Milly Gaines
The Wahls diet is a paleo-based diet plan developed by Dr. Terry Wahls, MD, after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2000. The diet emphasizes eating mostly meat, fish, leafy greens, and fresh fruit to help ease MS symptoms. It is similar to a ketogenic diet, which involves burning fat instead of glucose to generate energy. Ketogenic diets are popular for weight loss and improving blood sugar metabolism, and they have been examined in clinical trials for their impact on type-2 diabetes. The Wahls diet incorporates some aspects of a ketogenic diet, such as recommending the addition of coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk, and its most restrictive level, Wahls Paleo Plus, is an extremely low-carb, high-fat diet similar to a ketogenic diet.
Is the Wahl's Diet a Ketogenic Diet?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To improve blood sugar metabolism, manage autoimmune conditions, and slow down multiple sclerosis (MS) |
| Food Groups | Meat, fish, leafy greens, fresh fruit, vegetables, and alkaline foods |
| Food Groups to Avoid | Gluten, dairy, grains, legumes, and potatoes |
| Food Groups to Limit | Nightshades |
| Macronutrient Composition | High fat, moderate protein, low carbohydrate |
| Calorie Distribution | 90% of calories from fat, remaining calories from protein and low-carb vegetables |
| Food Sources of Fat | Butter, cream, eggs, coconut oil, full-fat coconut milk, olive oil, and dietary fats |
| Food Sources of Protein | High-quality animal protein such as sushi, chicken, and grass-fed meat |
| Lifestyle Factors | Exercise, meditation, massage therapy, electrical stimulation therapy, and fasting |
| Benefits | Improved blood sugar control, reduced fatigue, improved quality of life, and weight loss |
| Risks | Excessive weight loss, low sex hormone levels, infertility, increased infection risk, microbiome disruption, excessive electrolyte loss, and nutritional inadequacy |
| Expert Opinion | Dr. Terry Wahls, MD, created the diet after being diagnosed with MS and credits it for slowing and reversing her condition |
| Similar Diets | Paleo diet, ketogenic diet, Swank diet |
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What You'll Learn
The Wahls diet is a modified Paleolithic diet
The Wahls diet is considered a modified Paleolithic diet because it incorporates some modern foods and places a strong emphasis on nutrient density. It is designed to be a therapeutic diet for people with autoimmune conditions, such as MS, and other chronic diseases. Dr Wahls claims that her diet helped her go from using a wheelchair to biking miles, and she aims to shift the standard of care for autoimmune patients.
The Wahls Protocol consists of three levels, with the third level being ketogenic. In this phase, Dr Wahls recommends adding coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk to the diet. The Wahls Paleo Plus™ is the most restrictive and therapeutic level, which is an extremely low-carb, high-fat diet similar to a ketogenic diet. In this phase, all gluten- and dairy-containing foods are avoided, and non-gluten grains, legumes, and potatoes are reduced to two servings per week. Dr Wahls notes that eliminating grains and legumes entirely can further reduce the carbohydrate load.
The Wahls diet has been the subject of some small studies, which have found that it may help people with MS consume the right amounts of most micronutrients and metabolites. Additionally, one small study found that people with MS who followed a paleo/Wahls-style diet for a year experienced reduced fatigue. However, these studies have limited scope and broader research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of the Wahls diet for MS or other autoimmune conditions.
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It is named after Terry Wahls, MD, who created it
The Wahls diet is named after Terry Wahls, MD, who created it after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2000. She began researching food and vitamins and changed her diet based on her findings, crediting this new approach with helping to manage her symptoms. The Wahls diet is a modified Paleolithic (or paleo) diet, based on the idea that humans should eat more like their ancient ancestors and avoid foods that have become common in the past few hundred years, such as wheat and processed foods.
The Wahls diet has three levels, with the third level being ketogenic. This level is called Wahls Paleo Plus and is an extremely low-carb, high-fat diet, similar to a ketogenic diet. Dr Wahls explains that when the fat in our diet is converted into ketones (only possible when eating a very low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet), they become an excellent source of energy for our mitochondria (energy producers of all cells), brain cells and muscle cells.
Dr Wahls recommends adding coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk to meals at this ketogenic level of her diet. She also recommends eating just two meals per day and fasting for 12-16 hours nightly. During these long periods between meals, the body can focus on processing and eliminating toxins, making hormones, and healing.
Dr Wahls has also written a book called 'The Wahls Protocol: How I Beat Progressive MS Using Paleo Principles and Functional Medicine', which details her dramatic success at reversing her own MS symptoms with a Paleolithic ketogenic diet.
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The diet is based on the idea that humans should eat like ancient ancestors
The Wahls diet, also known as the Wahls Protocol, is a diet plan created by Dr. Terry Wahls, MD, after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Wahls diet is based on the idea that humans should eat like their ancient ancestors and avoid foods that have become common in the past several hundred years, such as wheat and processed foods.
