Today, we’re opening up an important conversation about complementary therapies in cancer care, and how dietitians can support patient choice without compromising safety or outcomes.
The release of the Netflix documentary Apple Cider Vinegar earlier this year has reignited concerns about misinformation in this space. But beyond the headlines, many people affected by cancer are simply trying to feel better and that often includes exploring dietary changes, supplements, or holistic therapies.
So how can dietitians respond with empathy and clarity, especially when the evidence is limited or the risk is high?
Joining me today is Dove Yu, a Senior Specialist Dietitian in oncology and palliative care at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Dove supports patients across both hospital and community settings and brings over five years of experience in cancer care.

She’s also on the committee of not one but two BDA Specialist Groups and she shares valuable and engaging insights on her own social media account.

Show Notes
Instagram: @doveyu_dietitian / @bda_oncology / @bda_olderpeople
BDA Oncology Group ‘Cancer Diets: Myths and More:’ https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/cancerdiets-myths-and-more.html
CRUK Diet and Cancer Myths webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_A6eb8w4sw
Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) About Herbs database: https://www.mskcc.org/cancercare/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs/search
World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF): https://www.wcrf.org/
Cancer Research UK: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition: https://www.pennutrition.com/index.aspx
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/
Penny Brohn: https://pennybrohn.org.uk/

The Dietitian Cafe Podcast has been shortlisted for Nutrition Resource of the Year at the 2025 CN Awards. If you’ve found value in the podcast, we’d be incredibly grateful for your vote. Just head to CN Magazine’s Nutrition2Me website to cast your vote. You’ll also find the link in the show notes.

Today, we’re talking about opportunity, and how dietitians can think differently about where it comes from and how to make the most of it. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career in a new direction, this conversation is all about sparking ideas and seeing what’s possible.
We're joined by Sarah Danaher, a UK Registered Dietitian whose career shows just how versatile and creative dietetic practice can be. Over the past 23 years, Sarah has worked across clinical care, public health, academia, research, and digital innovation, with special interests in gastroenterology, probiotics, hormone health, and neurodiversity like ADHD and autism.
She’s currently the UK Team Lead for AEProbio, collaborating with researchers from the Universities of Reading and Leeds on the newly launched Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products in the UK.
From the NHS to Sure Start, university lecturing to private practice, Sarah’s journey is a brilliant reminder that there’s no one way to build a meaningful career in dietetics.

Show Notes
Website:
SRD Nutrition: https://www.srdnutrition.co.uk/
AEProbio Guide UK: https://probioticguide.uk

The Dietitian Cafe Podcast has been shortlisted for Nutrition Resource of the Year at the 2025 CN Awards. If you’ve found value in the podcast, we’d be incredibly grateful for your vote. Just head to CN Magazine’s Nutrition2Me website to cast your vote. You’ll also find the link in the show notes. 

Today, we’re talking about how dietitians and other healthcare professionals can feel more confident and capable when having inclusive, person-centred conversations with LGBTQ+ individuals. 

While awareness of diversity and inclusion has grown in recent years, many professionals still feel unsure about the language to use, how to avoid saying the wrong thing, or how to create a truly welcoming environment. This episode is all about supporting those professionals to move past fear and uncertainty and towards more open, respectful, and informed conversations. 

We’ll explore why language matters, what inclusive communication looks like in practice, and how understanding concepts like gender identity, pronouns, and lived experience can help us meet people where they are. 

And we’ll look at the bigger picture, too: how education, structural barriers, and generational experiences shape the way people access and engage with healthcare today. 

Joining me for this conversation is Dr. Sarah Hillier, a Registered Nutritionist and Senior Lecturer in Nutrition at Bournemouth University. Sarah’s research explores the intersections of minority and 

underrepresented populations in nutrition, health, and higher education. Her work focuses on structural barriers to healthcare, nutrition, and education, with a particular emphasis on menopause, pregnancy, and reproductive health. 

Beyond her research, Sarah is a strong advocate for inclusivity, serving as Chair of the Bournemouth University PRIDE Network, where she works to promote LGBTQ+ visibility within academia. 

Show Notes 

Dr Sarah Hillier (she/her) 

LinkedIn: Dr Sarah Hillier 

Instagram: @DrSarahHillIer 

Bournemouth University 

Instagram: @NutritionBU / @bournemouthuni 

LinkedIn: Bournemouth University 

Facebook: @JoinBournemouthUni 

X: @bournemouthuni 

Stonewall 

• List of LGBTQ+ terms | Stonewall 
• LGBTQ+ facts and figures | Stonewall 
• Key dates for LGBTQ+ equality | Stonewall 
• Diversity Champions | Stonewall 

Bournemouth University 

• Dr Sarah Hillier - Bournemouth University Staff Profile Pages 
• Centre for Midwifery & Women's Health | Bournemouth University 
• Centre for Seldom Heard Voices | Bournemouth University 
• Celebrating our LGBTQ+ community | Bournemouth University 

