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Eggs are one of the most convenient and versatile sources of protein. From scrambled eggs to omelets, they are a breakfast staple and often a go-to for those following a clean diet. But if you’re following the Wahls Protocol to manage multiple sclerosis, you may have noticed that eggs are restricted. Why?

As a nutrition coach certified in the Wahls Protocol, I get this question all the time. Today, we are diving into why eggs are excluded, how they may impact inflammation, and how to determine if this rule applies to you.

Why Eggs Are Excluded from the Wahls Protocol

The most direct reason eggs are excluded is that Dr. Terry Wahls herself has an egg allergy. When she developed the protocol that helped her go from a wheelchair to riding her bike in a year, eggs were not part of her diet. Later, when she submitted her protocol for clinical trials, she had to replicate her personal protocol exactly, including the exclusion of eggs.

But that explanation leads to a common question: if Dr. Wahls is allergic, but I’m not, do I still need to avoid eggs?

Let’s take a closer look.

Are Eggs Inflammatory?

You may be surprised to learn that the potentially inflammatory component of eggs is not the yolk, but the egg white. Specifically, a protein in egg whites called ovalbumin can stimulate the immune system in some people, leading to inflammation. For those of us managing an autoimmune disease like MS, this can make symptoms worse or even trigger a flare.

So, while you may not have a noticeable allergy, eggs might still be promoting low-grade inflammation that is affecting your energy, digestion, or other symptoms.

What About Baked Goods or Packaged Foods?

If you are following the Wahls Protocol, you will want to eliminate eggs completely, including foods that contain eggs as ingredients. That means checking nutrition labels carefully.

Look beyond the nutrition facts and go straight to the ingredients and allergen sections. If a product contains eggs, it will be listed. Even trace amounts can cause problems if your body is sensitive.

My Personal Experience With Eggs

Growing up, I loved eggs. They were my favorite snack and made meal prep easy. But in 2016, during a yoga teacher training that required a 30-day vegan diet, I removed all animal products including eggs.

I was shocked by how much better I felt.

After the program, I reintroduced fish and eggs. Within weeks, my energy dipped and digestive issues returned. When I eliminated eggs again, my symptoms improved. Eventually, allergy testing confirmed an egg sensitivity.

Since then, I’ve avoided them completely.

Recently, I accidentally ate a gluten free product that had changed its recipe to include eggs. Within days, I felt bloated, fatigued, and foggy. It was a powerful reminder of how food affects our symptoms.

And this is exactly why I’m so passionate about helping others listen to their body.

Could Eggs Be Affecting You?

If you’re not sure how eggs impact your body, here’s a simple test:

1. Eliminate all eggs for 1 to 3 months, including baked goods and packaged foods with egg ingredients.
2. Use a wellness tracker to monitor your symptoms. You can download a free one at alenebrennan.com/tracker.
3. After the elimination period, reintroduce eggs and track how your body responds.

This process can offer valuable insight and help you make informed decisions about your diet.

Key Takeaways

• Eggs are excluded from the Wahls Protocol because of potential inflammatory properties, especially in the egg white.
• You may not have an allergy, but eggs can still affect inflammation and MS symptoms.
• Read labels carefully and eliminate even trace amounts if you are testing sensitivity.
• Use a wellness tracker to observe changes and symptoms over time.
• Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods and explore egg-free alternatives to build a sustainable healing diet.

If you’re struggling with symptoms like fatigue, bloating, or brain fog and can’t pinpoint the cause, eggs may be worth eliminating—even if just temporarily.

Want More Encouragement Like This? Tune into this week’s special episode of My MS Podcast: Why Are Eggs Restricted on the Wahls Protocol and Listen now to My MS Podcast