It's no great secret that allergies, mental health problems, infertility and obesity are reaching epidemic proportions.

Where drug therapy is no longer seen as effective, gene therapy is often hailed as the next saviour.

In fact, I'd like to order a complete genetic overhaul myself so I can eat chocolate clairs all day, preferably king-sized, without any ill effect.

It appears marginally easier to alter my genetic material than to have to change my lifestyle, introduce nutrients back into the foodchain or clean up a polluted environment.

But is this what we really want?

There is a certain mistrust of a medical science that has become almost dehumanised and many people are disillusioned with long waiting lists and the side-effects of drug treatments, particularly if these turn out to be worse than the original symptoms.

The trend towards remedies and foods that are perceived as safe and natural is growing and the modern health food store is playing an increasingly important role in consumers' desire to take control of their own health.

Sue Coe, a co-owner of Ceres Health Foods in Goring Road, Worthing, explains that her customers are looking for a quality service as well as more information on what's available to treat their malady.

"Many people come in saying their GP hasn't the time or knowledge to discuss alternative treatment options.

"The elderly find it particularly distressing to be told that their health problem is solely due to their age and that nothing can be done for them.

"Although we can't take the place of a doctor, we all have years of training and experience and offer practical advice on foods and supplements.

"We also suggest reading material or refer people with persistent or complex health issues to a qualified complementary practitioner.

"In cases where customers are taking medication, we advise them to check with their GP or pharmacist for any drug interactions."

Sue feels that a good health food shop should stock quality products rather than selling cheaper items for profit.

Instead of dingy-looking shelves stacked with low-grade "buy three, get one free" items that turn out to be rubbery and inedible, health stores such as Ceres are now a haven of staples for those with specific food requirements.

On offer are gluten-free flours, sugar-free baked beans, organic wholegrains and a variety of herbals, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, probiotics and protein shakes.

She says: "We always recommend high quality products and are quite happy to discuss which ones may not be as good. If you believe that something works well, you are much more likely to advocate it."

The main complaints encountered are digestive disorders, menopausal symptoms and immune problems.

Sometimes, the most basic recommendations can deliver the most rewarding outcomes.

"It's astonishing to see how many people are unaware of just how easy it is to make small changes to their general health and feel so much better.

"Running a health food shop is hard work but it's also very rewarding and we like our customers telling us what works for them."

Martina is a qualified nutritional therapist and works at the Crescent Clinic of Complementary Medicine and the Dolphin House Clinic. Call 01273 324790 or visit www.thehealthbank.co.uk
If you have a question for Martina, write to her at Features Department, The Argus, Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Brighton BN1 8AR or email features@theargus.co.uk