Dietary Specialists

19/03/2026

If you or someone you know has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome you might like to take part in the following study

Another awesome research opportunity for those with hEDS / HSD!

We are conducting a study at the University of Auckland investigating the relationship between dietary intake, gastrointestinal symptoms, and overall symptom presentation in people diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) / hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD).

People with hEDS/HSD commonly experience gastrointestinal symptoms and face challenges with dietary intake, which can impact overall health and wellbeing.

The aim of this research is to identify relationships between diet and symptom presentation and severity. This will inform further research and enable the development of national and international nutrition care guidelines for people with hEDS/HSD.

Those who complete the study will be provided with a $40 voucher as thank you for sharing your time and experiences.

If you are interested in taking part in our research, please fill out the expression of interest form by following the link below. https://redcap.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/surveys/?s=39AYFA9RC8HY4YMT

Please note that completion of this form does not guarantee your enrolment in the study, as you must meet our eligibility criteria. To be eligible you must be:

o Aged over 16 years old

o Diagnosed with hEDS/HSD by a healthcare professional

o Not pregnant or breastfeeding

o Not relying on artificial nutrition for ALL nutritional needs. This includes enteral feeding through a tube such as nasogastric (NG) tube, PEG tube, nasojejunal (NJ) tube, or parenteral nutrition (TPN). You would still be eligible if you use artificial nutrition combined with oral intake of food / supplements.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Thank you,

Aeson Chappell, Student Dietitian / Researcher. mcha769@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Dr Nicola Gilles, Lead Researcher. n.gillies@auckland.ac.nz

13/03/2026

Thank you to Greer Pugh (PhD researcher at the University of Auckland) and Manaaki Manawa – Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, for inviting our dietitian Leigh O'Brien to speak at New Zealand’s first POTS Awareness Day Symposium.

Alongside Nicola Gilles, Nutrition Researcher at the University of Auckland, Leigh presented the results of a recent survey of people in New Zealand living with hEDS and POTS, and discussed the nutritional management of POTS.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system and can cause symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heart rate, fatigue, and difficulty tolerating standing. Nutrition and fluid management can play an important role in helping to manage symptoms and support daily functioning.

It was a privilege to contribute to such an important event and to see growing awareness and research in this area.

26/02/2026

At Dietary Specialists we couldn't agree more with this post to celebrate Gut Health Month

25/02/2026

Cottage cheese is trending on TikTok for being “high protein”… but how does it actually compare? 🥣
Let’s compare per typical serving:
🥣 Cottage cheese (1 cup) → 20–28g protein
🥄 Greek yogurt (1 cup, plain) → 17–23g protein
🥚 Eggs (2 large) → 12–13g protein
🍦 Regular yogurt (1 cup) → 8–10g protein
Yes — cottage cheese is high in protein.
But it’s not the only option. And it’s not “better” than everything else.
Each of these foods offers different benefits:
✔ Protein for muscle repair & satiety
✔ Calcium for bone health
✔ Probiotics (in yogurt) for gut health
✔ Healthy fats & choline (in eggs)
The most important question isn’t “Which one has the most protein?”
It’s: Which one do you enjoy and can eat consistently?
Nutrition isn’t about chasing trends.
It’s about balance, variety, and what works for your body.
More protein isn’t always better.
And one food doesn’t make or break your health.
Remember:
✨ Aim for a quality protein source at most meals
✨ Variety supports a broader nutrient intake
✨ Consistency matters more than perfection

05/02/2026

**Supplements in 2026: Helpful… or Harmful?**

Over-the-counter supplements are booming, with vitamin and mineral sales increasing year on year. Between personalised tests, online advice and “wellness stacks,” it can feel like taking more supplements automatically leads to better health.
But that’s not always the case.

🧩 Personalised supplements
Targeted supplements *can* be helpful when a true deficiency is identified (such as iron, vitamin B12 or vitamin D).
However, not all tests accurately reflect what your body actually needs, and supplements are often started without professional guidance.

✨ Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for bone health and is commonly needed during winter.
But taking high doses long-term without monitoring can increase the risk of toxicity—especially for people with kidney disease or other health conditions.

💊 Multivitamins
Multivitamins may support people with restricted diets or absorption issues.
They are not proven to prevent chronic disease in people who are already well nourished and should not replace a balanced diet.

🧠 Magnesium
Often marketed for stress, sleep and muscle health.
It can be helpful in certain situations, depending on the type and dose—but it isn’t a cure-all.