Research Papers and Charity Links 

• Nutrition and Health in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Community: A Narrative Review 
• Palliative and end of life care for LGBTQ+ people | Marie Curie 
• Support for Transgender & Non-binary Parents | LaLecheLeague 
• Effective Communication About Pregnancy, Birth, Lactation, Breastfeeding and Newborn Care: The Importance of Sexed Language 
• Gender-inclusive language in midwifery and perinatal services: A guide and argument for justice 

Support Services 

• LGBT Foundation 
• Micro Rainbow 
• Galop - the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity 
• Good Law Project 

Vote for The Dietitian Cafe at the 2025 CN Awards: https://nutrition2me.com/cn-awards/voting/ 

The Dietitian Cafe Podcast has been shortlisted for Nutrition Resource of the Year at the 2025 CN Awards. If you’ve found value in the podcast, we’d be incredibly grateful for your vote. Just head to CN Magazine’s Nutrition2Me website to cast your vote. You’ll also find the link in the show notes. 

Thank you so much for your support! 

Today, we’re talking about something that many dietitians find a little daunting - the HCPC CPD audit. Whether you've been selected before or you’re wondering what it might involve, today’s episode is here to demystify the process and answer your most pressing questions. 

We’ll explore what counts as CPD, how often you should be doing it, and what really happens when you’re selected for audit. We'll also bust some common myths, like whether renewing your registration early puts you at risk, or if informal learning can actually count towards your CPD record. 

And it couldn’t be a better time to have this conversation, the HCPC held its first-ever CPD Week earlier this year, highlighting just how important continuing professional development is across all registered professions. 

To guide us through all of this, we're joined by someone who knows the process inside and out. 

Natalie Berrie is the Registration Manager at the Health and Care Professions Council, AKA the HCPC, which is the UK regulator responsible for safeguarding the public through professional standards. Natalie has overseen the CPD process for several years and now also manages renewals. She leads a 

team of Registration Advisors and oversees the Partners who carry out CPD assessments across the professions, including dietetics. 

Show Notes 

The Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC): https://www.hcpc-uk.org/ 

CPD Resources: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/cpd/cpd-resources/ 

What activities count as CPD?: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/cpd/carrying-out-and-recording-cpd/what-activities-count-as-cpd/ 

Vote for The Dietitian Cafe at the 2025 CN Awards: https://nutrition2me.com/cn-awards/voting/ 

Today, we're thrilled to welcome back Dr Megan Rossi, one of the world’s leading gut health experts and founder of The Gut Health Doctor®. Megan joined us previously to talk about gut health fundamentals, and today she’s back to focus on one of the most talked-about topics in the wellness world: probiotics. 

We’ll be diving into: 

• Where we might be going wrong with probiotics 
• Whether we really need to take them daily 
• The benefits of targeted strains 
• How to recommend probiotics to patients 
• And what to watch out for when choosing a supplement 

Whether you’re a healthcare professional or just gut-curious, this episode is packed with science-backed advice and practical takeaways. 

Show Notes: 

Website 

The Gut Health Doctor: https://www.theguthealthdoctor.com/ 

Products: 

Smart Strains: https://smartstrains.com/ 

Bio & Me: https://bioandme.co.uk/ 

Books: 

Eat Yourself Healthy 

Eat More, Live Well 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @theguthealthdoctor 

Facebook: Dr Megan Rossi 

X: @TheGutHealthDoc 

TikTok: @theguthealthdoctor 

Episode resources discussed: 

Smart Strains Infographic: https://smartstrains.com/pages/for-healthcare-professionals 

World Gastroenterology Organisation Global Guidelines Probiotics and prebiotics: https://www.worldgastroenterology.org/guidelines/probiotics-and-prebiotics/probiotics-and-prebiotics-english 

Obesity management is evolving, and with new insights from The Lancet's Clinical Obesity Commission and NICE guidelines, there’s growing recognition that BMI alone is not enough. While BMI has long been used as a quick and convenient screening tool, it does not account for factors like body composition, metabolic health, and fat distribution. Measures such as waist-to-height ratio and other metabolic markers are gaining attention as more accurate indicators of health risks. 

To help us navigate this shift, we’re joined by Professor Giles Yeo, a leading expert in the genetics of obesity and feeding behaviour. He is a Professor of Molecular Neuroendocrinology at the University of Cambridge and Programme Leader at the MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, where his research explores how our genes influence body weight and appetite regulation. 

Beyond the lab, Giles is passionate about making science accessible. He serves as Honorary President of the British Dietetic Association, presents science documentaries for the BBC, and hosts the podcast Dr Giles Yeo Chews The Fat. He’s also the author of Gene Eating and Why Calories Don’t Count, offering evidence-based insights into nutrition and metabolism. His contributions to research and public engagement have earned him multiple honours, including an MBE. 

