Mind Over Matter

Helen Martin is a microbiologist. She has suffered from Crohn’s disease since was 11. She now has only 3ft of bowel remaining, and a permanent ileostomy. She is interested in food and nutrition not just because of her profession, but because of her condition.

“Food has always been an issue with me – according to my mum, I used to flick things off the highchair when I was little!” says Helen. “With Crohn’s, I’m always conscious of foods that might irritate, such as nuts and fibrous foods, but I do try to eat five portions of fruit and veg a day.”

“My diet also contains a lot of white meat, rice, bread and pasta. Last year I had to have a jejunostomy, which meant adapting to a completely different way of eating and drinking – I learned then how important hydration is,” she says. “I find that I feel better and look better, particularly my skin, when I’m able to eat well.”

Helen is also a big believer in trying other therapies where appropriate. She has tried homeopathy and has been to Lourdes with her family.

Pins and needles

“A few years ago, I was getting no relief from prescribed drugs, so I investigated complementary treatments,” she says. “I talked to my consultant, who was quite amenable, and opted for acupuncture, which wasn’t going to interfere with the drugs I was on. At the time, I couldn’t even eat an ice-cream wafer without suffering from severe cramps – but after the first consultative treatment, I got home and ate a piece of toast without any problem!”

Currently, Helen has a shiatsu massage at her local health club once every six weeks. It costs £40 a session (“I don’t drink, don’t smoke, so why not?” she says. “It has an incredible calming and balancing effect on me, and I get so relaxed that I just want to sleep for hours afterwards.”

“Complementary medicine may not be for everyone,” she says. “It makes no claims to be a miracle cure and is not an alternative to prescribed medicine – but the treatments I have had a positive impact on my state of mind, if nothing else.”.

Before considering any complimentary therapy, consult your GP – they may even be able to recommend a practitioner from the NHS Directory of approved complimentary therapists.

 

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