Autoimmune Dietitian Specialist Melbourne

The prevalence of autoimmune conditions is on the rise, with 80% of cases occurring in women. Receiving an autoimmune diagnosis can be overwhelming, often bringing stress, discomfort, and a lower quality of life. While the exact causes of these conditions are still being explored, one thing is clear: managing autoimmune diseases effectively requires a comprehensive lifestyle approach.


If you’re serious about managing your autoimmune condition, it’s essential to look beyond just food. Factors like sleep, stress, exposure to harmful chemicals, movement, environmental toxins, as well as your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions, all play a significant role in influencing your symptoms, disease progression, and overall quality of life.


Therefore, if you are ready to explore natural, lifestyle-based treatments, let’s take the first step together. By working as your autoimmune specialist, I can design a personalised approach to help you move toward remission and regain peak function. Your journey to a healthier, more vibrant life starts with taking a personalised dietary and lifestyle approach that meets your unique constitution and requirements.

Autoimmune Conditions I Work With

Hashimoto's Disease

Did you know that 90% of hypothyroidism cases are due to Hashimoto's disease which can take between 7-20 years to diagnose.

Lupus

Symptoms associated can be anything from joint pain, to rashes to neurological conditions as Lupus can mimic any medical condition. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Did you know that there are over 100 type of arthritis, the most common type being osteoarthritis associated with pain, swelling and poor life quality.

Coeliac's, Chron's and Ulcerative Colitis

Gut health is a must to address disease progression, aging, tissues and brain degeneration that accompany these conditions.

My process for autoimmunity

The journey I create for my autoimmune clients is one personalised for their needs.


It is a long journey because autoimmune disease is very complex. No two patients are the same, even if they have the same diagnosis.


  1. First we start with your initial assessment to determine what lifestyle and environmental factors impact your health and what strategy we need to use to address the root cause of your concerns.
  2. In the second appointment we build your meal plan, lifestyle strategy and daily routine to hit the ground running.
  3. Expect ongoing education, coaching and hand holding to ensure you are progressing and are receiving the knowledge and support needed for your success.
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Claim back an autoimmune consultation using private health (dietetics cover) or Medicare (Gp referral)

What my autoimmune disease clients feel

I was diagnosed as having hashimoto 3 years ago and had most of symptoms, most obvious one gaining weight. I met Anca in September. Her knowledge of metabolism and immune system was very impressive. I believe in I am in right hand. Now I am eating 3 times more and loosing weight also most of uncomfortable symptoms of my disease has been gone. If you want to change your lifestyle and loose weight by healing, highly recommend Anca.

Damla

Anca was instrumental in uncovering my underperforming and sluggish metabolism as Hashimotos disease. She developed a manageable eating plan as well as lifestyle suggestions and options to consider. I now have a very good understanding of how to manage my condition thanks to Anca. I would recommend her services.

Vivienne

Anca is an extremely knowledgeable and respectful health professional. She was able to adjust all treatment plans to suit my eating preferences. Anca has a view to supporting the whole person and her advice has enabled me to live an active and comfortable lifestyle, despite having a chronic inflammatory disease. Well worth the expense. Thank you Anca.

Gaylene

Know your autoimmunity triggers

Autoimmunity can be difficult to treat as two people that are diagnosed with the same condition rarely have the same symptoms. While the causes are still being researched, some of these can include childhood trauma, viruses, toxins and chemicals, certain genetics and stress. It is rare that only one cause contributes to autoimmune disease development, but rather there is a combination of multiple factors over a period of time that makes you sick.


Some of the triggers which can cause a flare up of autoimmune disease symptoms include:

  • Stress (bad relationships, shitty job, poverty)
  • Sleep deprivation, night shift, insomnia
  • Skipping meals and unstable sugar levels
  • Leaky gut & eating trigger foods (gluten, dairy, preservatives, additives, emulsifiers, sugars, processed meats etc)
  • Drinking alcohol, soft drinks & caffeine
  • Excess or strenuous (HIIT) exercise or being sedentary
  • Exposure to pathogens (viruses, bacteria)
  • Exposure to chemicals, toxins and mould (think environment, your home, personal care and cleaning products, furniture etc)
  • Certain medications

Natural autoimmune disease diet and lifestyle treatment benefits

Dealing with the whole self and taking a lifestyle approach to healing is a must when diagnosed with an autoimmune condition.


