AUTOIMMUNE CLINIC
Meet Anna
Anna had a very personal introduction to nutrition. Suffering from ME/CFS during her first pregnancy, she embarked on her own healing journey of which nutrition and functional medicine played a central role.
She went on to gain an MSc in Personalised Nutrition and a Diploma in Nutritional Therapy from CNELM/Middlesex University. Anna was awarded a distinction for her dissertation and her findings were presented in a poster presentation at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s (IFM) Annual International Conference 2020.
Anna’s professional work reflects her dedication to understanding complex conditions such as ME/CFS and autoimmune illnesses. Her empathetic, client-centred approach ensures that each individual feels supported and empowered to take charge of their health.
Anna is multilingual and has lived in 8 countries. She loves travel, wild swimming, hot yoga and skiing and now lives by the sea with her husband, two teenagers and a dog.
Anna's personal journey
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from managing your own health challenges?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from managing my own health challenges is humility. Going through my own struggles has given me a deep understanding of just how complex and personal the journey with chronic illness can be. No two experiences are the same, and what works for one person may not work for another. This has made me approach each person’s journey with compassion and respect.
If you could only take three supplements for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
- Magnesium Malate because it helps me with energy, sleep, headaches and leg cramps.
- Methylated B-vits because I have a dirty MTHFR SNP..
- Electrolytes (especially after a workout) make me feel energised and mentally sharper.
What’s one myth about chronic fatigue syndrome that you wish more people understood?
The idea that people with chronic fatigue are weak couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, most individuals with ME/CFS are among the strongest people I have ever met. It’s remarkable that so many of them maintain their resilience and spirit despite the challenges they face.
What’s the most underrated lifestyle change that can help improve energy levels and manage chronic fatigue
Making sure they follow the circadian rhythm, so getting day -light first thing in the morning, either by going outside or if that is not possible using a light therapy lamp (10 000 lux), getting light during the day and blocking blue light in the evening with blue blockers, sleeping in complete darkness etc.
Can you share a client success story that was particularly meaningful to you?
A young mother with severe ME/CFS, who had been bedbound for seven years, came to her first consultation just six months after one of the darkest periods of her life—desperate for a way out of the life she could no longer endure. In just six months, she was able to care for her baby, tend to her garden, and embrace her role as a wife again. Now, a year later, she is working full-time and living a thriving family life. I almost have to pinch myself thinking about it
What’s one non-negotiable habit you prioritise for your own wellbeing?
The same as I preach to all my clients, eating protein at every meal to have a stable blood sugar