Show Notes 

X/Instagram: @gilesyeo 

Facebook: Giles Yeo 

Books: 

1. Gene Eating 
2. Why Calories Don't Count 

For too long, weight management has been framed as a choice — surgery or nutrition, medication or lifestyle changes. But we know the most effective, sustainable results come when these approaches work together. 

In today’s episode, we’ll be discussing how dietitians, surgeons, clinicians, and the wider healthcare team can break down silos, collaborate more effectively, and ultimately improve outcomes for people living with obesity. We’ll also explore how clearer communication — both between healthcare professionals and with patients — can help everyone better understand the value of collaborative care. 

Joining Corrine for this important conversation are Dafydd Wilson-Evans, a Registered Dietitian with extensive experience in weight management, and Dimitri Pournaras, a Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgeon who specialises in obesity care. 

Show Notes 

Verve Health Group: https://www.vervehealthgroup.co.uk/ 

Island life might seem idyllic, but when it comes to nutrition and healthcare, working in remote settings presents a unique set of challenges. Food security, supply chain disruptions, and the impact of climate change all influence how dietitians practice in these environments. So, what does it take to be a dietitian on an island in the middle of the Atlantic? 

To help us explore this, we’re joined by Sarah-Jane Mattinson, a registered dietitian whose career has taken her from the UK’s NHS to some of the most isolated places in the world. After a decade working in Oxford across a range of specialties, she took on the role of the sole dietitian on St Helena, a British Overseas Territory with just over 4,000 residents. Now based in Bermuda, she continues to navigate the complexities of island dietetics, from managing food availability challenges to addressing the unique health needs of local populations. 

Sarah’s experience offers a fascinating insight into how dietitians adapt their skills to remote settings, balancing clinical care, public health initiatives, and the realities of food supply limitations. From running pop-up cafés to support people with chronic conditions to working within small healthcare teams, she has had to be resourceful in ways that many dietitians never encounter. 

Show Notes 

Sarah-Jane Mattinson: 

Instagram: @dietitian_in_the_triangle 

Island Nutrition: 

Website: https://www.islandnutrition.bm/ 

Instagram: @islandnutritionbda 

Facebook: Island Nutrition 

Bermuda Dietitians Association: Website: https://www.bermudadietitians.com/ 

Instagram: @bermudadietitians 

Facebook: Bermuda Dietitians Association 

Today, we’re diving into a very timely and important debate: Should dietitians play a more active role in breastfeeding support?

With the British Dietetic Association now offering courses to help dietitians build confidence in discussing breastfeeding with patients, it raises an important question: Should dietitians be more involved in supporting breastfeeding?

On one hand, dietitians have extensive knowledge in maternal nutrition, milk production, and dietary choices that can support breastfeeding success. On the other hand, some believe breastfeeding support should remain the responsibility of lactation consultants and other infant care specialists. With the right training, could they become a valuable resource for new mothers, working alongside midwives and health visitors?

Joining us to explore this topic is Lucy Upton, a leading UK Paediatric Dietitian and founder of The Children’s Dietitian, with over 14 years of experience in child nutrition and feeding challenges. Lucy is also a respected author and media spokesperson, helping parents navigate complex feeding issues.

Show Notes

Website: www.thechildrensdietitian.co.uk

Instagram: @childrensdietitian

Facebook: The Children’s Dietitian

Lactation Consultants of Great Britain: https://lcgb.org/

International Board of Lactation Consultants: http://www.iblce.org/

Sustainability is an increasingly vital conversation in the world of nutrition, yet it often falls short when it comes to practical application. Finding the balance between what’s good for our health and what’s good for the planet requires a nuanced approach one that considers accessibility, ethics, and long-term impact. Today, we’re diving deep into this important topic, exploring how dietitians can reshape eating habits to support both personal well-being and environmental sustainability.

Joining us are two experts from distinct yet complementary backgrounds. First, we have Rosie Martin, a registered dietitian whose career spans both the NHS and private practice. Rosie specialises in plant-based nutrition, advocating for dietary changes that promote human, animal, and planetary health.  

Our second guest is James Collier, a Registered Nutritionist with over 30 years of experience and co-founder of Huel. As Huel’s Chief Sustainable Nutrition Officer, James has been instrumental in developing innovative products that align health and sustainability. 

Today, we’ll explore the transformative potential of sustainable diets, and how dietitians can lead the charge in building a healthier, more sustainable future.

Show Notes

Rosie Martin

Instagram/Facebook: @plantdietitianrosie

Website: www.rosemarynutrition.co.uk

 James Collier

Instagram/Facebook/TikTok: @jamescollierrnutr

X: @JamesCollierMT

Book: Well-Fed: How modern diets are failing us (and what we can do about it)