During our journey together you can expect to learn how to:


  • Eat for your body's unique needs and what foods you need to enhance healing
  • Breathe to optimise your oxygenation and healing
  • Optimise your sleep, movement & exercise routine
  • Detox and avoid chemical, toxins & mould exposures
  • Manage stress and regulate your immune and nervous system
  • Change limiting beliefs & negative emotions to ensure the body receives enhancing feedback
  • Create a safe, trusting and supporting partnership with your body
  • Create a lifestyle that supports your body rhythms and needs.


As autoimmunity is tricky to manage, you will need to learn how to remain flexible, present and responsive to your body's needs and work with and through any hurdles that can arise on your journey to remission and healing.

Peak energy levels

Breaking down and absorbing nutrients is key for energy production. When you have enough energy it makes it easier to move through the other changes required to heal.

Freedom from pain

Inflammation causes pain and tissue degeneration, however by using the right strategy for your body you can eliminate inflammation, pain and discomfort.

Feel like yourself again

Pain and disease can rob of yourself and make life unpleasant. However this is only a temporary state until your body, mind and soul receive the right formula for healing.

Enjoy life & thrive

When you are back in rhythm with your body, you get back in flow with life. Healing can bring gratitude, a new perspective and commitment to living your best life.

  • Can a dietitian help manage autoimmune disease symptoms?

    Yes. An accredited practising dietitian can help you manage autoimmune symptoms through tailored nutrition that supports gut health, reduces immune reactivity and improves overall wellbeing. I also integrate as a somatic psychotherapost and life coach lifestyle strategies to address stress, sleep and emotional regulation — all of which play a major role in autoimmune flare-ups.

  • Do you offer support for multiple autoimmune conditions?

    Yes. I work with clients managing a range of autoimmune conditions including Hashimoto’s, Coeliac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and psoriasis. My approach combines clinical nutrition, somatic therapy and lifestyle guidance to support whole-body healing and nervous system regulation.

  • What is an autoimmune disease diet and can it help with autoimmune disease symptoms?

    An autoimmune disease diet is a specific diet that particularly emphasises consuming food and drinks which target your individual autoimmunity symptoms.

     

    When being recommended an autoimmunity diet it should be personalised to your current state of health and rather than being a generic diet like AIP diet because diet alone is usually not enough to help improve autoimmune disease symptoms.

  • How can I heal autoimmune disease naturally?

    Aside from medical treatments, such as steroids and surgery, many symptoms of autoimmune issues can be improved through a natural process of better diet and lifestyle changes.

     

    There are many types of autoimmune diseases affecting different parts of the body, therefore a personalised treatment plan should be provided for you to ensure you're taking the right steps to alleviate your symptoms.

  • Does a leaky gut lead to autoimmune disease?

    Leaky gut and autoimmune disease are closely linked. Many autoimmune diseases can be caused, or made much worse, from leaky gut syndrome.

     

    A leaky gut means your intestinal wall allows bacteria and chemicals through its lining and into your bloodstream, which can trigger an autoimmune response from your body in different forms.

  • Is there a diet for arthritis pain?

    Whilst there is no cure for arthritis, the painful symptoms you can often get with arthritic joints can be eased with an improved diet and lifestyle.


    Staying away from certain foods and including better food groups in your day-to-day can help fight the inflammation and improve the pain in your joints.

  • What is the best diet for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?

    There is no one-size-fits-all diet for Hashimoto’s, but many people benefit from an anti-inflammatory, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense approach. As a dietitian with experience in autoimmune conditions, I help identify your personal triggers, support your thyroid with key nutrients like selenium, iodine and zinc, and build a sustainable plan that reduces inflammation and supports energy, mood and weight balance.

  • Can nutrition help with autoimmune-related fatigue and brain fog?

    Absolutely. Supporting blood sugar balance, reducing inflammatory foods and replenishing nutrient deficiencies such as iron, B12, vitamin D, iodine and selenium can all help improve fatigue, focus and mood. I create nutrition and lifestyle plans that work with your body and help you regain clarity and energy.

  • What foods help reduce autoimmune inflammation?
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  • Is gluten bad for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?

    For many people with Hashimoto’s, gluten can trigger or worsen symptoms due to its impact on gut integrity and immune response. While not everyone needs to avoid it long term, many clients feel significant improvement in energy, digestion, and brain fog after removing gluten from their diet. I assess this on an individual basis during your consultation.