Masterchef’s Melissa Leong reveals secret battle with an autoimmune condition

Masterchef Australia host Melissa Leong appears to have it all.

But the 38-year-old has opened up her secret health battle with an autoimmune condition known as Pyrrole disorder.

Speaking to Who magazine, Melissa revealed that after years of suffering anxiety she was diagnosed with the stress-induced disease a few years ago and that it took her nine months to recover from it.

‘I was extremely unwell and couldn’t work,’ she said. 

‘I’m in an incredible place right now, but I’m mindful every day to prioritise my health. I’ve learned — the hard way — not to push myself to the point where I break.’

Pyrrole disorder causes changes in moods and occurs when there are too many Pyrrole molecules in your body. 

The excess molecules can make it hard for your body to absorb essential nutrients such as zinc and vitamin B6. 

It is often linked to other mental conditions like anxiety and can cause physical symptoms such as memory problems and hair loss. 

Through a ‘correct diagnosis’ and taking supplements, Melissa was able to ‘slowly get better.’ 

However, she does admit that there were days when her condition made life incredibly difficult. 

‘There was a time where I’d have to psych myself up for days just to walk to the end of my street to buy groceries, which was not a very good state of affairs at all, to be honest with you,’ she said.

But these days, Melissa is currently loving every minute of hosting the Channel 10 series saying that she is ‘so grateful’ to be a part of it.

MasterChef continues Sunday at 7.30pm on Channel 10