In a world where fast food and processed snacks often take center stage, the quest for vibrant health and a thriving future begins with a simple yet profound choice: the food we put on our plates. Dr. Terry Wahls, a physician who has delved deep into the intricate relationship between diet and well-being, offers a compelling path forward.
Her research, fueled by a personal battle with multiple sclerosis, has unveiled a dietary roadmap that not only supports the health of our mitochondria and nervous system but promises a future free from the shackles of chronic ailments. Join us on a journey into the heart of this transformative nutritional philosophy, as we explore the vital ingredients that can help you reclaim your vitality and rewrite your health story.
Let\’s eat as we should to lead a better life now and definitely to have a healthier future. In short, here it is, and the explanation to follow:
- 3 cups of green leaves
- 3 cups of sulfur-rich vegetables such as onions, cabbage
- 3 cups of bright-colored vegetables.
- Grass-fed meat, organ meat. and seaweed.
I start with greens because they are rich in B vitamins, vitamins A, C, K, and minerals. Kale has the most nutrition per calorie of any plant. The B vitamins will protect your brain cells and your mitochondria.
Vitamins A and C support your immune cells. Vitamin K keeps your blood vessels and bones healthy. Minerals are co-factors for hundreds of different enzymes in your body.
Plus, having a plateful of daily greens will dramatically lower your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
So, have more kale, more parsley, and more cooked greens. Have more smoothies and greens. I want you to have three cups. a plateful of sulfur-rich vegetables every day.
Your brain and your mitochondria need sulfur. Your liver and kidney need sulfur so they can remove toxins from your bloodstream. That includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, turnips, rutabagas radishes, collards, and kale.
The onion family is also rich in sulfur. Onions, garlic, leeks, chives shallots, and so are mushrooms and asparagus.
I also want you to have a plate, three cups, preferably three different colors, every single day. Colors are flavonoids and polyphenols. These are potent antioxidants that will support your retina, your mitochondria, and your brain cells, and the removal of toxins.
You can get your colors from vegetables like beets, carrots, peppers, and red cabbage, or you can get them from berries and brightly colored fruits like peaches and oranges.
I want you to have high-quality protein that\’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are very important to insulate the wiring in your brain.
It\’s also critical for developing your jaws so you can have straight teeth and a larger brain. Therefore, have wild fish, in particular salmon, sardines, and herring. Also, have grass-fed meat every day. Our ancient societies all valued organ meats. Organ meats are concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals, and coenzyme Q.
They are particularly potent at supporting your mitochondria. Therefore, have organ meats like liver and onion, heart, tongue gizzards, and sweetbreads once a week. The ancients would travel great distances or trade to ensure access to seaweed.
Seaweed is a rich source of iodine and selenium. Your brain needs iodine to make myelin, the insulation for the wiring. It also needs iodine to remove toxins, in particular, mercury lead, and heavy metals. Adequate iodine lowers your risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Studies have shown that 80 percent of Americans have a relatively low iodine. Therefore, have seaweed at least once a week to ensure and maintain adequate iodine levels.
Most Americans can\’t imagine eating nine cups, or three platefuls of vegetables and berries every day, but, if you\’ll commit to having nine cups of these incredibly healthy, wonderful-for-you vegetables and berries every day before you have grain, potatoes, and dairy, you will have dramatically increased the vitamin and mineral content of your diet. Plus, you will have dramatically lowered the risk of food allergies.
Food allergies and food sensitivities are far more common than we realize. They\’re difficult to diagnose, and in particular, sensitivity to gluten, the protein in wheat, rye, and barley, and to dairy the casein protein in dairy, is associated with a wide variety of health problems including, but not limited to eczema, asthma, allergies infertility, irritable bowel, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue arthritis chronic headaches neurological problems and behavior problems.
Yes, it will cost more to eat these beautiful vegetables and berries, but I assure you, you are going to pay the price for food that restores your health and vitality, or you pay the price for doctor\’s visits, prescription drugs, surgeries, missed time from work, early retirement, and nursing home care. The choice is yours.
Dr. Terry Wahls is a physician who has extensively researched the relationship between diet and health, particularly with regard to multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition she herself has. She advocates for a diet that supports mitochondrial function and the health of the brain and nervous system. Here are some of the foods she recommends:
- Vegetables: Dr. Wahls emphasizes eating a lot of vegetables, particularly leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, which are rich in nutrients that support mitochondrial function.
- Berries: Berries are rich in antioxidants and other compounds that protect the brain and nervous system.
- Grass-fed meat: Dr. Wahls recommends eating grass-fed meat because it contains more omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients that are beneficial for the brain and nervous system.
- Organ meats: Organ meats like the liver are rich in vitamins and minerals that support mitochondrial function and overall health.
- Seafood: Seafood, particularly fatty fish like salmon, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are a type of fat that can be easily converted into ketones, which can fuel the brain and help support mitochondrial function.
- Fermented foods: Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir contain beneficial bacteria that support gut health, which is important for overall health and can indirectly support mitochondrial function.
It\’s worth noting that Dr. Wahls recommends a diet that is high in vegetables and low in processed foods and added sugars, which is generally considered a healthy way of eating for most people. However, suppose you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions. In that case, it\’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.