Getting Past Chronic Fatigue Caused by MOG-AD: Part 2 Commitment to the Wahls Protocol
In 2017, a misdiagnosis turned my world upside down. Doctors told me I had multiple sclerosis. The mere thought of the devastating effects of MS and the reality of injecting the first-line medication, Rebif, into my thighs was daunting. Driven by desperation, I dove into the web, seeking other ways to manage my health. That's when I discovered something that changed my life: the Wahls Protocol.
A Rollercoaster Ride, Fueled by Fear and Hope
Living under the shadow of an MS diagnosis for 18 months was an emotional whirlwind. The fear of what could happen kept me disciplined and laser-focused on leading a healthier lifestyle. That's when the Wahls Protocol, a lifeline created by Dr. Terry Wahls to turn around her own progressive multiple sclerosis, came into my life. It was designed to tackle the root causes of autoimmune diseases like inflammation and poor cellular health, and it felt like my light at the end of a very dark tunnel — offering hope not just for MS but for other conditions too.
Sticking to the Wahls Protocol: A Journey of Transformation
Even after the Mayo Clinic's neurologists corrected my diagnosis to MOG-AD, I stuck to the Wahls Protocol. I saw no reason to stop. Instead, I adapted my lifestyle to this newfound reality, taking the Protocol's principles to heart.
Putting the 'Right' Foods First
The Protocol pushed me to fill my plate with nutrient-dense foods. I loaded up on colorful fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats and said goodbye to processed foods, gluten, and dairy. This diet shake-up did wonders for reducing inflammation and gave me a new lease on energy, prepping my body to kickstart its healing process.
Finding Power in Movement
Physical activity is key in the Wahls Protocol, even if starting was tough. But, once I found joy in 20-30 minute brisk walks with my labrador retrievers, who always encouraged me, exercise became a fun part of my day-to-day. And you know what? My energy levels began to climb.
Harnessing the Calm Within
Just as important as a good night's sleep (mentioned in part 1 of this series), managing stress effectively became my weapon against chronic fatigue. I brought mindfulness techniques like Dr. Joe Dispenza's Blessing the Energy Centers meditation series, the Wim Hoff deep breathing exercises for beginners, and relaxation yoga into my everyday life. It made a world of difference to my stress levels and helped keep my fatigue at bay.
Boosting My Diet with Supplements
Supplementation is another crucial part of the Protocol. With my chiropractor's advice, I added essential nutrients to my diet - Vitamin C, D, fish oil, turmeric, alpha lipoic acid, acetyl l-carnitine, and CoQ10. These supplements boosted my nutrition, supported my recovery, and increased my energy levels.
The Wahls Protocol isn't about forcing everyone into the same box. Instead, it serves as a beacon, a flexible framework that individuals can modify to meet their needs and situations. The heart of it all? Believing in our body's incredible power to heal itself - something that can work wonders for everyone, everywhere.
As we close this article on the transformative impact of the Wahls Protocol in my journey to overcome chronic fatigue, it's important to remember that healing is multidimensional. Nutrition, exercise, and stress management are crucial, but they're just pieces of the puzzle. So, what's next? In the upcoming part of this series, "Homeopathy and the Mind Body Connection with Dr. Joe Dispenza," we'll dive into some less conventional but equally powerful strategies. Each of these elements brought unique benefits to my healing journey, and I'm excited to share how they might be able to help you, too. Stay tuned
In her groundbreaking research, Dr. Terry Wahls conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial, published in 2019, examining the impact of a modified paleo diet - the Wahls Protocol - on fatigue among patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The results revealed that the group following her Protocol experienced a significant reduction in fatigue levels compared to those on a regular diet. However, the study was relatively small, encompassing just over 30 participants, and further research is needed to substantiate these findings. Despite this, many individuals, including myself, have found the Wahls Protocol to be beneficial in managing fatigue and other symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions.
Disclaimer: The content shared in this article is based on my personal experiences in managing and recovering from Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease (MOG-AD). The strategies and remedies I discuss have worked for me but may not work for everyone, as every individual's health condition, symptoms, and needs can greatly vary. This article is intended to share my personal journey and is not meant to provide medical advice or replace the advice of healthcare professionals. I strongly recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routines or trying new remedies. Remember, managing chronic diseases often requires patience and perseverance. The journey towards recovery is as individual as we are.