Celia Scott Weatherhead Center for Functional Medicine Grand Rounds

Introduction

• Speaker: Dr. Terry Wahls
• Background: Formerly at the VA, known for therapeutic lifestyle clinic for MS patients
• Achievements:
  • Author of "The Wahls Protocol"
  • Creator of The Wahls Institute
  • Personal journey from wheelchair-bound with progressive MS to active researcher

Terry Wahls' Story

• Initial Diagnosis: 2000, diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS
• Symptoms: Weakness, fatigue, inability to sit upright
• Medical History:
  • Lesions on cervical cord
  • Transitioned to secondary progressive MS
• Treatment:
  • Drugs like Copaxone, Mitoxantrone, and CellCept
  • Traditional therapies had limited effect

Discovering Functional Medicine

• Triggers: Toxins like mercury, lead, pesticides
• Dietary Change: Transitioned from vegetarian to Paleo diet
• Research Focus: Mitochondria and supplements

Key Milestones

• E-Stim Discovery: Inspired by a study on spinal cord injuries
• Functional Medicine Course: Focus on neuroprotection and mitochondria
• Diet Redesign: Based on nutrient-rich foods
• Significant Recovery: After 12 months, she could bike 20 miles

Diet and Lifestyle Protocol

• Sulfur-Rich Foods: Cabbage, onions, mushrooms
• Leafy Greens: High in Vitamin K1, converted to K2
• Colored Vegetables: Rich in antioxidants
• Organ Meats: High in vitamins and essential nutrients
• Intermittent Fasting: Beneficial for mitochondria
• Microbiome Focus: High fiber diet, fermented foods

Clinical Trial and Results

• Design: Modified Paleo diet, supplements, meditation, exercise
• Participant Criteria: Able to tolerate e-stim, strict diet adherence
• Outcomes:
  • Improvement in fatigue and quality of life
  • Weight loss in overweight participants
  • Enhanced gait and mobility

Impact and Implementation

• Group Classes: Teaching kitchens, dietary education, peer support
• Results Across Diseases: Benefits seen in lupus, RA, scleroderma
• Challenges: Managing flares from diet deviation

Discussion and Questions

• Scalability: Group delivery model, affordable implementation
• Diet Adjustments: Adaptations for vegans/vegetarians
• Additional Therapies: E-stim, cold laser, microcurrent
• Sustainability: Importance of consistent lifestyle changes

Conclusion

• Functional Medicine Impact: Food as a powerful disease-modifying drug
• Key Message: Consistent, holistic lifestyle interventions can transform chronic disease outcomes

---

These notes summarize Dr. Terry Wahls' lecture at the Celia Scott Weatherhead Center for Functional Medicine, covering her personal journey, recovery story, and the dietary and lifestyle approaches that have shown significant promise in managing and reversing symptoms of multiple sclerosis.