fruits and vegetables
• Encourages seaweed, algae and nutritional yeast
• Limits animal and fish protein

The Wahls diet was designed to reduce oxidative stress and excitotoxicity, nourish the mitochondria, prevent nutrient deficiencies, minimise food allergies and reduce toxic load, feed the microbiome, activate anti-inflammatory genes and increase nerve growth factors. Grains and dairy were excluded because of the potential for undesirable immune effects.

The Wahls diet is a restrictive, low-carbohydrate and low-glycemic-index diet. It is high in protein and vitamin D, and a source of vitamin B12.

The diet recommends avoiding gluten, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and dairy

The Wahls diet plan is a diet and lifestyle program created by Dr. Terry Wahls, a clinical professor of medicine who has multiple sclerosis (MS). The diet is designed to improve brain health and has been shown to improve symptoms in people with MS.

The Wahls diet recommends avoiding gluten, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and dairy. Here's why:

Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten-free diets have been associated with neurological improvements for people with MS. Dr. Wahls recommends avoiding all gluten-containing grains and instead opting for non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower rice or cabbage.

Sugar

Limiting sugar helps prevent inflammatory blood sugar spikes, which can worsen MS symptoms like fatigue. Sugar is also addictive and can lead to cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Reducing your intake of processed foods and choosing ingredients that are naturally low in sugar can help in eating less sugar.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners have been shown to have damaging effects on the gut microbiome and are associated with hunger and weight gain, which can negatively impact MS symptoms. Instead of artificial sweeteners, Dr. Wahls recommends using natural sweeteners like berries or coconut milk in desserts.

Dairy

Studies indicate that cow's milk may promote disease progression in MS. Dr. Wahls suggests swapping dairy for non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk. She also recommends cooking with ghee (clarified butter) or coconut oil instead of butter and avoiding high-fat dairy products like ice cream, cheese, and sour cream.

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