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This week on the podcast we speak with nutritionist, author, and retired ITU nurse, Karen Lee. Karen shares her journey of following a whole-food plant-based diet to help manage her symptoms of the autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis. We cover the research showing how whole-food, plant-based dietary patterns may help reduce systemic inflammation, improve gut microbiome diversity, and improve symptoms relevant to many autoimmune diseases. To find out more and connect with Karen:https://thesensitivefoodiekitchen.com/ To buy Karen's latest book:https://www.hammersmithbooks.co.uk/product/healing-from-the-inside-out/ Published case study discussed:https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/15598276221141403 PBHP Fact Sheet on MS:https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/MS-factsheet-210519.pdf To find out more on OMS:https://overcomingms.org/ Clare's vegan omelette recipe: 300g silken tofu 140g firm tofu  3tbsp gram flour 2 tbsp tapioca flour 1/2 tsp turmeric  Good pinch of Kala namak (if available) Ground pepper Dash of plant milk if the mixture is a bit stiff Oil of your choice for frying (optional) Filling of your choice e.g vegan cheese, mushrooms, spring onions, kimchi! Blend together the silken tofu, gram flour, tapioca flour, turmeric, Kala namak and pepper. Crumble in the firm tofu and give it a final mix. Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan. Add the mixture and give the pan a wobble to level it out. Adjust the hob heat so that you can see a bit of steam coming from the pan but it shouldn't be bubbling too vigorously. It will take up to about 20 minutes for the omelette to fully set. When it is starting to look set you can add the filling to the top to start heating through, or melting if it's vegan cheese. Just before serving, fold over the omelette in the pan, then you can slide it onto a plate and decorate with fresh herbs or chopped spring onions.

In this week's nugget, we explore some of the knowns and  unknowns when it comes to eating farmed animals who may carry bacteria known to cause disease in humans. The spotlight is on  helicobacter pylori, campylobacter jejuni, and e.coli. You might think twice about what you store in the freezer or throw on a barbeque.  The Ingest podcast: https://www.pcsg.org.uk/podcast/h-pylori/ Almagro-Martínez, C., Alenda-Botella, A. & Botella-Juan, L. Systematic review on the zoonotic potential of Helicobacter pylori. Discov Public Health 22, 432 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00834-w Quaglia NC, Dambrosio A. Helicobacter pylori: A foodborne pathogen? World J Gastroenterol. 2018 Aug 21;24(31):3472-3487. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i31.3472. PMID: 30131654; PMCID: PMC6102504.Aziz M, Park DE, Quinlivan V, Dimopoulos EA, Wang Y, Sung EH, Roberts ALS, Nyaboe A, Davis MF, Casey JA, Caballero JD, Nachman KE, Takhar HS, Aanensen DM, Parkhill J, Tartof SY, Liu CM, Price LB, .2025.Zoonotic Escherichia coli and urinary tract infections in Southern California. mBio16:e01428-25.https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.01428-25 https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/report-into-the-sources-of-human-campylobacter-infection-published-0 Harmful impacts of microplastic pollution on poultry and biodegradation techniques using microorganisms for consumer health protection: A review https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579124010344?via%3Dihub

This week we are thrilled to be speaking with Dr Michael Klaper, M.D. Dr Klaper is an experienced physician, educator, and author who has spent decades advocating for a preventive approach to healthcare grounded in healthy, whole-food, plant-based diets. Through the non-profit organisation Moving Medicine Forward, Dr Klaper’s current work centres on integrating nutrition and lifestyle education into medical training, empowering future doctors to use diet to prevent and reverse chronic diseases, aiming for a more holistic healthcare system. If you’re interested in the future of medicine, climate and health, preventive healthcare, or medical education reform, this episode offers a powerful and thought-provoking perspective on how clinicians can help build a healthier, more sustainable world. To find out more and connect with Dr Klaper:  https://www.movingmedforward.org/ The books recommended in this episode:  http://comfortablyunaware.com/ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58788258-food-is-climate Meet Dr Klaper at VCO26:  https://www.vegancampout.co.uk/ Link to Karen Lee's book launch online meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PBkwD14YQdeGNwFyZ3Skyw?_x_zm_rtaid=FwMPrSGOTOahbsDIRb72jA.1768386534935.d80a54aa744af3c37e6b3c922ce0e42d&_x_zm_rhtaid=535#/registration

