The International Day of Yoga is a day in recognition of Yoga, that is celebrated around the world annually on 21 June, following its adoption by the United Nations in 2014.  Heather Mason will explain how yoga touches upon the physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects of life.  

Dr Rob Lustig is an emeritus professor of paediatrics at UCSF and a New York Times bestselling author.  He will highlight the detrimental ingredients found in ultra-processed foods, their effects on metabolic health, and why the food industry has an ethical responsibility to implement significant changes.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are specifically designed to be irresistibly addictive, typically packed with excessive amounts of sugar, preservatives, and artificial chemicals. Dr Jen Unwin, a clinical psychologist and prominent expert in the field of food addiction, will explore the potential long-term consequences of early exposure to UPFs. She will also offer practical strategies and advice on how to effectively support individuals struggling with food addiction in clinical settings.

Dr James Fleming, will highlight how 40 local stakeholders have come together to address the issue of childhood nutrition, food poverty and obesity in Burnley in Lancashire.  With 21% of Year 6 children in the UK obese, 48% of children in some communities in the UK overweight and 17% of children in the UK experiencing food insecurity, they are coming up with practical solutions that will leave you inspired that change can happen and will be replicated throughout the whole country.  

Dr Megan Rossi, internationally renowned as ‘The Gut Health Doctor’, takes the audience on a fascinating journey into the gut - the powerhouse of overall health. Drawing on cutting-edge, scientific research and real-world insights, she demystifies gut health, debunks common nutrition myths, and reveals science-backed strategies for optimising well-being from the inside out. More than just digestion, gut health impacts everything from brain function and concentration in the workplace to sports performance, immune strength, and even menopause symptoms.

 

Dr Monisha Bhanote will delve into the transformative impact of nutrition on brain health by exploring the gut-brain axis. She will examine how a nutrient-rich, plant-focused diet nurtures beneficial gut microbes that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which help reduce inflammation and boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Attendees will explore evidence-based dietary strategies—including the use of whole foods, prebiotics, and polyphenol-rich ingredients—to enhance neuroplasticity, cognitive longevity, and cellular vitality. Using real-world case studies, she will illustrate how tailored nutritional interventions can fortify brain function and resilience, providing actionable insights for long-term cognitive health.

Deborah Grayson will look  at the ways in which PPIs affect our ability to digest foods and how can we support the digestion and removal of a PPI to enable a healthy diet to be better tolerated. 

Numerous auto-immune diseases have been associated with immune responses to both environmental toxins and antigenic food intake.  Dr Tom O'Bryan will highlight the common occurrence of food sensitivities and their potential role in triggering inflammatory responses.  He will also provide guidance on recognising food as an environmental factor that can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the importance of early testing and ongoing monitoring of food sensitivities in preventing autoimmune conditions will be emphasised.

Dr Rachel Gow will present nutritional and psychological data from a community UK sample of children and adults with ADHD and neuro-divergent conditions.  The results present a range of nutritional insufficiencies in key nutrients which are deemed as brain-essential as well as a range of food intolerances within the clinical cohort.

Functional bowel disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are very common and in some cases can impact mental and emotional health, sleep, eating patterns and overall feelings of vitality.  In this talk Christine Bailey will briefly provide an overview of IBS and its pathophysiology before focusing on the key dietary factors to consider, nutritional support for alleviating symptoms and the role of nutritional supplementation.

The panel will explore innovative strategies to help healthcare professionals forge stronger connections with patients through culturally rich nutrition practices. With a hands-on focus on teaching kitchens, community gardens, and heritage-based meal adaptations, speakers will showcase ways to inspire lasting dietary changes. The discussion will also champion the power of ancestral food traditions, challenging Eurocentric dietary norms to promote holistic well-being—nourishing both body and mind.

Dan Buettner is an American author, explorer, storyteller, longevity researcher and public speaker. He co-produced the 3 time Emmy Award winning documentary TV mini series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones based on his book of the same name, which brings scientifically focused health and lifestyle solutions to help you live to one hundred.