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 Phil.lang@nhs.net

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: drchid@mac.comhttps://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.