This week's bonus episode completes our two-parter on psoriasis, as we hear from PBHP member, Kate Dunbar, who prior to the adoption of a whole food plant-based diet was significantly affected by the disease. She has gone on to run marathons, and is the creative master behind many of PBHP's factsheets.Her story is an inspiration to anyone suffering from an autoimmune disease who may have been told diet and lifestyle don't matter. Her experience has even been written up as a case study.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34366737/ Kate is always very generous with sharing her time and passion regarding the healing powers of food. You can follow her on Instagram @kate.dunbar, find her on Facebook, or email her,  [email protected] 

We are so excited to be back In The Nutshell as we kick off season six with dual qualified NHS Consultant Dermatologist and nutritionist Dr Thivi Maruthappu. We cover the inflammatory condition, psoriasis, and find out why it is considered a systemic condition, and how it links to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic health. Dr Thivi outlines the potential mechanisms through which diet and lifestyle influence systemic inflammation, immune pathways, and the gut microbiome. We take a closer look at the APPLE study (Asking People with Psoriasis about Lifestyle and Eating), co-led by Dr Thivi and researchers at King’s College London, exploring how overall diet quality relates to psoriasis severity, and how dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods are associated with better outcomes, providing important data that lifestyle and dietary assessments have a key role to play alongside standard clinical care. To access the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39973353/ Zanesco S, Maruthappu T, Griffiths CEM, Dalrymple KV, Gibson R, Hall WL. Associations between diet quality indices and psoriasis severity: results from the Asking People with Psoriasis about Lifestyle and Eating (APPLE) cross-sectional study. British Journal of Nutrition (2025) To connect with Dr Thivi: https://drthivi.com/ To buy Dr Thivi's book: https://drthivi.com/skinfood-your-4-step-solution-healthy-happy-skin/ To sign up to the Veganuary myth busting talk on Tuesday 13th January 2026 please email [email protected] The Made in Hackney book discussed : https://madeinhackney.org/buy-our-new-cookbook-we-cook-plants-%F0%9F%8C%B1/ And please don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast, and share this episode with one other person today. If you'd like to support our work and be part of a growing community of like-minded people working towards creating a healthier and more sustainable future please join the Plant-Based Health Professionals UK following the link below: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/membership You don't have to be a health care professional to join, but by doing so you’re not only supporting our work, you'll be improving your own health;  with membership starting from as little as £15 a year, join us now and be part of the change you want to see.

Vanessa Sturman, food coach, is back to guide us on a flexible approach to Christmas plant-based food. She discusses how to enjoy food and celebrate Christmas without feeling like you've lost touch with healthy whole food plant-based eating for the coming year. Those tempeh stuffing balls... https://theveganlarder.com/vegan-christmas-tempeh-sausage-stuffing-balls/#recipe Contact Vanessa: https://www.vanessasturman.com/ Instagram: @vanessaforhealth

In episode 8 of season 5, we speak with lifestyle medicine expert, and Plant-Based Health Professionals Ambassador, Dr. Chidi Ngwaba. Dr Chidi breaks down how type 2 diabetes, one of the most common chronic diseases, can be prevented, treated, and even reversed through evidence-based lifestyle changes, particularly a whole-food plant-based diet. By explaining the underlying mechanisms of insulin resistance in a way that is accessible, we understand how and why the answer goes beyond just  refined sugar. He highlights why plant-based nutrition is so effective at restoring insulin sensitivity and improving metabolic health, sharing clinical insights from his work helping thousands of patients reverse chronic conditions. We also address common myths surrounding carbohydrates, fruit and diabetes, offering clarity for anyone confused by conflicting nutrition advice. This episode is both inspiring and informative so make sure to listen to the end to find out what Dr Chidi's favourite plant-based meal is! To connect with Dr Chidi: [email protected]://www.linkedin.com/in/drchidimd/ Access recipes and learn more about Plant-Based Sis: https://plantbasedsis.com/ Plant- Based Health Professionals UK Type 2 Diabetes Factsheets: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Diabetes-factsheet08.11.24.pdf Plant- Based Health Professionals UK article on Type 2 Diabetes treatment and prevention: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/plant-based-diets-for-the-prevention-and-treatment-of-type-2-diabetes Further information on continuous glucose monitors: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/continuous-glucose-monitor For the courses discussed: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/courses And please don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast, and share this episode with one other person today. If you'd like to support our work and be part of a growing community of like-minded people working towards creating a healthier and more sustainable future please join the Plant-Based Health Professionals UK following the link below: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/membershipYou don't have to be a healthcare professional to join, but by doing so you’re not only supporting our work, you'll be improving your own health;  with membership starting from as little as £15 a year, join us now and be part of the change you want to see.

