Meet Toral
Nutritional Scientist and Functional Medicine Practitioner
I’m Toral Shah, a Nutritional Scientist (MSc Nutr Med), Integrative Medicine Practitioner, Researcher, Educator and passionate advocate. My journey into this field began when I attended medical school with the intention of becoming an oncologist. However, when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, I realised that this wasn’t the right path for me.
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After completing my BSc in Cell Biology, specialising in cancer, I worked in research and was honoured to receive a prestigious Royal Society scholarship, where I focused on SRC oncogenes. In 2004, I pursued an MSc in Nutritional Medicine at the University of Surrey, specialising in cancer, with my MSc focusing on diet and lifestyle that reduced risk of recurrence of breast cancer. Later, I qualified as a functional medicine practitioner specializing in nutrigenomics and cancer. I am currently in the final stages of completing my IFM certification.
I am currently putting together a PhD proposal looking at the impact of stress, diet and lifestyle on oestrogen dependent breast cancer. In addition to my own research, I am collaborating with
four different academic institutions on various projects focused on prehabilitation and rehabilitation for cancer patients through diet and lifestyle. With a strong background in evidence-based science and nutrition, I use lifestyle medicine to support others in improving their health and reducing disease risk through dietary and lifestyle adjustments. I am also a frequent speaker at conferences and events related to cancer and overall health, sharing my expertise on this subject.


At the young age of 29, I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2018, I experienced a recurrence and then again in 2020, during the COVID pandemic lockdown. Despite the challenging circumstances, I underwent major surgery and treatment, utilizing all resources available to me in order to recover. My focus is on cancer prevention and reducing the risk of
recurrence, which led her to complete an MSc thesis studying diets that can aid in this goal.
As a cancer patient and survivor, I understand the desire for patients to make dietary and lifestyle changes after a diagnosis. I provide personalised support to cancer patients, working with you individually to make changes to recover through treatment and reduce your risk of recurrence. I have also developed an integrative oncology program specifically for breast cancer patients, helping you learn how to support yourself through every stage - from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and beyond, in order to minimise the chances of recurrence. I am also working on a such a course for prostate cancer patients.
Equity, diversion and inclusion
I am also passionate about combatting the lack of diversity in healthcare and ensuring both doctors and patients from racially minoritized groups are equally represented within the NHS and healthcare systems. Currently, these groups have poorer health outcomes, even when you take into account socioeconomic factors, and are often diagnosed with cancer later and at later stages. I am an educator, researcher and advocate in this field, and the co-founder of South Asian Supernovas, and working with medical and cancer organisations to improve outcomes of cancer by looking diet and lifestyle, common comorbidities, cultural conditioning and more in South Asians.
Qualifications
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BSc Cell Biology 2.1
MSc Nutritional Medicine (Merit)
IFM Functional Medicine - awaiting examination
Lifecode Gx Master Genomics Practitioner
Royal Society of Medicine Ambassador & member
Nutrition Society member
Le Cordon Bleu trained chef
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Positions of change & advocacy
NIHR Nutrition and Cancer Committee Member
Co-founder South Asian SuperNovas
The Health Collective with Wellbeing of Women
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Consulting and Media Work
I also work with a large portfolio of brands & press within the food, health and wellness industry from writing scientific content, speaking at health and corporate wellness events, and developing recipes and content for brands sharing my knowledge of nutrition and science. I am currently in the process of writing my first book which explores the latest science behind foods that optimise health and illustrates them with some of my favourite recipes.
Toral is part of several research groups and committees investigating nutrition and lifestyle pre-habilitation and rehabilitation post-cancer diagnoses, along with reducing risk and supporting seldomly reached groups to improve cancer outcomes.
Your future in Maths: A-Z - Nutritional Scientist Toral Shah
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Toral Shah is a Nutritional Scientist (MSc Nutr Med), Integrative Medicine Practitioner, Food and Health writer Consultant, and Founder of The Urban Kitchen. Maths plays a crucial role in Toral’s daily life. Watch her interview to learn how she uses maths to optimise her patients' health and prevent major diseases like cancer.

Free Gift!
Cancer can be one of those moments that changes our lives forever. Whilst it can be scary, sometimes being able to take control can support us through treatment and beyond to recovery. This plan shares the basic nutrition and lifestyle principles that can help you to optimise your health and reduce your risk of cancer recurrence. I’ve done the research for you so you can focus on looking after yourself and your health. Download this plan for free and kickstart your cancer recovery plan!