Article Dated: 28 May 2019
Imagine being confined to a tilt-recline wheelchair, diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, and told it would only get worse. That was Dr. Terry Wahls - a clinical professor of medicine, Army veteran, and total badass who refused to let conventional medicine write the ending to her story.
So what did she do?
She went back to the research and her roots in biochemistry. Instead of just prescribing pills, she redesigned her diet from the mitochondria up. Within a year of switching to a nutrient-dense, whole food protocol, she was walking unassisted. Within three, she was back on her bike.
Yes, this is real.
Yes, it’s medically documented.
No, it wasn’t magic. It was mitochondria.
The Wahls Protocol: It’s Not Just About MS
Dr. Wahls developed a structured eating plan that targets mitochondrial dysfunction, which plays a role not just in MS, but in a wide range of autoimmune and neurodegenerative conditions. Her protocol focuses on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods to fuel cellular repair, with a spotlight on leafy greens, organ meats, sulfur-rich veg, and omega-3s.
What’s out?
Ultra-processed junk. Sugar. Gluten. Dairy.
What’s in?
Micronutrients. Polyphenols. Real food that actually talks to your cells.
From Wheelchair to TEDx Stage
Her recovery and the science behind it, struck a chord. Dr. Wahls went from tilt-recline chair to TEDx stages, national media, and now Sunrise, where she shared her journey with millions of Australians. But she’s not selling hope. She’s selling evidence-based change with peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials to back it up.
Her work now extends far beyond MS, with research-backed applications for autoimmunity, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and even brain fog. In short: this is mitochondria-first medicine and it’s shifting the wellness paradigm.
Image credit: Sunrise on Twitter
Why BioHax Is Watching This Closely
At BioHax, we’re all about root-cause health and The Wahls Protocol ticks every box.
Food-first recovery.
Gut-healing ingredients.
Liver-supportive nutrients.
Outcomes backed by science, not hype.
We’ll be exploring more protocols like this across our Candida and Liver Health category and Gut Health blog, with recipes, lifestyle edits, and resources designed to support mitochondrial resilience and full-body recovery.
→ [Explore Candida & Liver Health Articles]
→ [Find a Functional Medicine Clinic Near You]