It will come as no surprise to our regular listeners that kidney disease is another area in which a healthy plant-based diet supports better health. We are therefore delighted to bring you this week's bonus episode: our discussion with Cade Morant about his experience of nephrotic syndrome and a diagnosis of focal segmental glomerulonephritis. Cade has experienced a kidney transplant and ongoing dialysis, but despite these challenges has discovered plant-based diets are not just good for planetary health!  https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CKDKidneyfactsheetPBHPUK-May23.pdf https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Reducing-potassium-in-CKD-when-you-are-following-a-plant-based-diet.pdf https://kdigo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Key-Takeaways_KDIGO-2024-CKD-Guideline_People-Living-with-CKD.pdf

In episode 7 of the season we dive deep into the world of seaweed. Seaweed is considered one of the most nutrient-dense, sustainable, and surprisingly versatile foods, yet so many of us haven't considered adding it to our plates. So we were delighted to hear from Plant-Based Health Professionals member, Jenny Griffiths, who is currently completing a PhD in U.K. Sustainable Food Systems, about the health benefits of seaweed and why she thinks the U.K. population should consider adding more seaweed to their diets.Listen today to find out about the key nutrients found in seaweed, the differences between major varieties, safety considerations, the potential environmental benefits, and of course practical ways to incorporate seaweed into your diet for both taste and health. Links discussed in this episode: https://beachfood.co.uk/https://www.carymor.wales/https://www.cornishseaweed.co.uk/Guides from the Marine Conservation Society (here) and Natural Resources Wales (here). To reach out and connect with Jenny:[email protected] please don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast, and share this episode with one other person today.If you'd like to support our work and be part of a growing community of like-minded people working towards creating a healthier and more sustainable future please join the Plant-Based Health Professionals UK following the link below:https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/membership You don't have to be a health care professional to join, but by doing so you’re not only supporting our work, you'll be improving your own health;  with membership starting from as little as £15 a year, join us now and be part of the change you want to see.

In this week's nugget we revisit our interview with Carlijn Wagenaar from the Plants for Joints study, as they launch their 'Plants for Health' programme to help those suffering from a range of chronic conditions  - not just joint problems. Order the e-or printed book and sign up for the programme: https://plants-for-health.com/  References for the programme: Two-Year Follow-Up of a Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Intervention for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Carlijn A. Wagenaar, Wendy Walrabenstein, Marike van der Leeden et al.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken), 2025 Effect of a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention on body composition in people with osteoarthritis: Secondary analysis of the “Plants for Joints” randomized controlled trialCarlijn A. Wagenaar, Wendy Walrabenstein, Sofieke C.S. de Jonge et al.Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, 2024 Long-term effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: 1-year follow-up of the ‘Plants for Joints’ randomised clinical trial  Carlijn Wagenaar, Wendy Walrabenstein, Marike van der Leeden, et al. RMD Open, 2024 A multidisciplinary lifestyle program for metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis: the ‘Plants for Joints’ randomized controlled trialAward: Publication of the yearWendy Walrabenstein, Carlijn Wagenaar, Marieke van de Put, et al.Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2023 A multidisciplinary lifestyle program for rheumatoid arthritis: the ‘Plants for Joints’ randomized controlled trialWendy Walrabenstein, Carlijn A Wagenaar, Marike van der Leeden, et al.Rheumatology, 2023 The effect of a multidisciplinary lifestyle program for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis or with metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis: the “Plants for Joints” randomized controlled trial protocolWendy Walrabenstein, Marike van der Leeden, Peter Weijs, et al.Trials, 2021

