106: Adopt a Plant Based Diet for Planetary & Personal Health with Dr. Shireen Kassam

Imagine if the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) could save billions of pounds simply by changing what patients eat. Dr. Shireen Kassam, a renowned consultant hematologist, is on a mission to make this a reality. As a featured guest on the NHA Health Science Podcast, hosted by Dr. Frank Sabatino, she discusses her ongoing efforts to revolutionize healthcare in the UK by advocating for plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine.

Pushing for Change in the NHS: A Tough Road Ahead

In 2022, Dr. Kassam made headlines when she argued for integrating plant-based lifestyle medicine into the NHS. The potential impact? A massive reduction in healthcare costs and a healthier population. But influencing a system as large and complex as the NHS is no small feat.

“We try to get the message out, but it’s tough to reach the people in power,” Dr. Kassam explains. “It’s about starting grassroots movements, building awareness, and slowly turning the tide.” Despite the challenges, her nonprofit organization, Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, is pushing forward, spreading the message of how plant-based diets can prevent and reverse chronic diseases.

A Bold New Campaign: Plants First Healthcare

One of the most exciting initiatives Dr. Kassam is leading the Plants First Healthcare campaign that launched to coincide with World Food Day. This groundbreaking campaign aims to make plant-based meals the default in UK healthcare institutions. It’s inspired by the success of New York City hospitals, which have already adopted greener, plant-based menus.

The campaign includes a detailed policy report from the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change and an open letter to all healthcare institutions in the UK. Dr. Kassam hopes to spark meaningful changes that will improve patient outcomes and reduce the environmental impact of the healthcare system.

Educating the Educators: Empowering Healthcare Professionals

Beyond advocacy, Dr. Kassam is focused on education. Her team has recently conducted a survey of UK and Irish dietitians, examining their readiness to shift patients toward plant-based diets. The findings, soon to be published, are expected to shed light on the growing awareness among healthcare professionals of the benefits of plant-based nutrition.

“Dietitians are key,” Dr. Kassam stresses. “They need proper education on plant-based nutrition before they can confidently recommend it to patients.” Her organization also offers certification programs for healthcare professionals, helping them stay at the forefront of lifestyle medicine.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Dr. Kassam?

Dr. Kassam is far from done. In addition to her work with Plants First Healthcare and educating dietitians, she’s continuing her advocacy through conferences, webinars, and certifications. With her relentless passion, she’s laying the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future in UK healthcare.

Dr. Shireen Kassam offers a glimpse into the future of healthcare, where plant-based diets and therapeutic fasting could play a vital role. Whether through her advocacy for plant-based meals or her groundbreaking educational programs, Dr. Kassam is a driving force for change in the medical community.

Be sure to explore the wealth of resources on the Plant-Based Health Professionals UK website, and stay tuned for more groundbreaking work from Dr. Kassam as she continues to lead the charge in transforming the NHS.

Episode Highlights

[00:00]             Introduction.

[02:00]             The catalyst for moving into a plant-based lifestyle for Dr. Kassam.

[05:00]             Plant-based foods in healthcare.

[08:00]             Choosing the focus.

[12:00]             A chance meeting moves initiatives forward.

[15:00]             A bit about the Vegan Society UK.

[22:00]             The power of plants to heal.

[25:00]             Various health positive programs in the UK.

[30:00]             What makes the National Health Association unique?

[33:30]             What’s in store for Dr. Kassam.

About Dr. Kassam

Dr Shireen Kassam is a Consultant Haematologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer at King’s College Hospital, London with a specialist interest in the treatment of lymphoma. She is also a Visiting-Professor at University of Winchester, Hampshire, where she has developed and facilitates the UK’s first University-based course on plant-based nutrition. In 2023 she launched a course on lifestyle medicine for cancer.

Shireen is passionate about promoting plant-based nutrition for the prevention and reversal of chronic disease and for maintaining optimal health after treatment for cancer. In 2019 she became certified as a Lifestyle Medicine Physician and is also a CHIP facilitator.

Shireen founded Plant-Based Health Professionals UK in 2018, a non-profit, membership organization whose mission is to provide evidence-based education on whole food plant-based nutrition.

Shireen qualified as a doctor in 2000. During her training, she completed a PhD, which investigated the role of selenium in sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapy. Shireen has published a number of peer-reviewed papers in the field of lymphoma. Her first book, Eating Plant-Based, Scientific Answers to Your Nutrition Questions, co-authored with her sister Zahra, was published in January 2022. She has also co-edited the textbook Plant-Based Nutrition in Clinical Practice, published in September 2022.

More about Dr. Kassam at Vegan Society.

About Dr. Frank Sabatino

As a recognized authority on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr. Frank Sabatino has cared for and inspired thousands of people for over 40 years. Dr. Sabatino has a PhD in cell biology and neuroendocrinology and has done extensive landmark research on calorie restriction, stress, and aging. He currently is on staff at the TrueNorth Health Foundation in Santa Rosa, CA, and serves as the Director of Health Education at the NHA.

Dr. Sabatino’s passion and life’s work include raising awareness about the benefits of whole-food, plant-exclusive nutrition (without added salt, oil, or sugar), health rejuvenation and stress management.

Dr. Sabatino is the author of Weightless: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life, a groundbreaking guide to sustainable weight loss through a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. Drawing on extensive clinical and personal experience, Dr. Sabatino offers practical strategies to overcome food addiction and avoid fad diets, risky drugs, and surgeries. The book provides meal plans, recipes, and lifestyle tips, emphasizing whole, plant-based foods and addressing the role of stress, sleep, and environmental toxins in weight management. “Weightless” empowers readers to achieve their weight goals healthily and sustainably, benefiting both people and the planet.

About NHA

The National Health Association (NHA), founded in 1948, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Association provides educational materials, educational events, and services to thousands of people around the world.

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthful living. The NHA recognizes the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

The NHA also provides travel experiences around the globe through the NHA Plant-Based Travel and cruise division.

More information: https://www.healthscience.org/

Scholarships

A unique benefit of the NHA Conference is the selection of two medical students who receive a full scholarship to the conference.

Contact Wanda Huberman for more information on how to apply for the scholarship.  whuberman@healthscience.org

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Members of the NHA enjoy a subscription to the award-winning quarterly health journal, Health Science, access to the “Members Only” section of the NHA Website (which contains all 43 years of back issues of the magazine),  the ability to download for free many classic out of print eBooks on the history of the Natural Hygiene Movement, including Fasting Can Save Your Life and The Greatest Health Discovery, discounts on books, and early notice of the NHA events.

Only $35 a year for basic membership within the United States.  https://www.healthscience.org/join-renew/