🛡 Zinc
Supports immune function and may slightly shorten colds if used short-term.
Long-term high doses can:
• Interfere with copper absorption
• Cause anaemia or nerve issues
• Lead to stomach upset

⚠️ Vitamin B6: a hidden risk
Vitamin B6 toxicity is now being seen more often.
It’s commonly found in:
• Multivitamins
• Magnesium blends
• Stress and energy supplements

Using multiple products together can push B6 intake too high, leading to:
• Tingling or numbness
• Balance problems
• Nerve damage

🔍 Key message
“Natural” doesn’t always mean safe.
More supplements aren’t better—the right ones, at the right dose, are what matter. But it is also good to remember that most people can meet their nutrient needs through a well-balanced diet without relying on supplements.

—
**Dietary Specialists**
Evidence-based nutrition support, tailored to you

05/02/2026

We totally agree with this post from Dr Megan Rossi

31/01/2026

We love these delicious snack ideas put together by the Dietitians New Zealand team

29/01/2026

🌸 Perimenopause & Menopause: How Nutrition and Lifestyle Can Help 🌸

Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect weight, heart health, bones, sleep, mood, and energy.
The good news? Nutrition and lifestyle choices can make a meaningful difference.

✨ Key nutrition & lifestyle tips:

🔹 Weight & metabolism: Declining oestrogen can slow metabolism and increase insulin resistance. Small, sustainable changes matter — even a 5 kg weight loss can significantly reduce hot flush severity.

🔹 Protein matters: Aim for regular protein across the day (around 20–30 g per meal) to help preserve muscle mass and support metabolic health.

🔹 Carbohydrate quality: Focus on high-fibre, minimally processed carbohydrates, and reduce refined carbs, sugary drinks, and alcohol.

🔹 Heart health: Support cholesterol and blood pressure with a Mediterranean-style eating pattern — vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, legumes, olive oil, and oily fish 2–3 times per week.

🔹 Bone health: After menopause, calcium and vitamin D needs increase. Include calcium-rich foods daily and consider vitamin D supplementation during winter or with limited sun exposure.

🔹 Hot flushes & sleep: Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can be triggers. Reducing intake may improve symptoms and sleep quality.

🌿 Take-home message:
A holistic approach — combining nourishing food, movement, sleep, and stress management — can reduce symptom severity and protect long-term health during this transition.

💡 Individual needs vary. Working with a dietitian can help tailor strategies to support your body through perimenopause and menopause.

05/01/2026

Happy 2026 everyone. Loving this post from Dietitians New Zealand

23/12/2025

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from Dietary Specialists ✨🎄

As the year comes to a close, we would like to sincerely thank all of our clients for trusting us with your health and nutrition throughout 2025 . We have truly enjoyed working with you and supporting your goals this year 🌟.

We look forward to continuing our work together in 2026

From all of us at Dietary Specialists, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year 🎄✨.

🎄 Holiday closure:
Our clinic will be closed over the festive period and will reopen from 5 January.

Warm Christmas wishes,
🎁 The Dietary Specialists team 🎁
Julie, Leigh, Sarah and Sienna 🎄✨

04/12/2025

🌟 Thinking about getting a food intolerance test? Here’s what you need to know.

Not all tests are created equal — and many popular “food intolerance” tests are not evidence-based.

According to ASCIA (the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy), several methods that claim to detect allergies or intolerances are unproven and not recommended. These include:
❌ Cytotoxic food testing
❌ Kinesiology
❌ Hair analysis
❌ Vega testing (electro-diagnostic)
❌ Electrodermal testing
❌ Pulse testing
❌ Reflexology-based testing
❌ Bryan’s or Alcat tests
❌ Food-specific IgG testing

These tests can lead to:
⚠️ Misdiagnosis
💸 Costly or unnecessary treatment
🥗 Overly restrictive diets that may harm your health
😟 Increased anxiety around food

If you're concerned about food reactions, it's always best to speak with a New Zealand registered dietitian or your GP. Evidence-based assessment means safer, more effective care — and no cutting out foods you don’t need to.

✨ At Dietary Specialists, we use research-driven tools to help you figure out what’s really going on.

27/11/2025

🌱 Gut Health: More Than Digestion

Your gut is home to trillions of microbes that influence immunity, mood, metabolism, digestion, and overall wellbeing.

Here’s what our dietitians at Dietary Specialists covered in a recent gut health webinar for health professionals:

✨ There’s no “perfect” microbiome — it’s all about balance, diversity, and consistency.
🥗 Diet drives gut health — aim for 30 different plant foods per week to support microbial diversity.
🌾 Fibre is fuel — include a variety of fibres to feed the trillions of gut microbes.
🥛 Fermented foods & probiotics can help, but benefits are strain-specific and vary between individuals.
🌿 Prebiotics feed your good bacteria — introduce them slowly to support tolerance.
🧠 The gut–brain connection is real — dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet have been linked to improved IBS symptoms and better mental wellbeing.
💡 Perfection isn’t required — and neither are pricey supplements. Small, consistent habits make the biggest impact.

🧠 Key Takeaway:
A healthy gut starts with dietary diversity, fibre-rich foods, and consistency — not restriction or quick fixes.