This week on The Nutshell, we are joined by Dr. Urvi A. Shah, MD, MS, a board-certified haematologist-oncologist, and physician scientist with expertise in diagnosing and treating plasma cell disorders. At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Shah not only cares for patients but also leads research exploring nutrition and other modifiable lifestyle factors in cancer, mainly blood disorders. After her own experience with cancer, Dr. Shah launched the first 'NUTRIVENTION' trial which has since expanded to five additional dietary trials that will collectively enroll over 600 participants. excitin To find out more about Dr Shah's work: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/urvi-shah To connect with Dr Shah: https://linktr.ee/urvishahmd To read Dr Shah's research: https://share.google/FEUQXznH42KhQp88t https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Urvi-Shah-3 Other points of discussion from this episode: https://nlmc.org.uk/ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joseph-Poore https://foodrise.org.uk/roastingtheplanet/ https://drpaulbehrens.com/ https://www.alcoholfreewarrior.com/ And please don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast, and share this episode with one other person today. If you'd like to support our work and be part of a growing community of like-minded people working towards creating a healthier and more sustainable future please join the Plant-Based Health Professionals UK following the link below: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/membership You don't have to be a health care professional to join, but by doing so you’re not only supporting our work, you'll be improving your own health;  with membership starting from as little as £15 a year, join us now and be part of the change you want to see.

Veganuary could be the excuse you need to light some fires, or just send smoke signals on a healthy plant-based diet into the work or community space. So, in this week's nugget, Daisy and Clare talk to PBHP-UK member, Vanessa Sturman - a Multi-Award-Winning Speaker and Transformational Health Coach - to get her ideas on how to bring people with you on sustainable healthy eating. Regularly featured on Sky News, BBC Radio and other media outlets, Vanessa is experienced in bringing healthy, enjoyable, flavour-filled food ideas to the wider public. Educated at Cambridge University in Social and Biological Anthropology, Vanessa is also a published recipe developer and respected 1:1 coach. Follow Vanessa on Instagram for more ideas https://www.instagram.com/vanessaforhealth?igsh=MTZnOHhzMDRweTl1NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-sturman-plant-based-health-coach/ Vanessa's recipes: https://theveganlarder.com/recipe-index/ And factsheets you can trust for your displays: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/factsheets

This week on the Nutshell we hear from Dr Shireen Kassam, founder and director of Plant-Based Health Professionals U.K. alongside research dietitian Michael Metoudi, and research assistant Isabelle Sadler speaking on the landmark scientific research, 'Eat Lancet'. Last month saw the release of the updated version, Eat Lancet 2.0 and our guests today will be telling us more about what the report says, how it’s built on the 2019 version, and what it could mean for diet change going forwards. And please don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast, and consider a share of this episode with one other person today. Links discussed: https://eatforum.org/eat-lancet/ https://www.thelancet.com/commissions-do/EAT-2025 https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/the-food-system-and-planetary-health https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/sustainable-farming https://sites.google.com/convene.space/eatcfas/communities-for-action/healthcare-professionals?authuser=0 If you'd like to support our work and be part of a growing community of like-minded people working towards creating a healthier and more sustainable future please join the Plant-Based Health Professionals UK following the link below: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/membership

No (potato) waffling this week as we're speaking up for potatoes. We summarise results from a study which assessed associations between eating potatoes and the risk of type 2 diabetes. The results may surprise you. https://www.bmj.com/content/390/bmj-2024-082121

This week we welcome Plant-Based Health Professionals U.K. campaign manager Sarah Bentley to the Nutshell. On the eve of World Food Day, Sarah gives us an update on the exciting progress made with the Plants First Healthcare initiative, working to prioritise plant-based meals in healthcare settings.  Follow the links below to read more about the initiative, download the toolkit, and buy Sarah's new book 'We Cook Plants'.  https://plantsfirsthealthcare.com/ https://www.greenerbydefault.com/ The toolkit: https://plantsfirsthealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HowTo-PPBF16.09.25.pdf To buy Sarah's book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/we-cook-plants/sarah-bentley/9781848994454 https://madeinhackney.org/ https://globalplantkitchens.org/ https://proveg.org/ And please don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast, and share this episode with one other person today. If you'd like to support our work and be part of a growing community of like-minded people working towards creating a healthier and more sustainable future please join the Plant-Based Health Professionals UK following the link below: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/membership You don't have to be a health care professional to join, but by doing so you’re not only supporting our work, you'll be improving your own health;  with membership starting from as little as £15 a year, join us now and be part of the change you want to see.