The Wahls Protocol is based on paleo principles and functional medicine and emphasizes eating mostly meat, fish, leafy greens, and fresh fruit to help manage symptoms of MS and other autoimmune conditions. Dr. Wahls's research and personal experience have led her to believe that certain nutrients are essential for brain health and that nutritional ketosis can be beneficial. Nutritional ketosis occurs when the body burns fat instead of glucose (carbohydrates) or amino acids (protein) for energy, which can happen during periods of limited food access, such as famine or drought.
The Wahls diet has three levels, with the third level being ketogenic. In this phase, Dr. Wahls recommends adding coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk to induce ketosis. She also suggests eating high-quality animal protein, fermented foods, soaked seeds, nuts, and raw foods. The diet is very restrictive, with all gluten- and dairy-containing foods being avoided, and non-gluten grains, legumes, and potatoes reduced to two servings per week. Dr. Wahls notes that eliminating grains and legumes can further reduce the carbohydrate load and the presence of anti-nutrients.
While Dr. Wahls has experienced dramatic success in managing her MS symptoms through her diet and lifestyle interventions, there is limited research on the effectiveness of the Wahls diet for others with MS. Some small studies have shown positive results, such as improved nutrient intake and reduced fatigue, but more extensive and diverse studies are needed to confirm these findings. Additionally, it is important to note that ketogenic diets can have potential hazards, including excessive weight loss, low sex hormone levels, increased infection risk, and nutritional inadequacy. As such, it is recommended that individuals consult with experts before starting such diets.
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It emphasises eating meat, fish, leafy greens, and fresh fruit
The Wahls diet is a modified Paleolithic diet created by Dr Terry Wahls, MD, after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Wahls diet emphasises eating meat, fish, leafy greens, and fresh fruit. It is based on the idea that humans should eat more like their ancient ancestors and avoid foods like wheat and processed foods that have been introduced in the past several hundred years.
The diet is designed to help manage the symptoms of MS and other autoimmune conditions. Dr Wahls's research found that certain nutrients are good for brain health, and she credits her diet for slowing and even reversing the progression of her chronic condition. The diet is also said to have helped her go from using a wheelchair to biking miles at a time.
The Wahls diet is similar to other autoimmune diets, but with some key differences. For example, there is no limitation on nightshades, and there is an increased volume of fruit and vegetable intake. The Wahls diet also has three levels for ease of transitioning, with the third level being ketogenic.
The most restrictive and therapeutic level of the Wahls diet is called Wahls Paleo Plus, which is an extremely low-carb, high-fat diet similar to a ketogenic diet. Dr Wahls explains that when the fat in our diet is converted into ketones (only possible when eating a very low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet), they become excellent sources of energy for our mitochondria, brain cells, and muscle cells. To achieve ketosis, Dr Wahls recommends adding coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk to the diet.
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The Wahls Protocol is similar to other autoimmune diets
The Wahls Protocol is a diet that was created by Dr. Terry Wahls after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and began researching the role of food in managing the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. The Wahls Protocol diet is similar to other autoimmune diets such as the paleo diet, the Swank diet, and the hunter-gatherer diet. Like these diets, the Wahls Protocol emphasizes nutrient-dense foods, including meat, fish, leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables.
The Wahls Protocol is based on the idea that humans should eat more like their ancient ancestors and avoid foods that have become common in the past several hundred years, such as wheat and processed foods. This is similar to the paleo diet, which is based on the dietary habits of humans during the Paleolithic era. The Swank diet is also popular within the MS community and could be a great option for those who love white fish.
The Wahls Protocol is also similar to other autoimmune diets in that it is approached in stages or levels that gradually change a person's eating behaviors. For example, in level one of the Wahls Protocol, individuals eat three meals per day but exclude gluten, dairy, eggs, sugar, and most legumes. As the diet progresses, individuals gradually increase their intake of meat, fish, and vegetables.
The Wahls Protocol also incorporates elements of functional medicine and focuses on the role of food in managing the symptoms of MS and other autoimmune conditions. For example, the Wahls Protocol emphasizes the consumption of foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, which are known to be beneficial for brain health and reducing inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases.
While the Wahls Protocol has shown some promising results in improving the quality of life for people with MS, it is important to note that there is limited research on its effectiveness. More studies are needed to prove that the Wahls diet works well for all people with MS or other autoimmune conditions. As with any dietary changes, it is always recommended to consult with a doctor and a registered dietitian to determine the best approach for individual needs.
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Frequently asked questions
The Wahls diet is a version of the Paleolithic (paleo) diet, based on the idea that humans should eat more like their ancient ancestors and avoid foods such as wheat and processed foods. The Wahls diet emphasizes eating mostly meat, fish, leafy greens, and fresh fruit.
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat diet that creates nutritional ketosis, where mitochondria burn fat instead of glucose (carbohydrates) or amino acids (protein) to generate energy.
The Wahls diet is similar to the ketogenic diet as it is extremely low-carb and high-fat. However, the Wahls diet is more restrictive and therapeutic, and is recommended for those with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The Wahls diet is said to improve symptoms of MS and other autoimmune conditions. It is also claimed to improve heart health, maintain body weight, support a healthy gut, and positively impact the immune system.
