Pete Evans reveals his "crippling condition"

Pete Evans revealed in the build-up to a tell-all interview with Channel Seven that he had suffered from a 'crippling condition' for his whole life. 

And the controversial chef told Sunday Night that the condition he'd been keeping a secret was shyness. 

The My Kitchen Rules host told journalist Alex Cullen how it dated back to his school days. 

He said: 'I suffered from crippling shyness at school, that's for sure. It's sort of been with me all of my life. Even now, I like to keep a pretty low profile, believe it or not. 

'And I really just try to be around my family, for my family unit, my kids, my wife, our animals and live a pretty quiet life.'  

'It's something that's been with me my whole life,' the Paleo enthusiast shared to camera.   

'You have your critics, there are controversies, let's just share the truth,' Pete says in the opening moments.

The chef has made headlines, not so much for his recipes, but rather his controversial claims.

Pete has alleged that sunscreen is dangerous, fluoride is poison, and calcium in dairy is a myth and the biggest marketing ploy.

The outspoken star has also been at the centre of rumours surrounding a rift with MKR co-host Manu Feildel, which he has denied in recent televised interviews. 

Not one to shy away from speaking his mind, Pete warned his fans on social media not to use conventional sunscreen, claiming they're full of 'chemicals' and promoted an unregulated zinc-based product instead.

Skin cancer survivors blasted the TV presenter and a spokesperson for Cancer Council Australia said his comments were 'irresponsible' and 'quite dangerous'.

Pete and his wife Nicola Robinson have claimed fluoride toothpaste is 'toxic' and instead, use a homemade, remineralising toothpaste.

The natural remedy consists of calcium powder, baking soda, coconut oil and other minerals Diatomaceous Earth and Xylitol Powder.

Dr David Dunn, the principal dentist at Sydney's Macquarie Street Centre, told The Herald Sun that there is no scientific evidence to back claims that fluoride-free toothpaste can improve the health of teeth. 

'Using baking soda is very abrasive and can do a lot of other damage to your teeth, gums and mouth,' he told the publication.

Pete was also slammed by a critic after he advised a woman with osteoporosis to stop consuming dairy.

He told the woman during a Q & A session on his Facebook page: 'I would strongly suggest removing diary and eat the Paleo way as calcium from dairy can remove the calcium from your bones'.

This article was first published on dailymail.co.uk and is republished here with permission.