Helen Perks BSc.

Helen Perks BSc. Empowering you to take back control of your health, so that you feel like you again! Home visits may be arranged for those who are housebound.

The clinic's aims are to use a functional medicine approach in order to:

Help you get to the root cause of your symptoms and address the underlying issue or issues in order to improve your quality of life. Show you how to achieve your health goals with easy to follow step-by-step guides, by coaching you, going at a steady pace. Help you transform your health so that you can live your life to the

full.

+44 (0) 79 55 01 18 49
+44 (0) 01371 832850

Alternatively you can email me on: [email protected]

Full consultations are available at the clinic, via Facebook Video, FaceTime, and Skype. Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12:00-20:00
Sat-Sun: 11:00-14:00

What does a Cancer Nutritional Therapist with postgrad oncology and Functional and Lifestyle Medicine training actually ...
05/09/2026

What does a Cancer Nutritional Therapist with postgrad oncology and Functional and Lifestyle Medicine training actually do?

This week, I’ve been working with a client with bladder cancer who is preparing for major surgery to remove their bladder.

Part of my role right now is helping them prepare their body for what lies ahead. We call this prehabilitation, and what happens before major surgery can be just as important as supporting recovery afterwards.

No 2 people with cancer need the same approach.

Over recent months I’ve worked with people preparing for a mastectomy, and with clients living with stage 4 ovarian, breast and pancreatic cancers, amongst many others.

Different cancers, different treatments, different bodies, and different challenges.

That’s why my work is about far more than just handing somebody a list of foods to eat.

I use a personalised, systems based approach, looking at the whole person and the internal environment in which their health is being supported. We consider nutrition, sleep, physical activity, stress, gut health, social support, medications and treatment, alongside appropriate testing where clinically relevant.

We also consider what scientists call the hallmarks of cancer, the key biological features that enable cancer to develop and progress. This means understanding areas such as altered metabolism, inflammation, immune function and the many signalling processes taking place within the body.

The priorities also change depending on where somebody is in their cancer journey.

This means that before surgery, we may be thinking about nutritional status, protein requirements, muscle mass, lung capacity, and preparing the body for the physical stress of an operation.

During treatment, the priorities can be very different.

After treatment, the conversation changes again towards recovery, metabolic health, modifiable risk factors and helping someone understand what they can do to support their future health.

Another important part of my work is advocacy.

When somebody’s symptoms or clinical history suggest that further investigation may be warranted, I will write to their GP or consultant explaining what I am requesting and, importantly, the clinical rationale for it.

Across 13 years of clinical practice, 100% of the requests I have made for appropriate tests or referrals on behalf of my clients have been accepted, both within oncology and in my wider clinical work.

That wider work has included people living with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, amongst many others. Whatever the diagnosis, my approach is always to ask what may be contributing to the symptoms we are seeing, rather than looking at one symptom in isolation.

I hold a BSc in Nutritional Medicine and completed postgraduate training in a systems approach to cancer with a world renowned integrative oncologist, alongside postgraduate training with the Institute for Functional Medicine. I am a Registered Nutritional Therapist with BANT, CNHC Registered, and have been in clinical practice for over 13

I have worked online for 11 of those 13 years, which means I support people throughout the UK and internationally.

If you or somebody you love is facing cancer and wondering what you can actually do to support your body alongside medical treatment, you’re very welcome to send me a private message, or book your 20 minute complimentary call by going to:

https://helenperks.com

I look forward to hearing from you.

With warmest wishes,

Helen

Helen Perks BSc
The Cancer Nutritionist

BSc Nutritional Medicine | Registered Nutritional Therapist
mBANT | rCNHC | Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner |
AFMCP Graduate
Systems Approach to Cancer (SATC)

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.helenperks.com
🍲 Nourishing Soups by The Cancer Nutritionist

RESPECT® Your Future by Nourishing Today

I’m looking for 3 people affected by cancer who are feeling overwhelmed by what they should, and shouldn’t, be doing to ...
23/08/2026

I’m looking for 3 people affected by cancer who are feeling overwhelmed by what they should, and shouldn’t, be doing to support their health.

Perhaps you’ve recently been diagnosed and suddenly everyone has an opinion about what you should eat.

You’ve Googled cancer and nutrition and come away more confused than when you started.

You’ve been told to cut out sugar, go vegan, eat more protein, avoid dairy, take supplements, don’t take supplements, fast during chemotherapy, definitely don’t fast during chemotherapy.

You don’t know what is actually evidence based, what is safe for you and what is misinformation.

Perhaps you’re about to start chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy or surgery and wondering whether there is anything you can do nutritionally to prepare your body and support yourself through treatment.

Maybe you’re already going through treatment and struggling with fatigue, changes in appetite or taste, digestive symptoms, weight changes or just knowing how to nourish yourself when you don’t feel like eating.

Or perhaps treatment finished months or even years ago.

Your oncology appointments are becoming less frequent, or you’ve been discharged altogether, and instead of feeling liberated you feel strangely on your own.

Maybe you’re approaching the end of 5 or 10 years of Tamoxifen or another treatment and thinking, “What happens when this stops?”

Perhaps every scan brings scanxiety, every unexplained symptom makes you worry, and although everyone around you thinks you should be getting back to normal, you’re wondering what normal even looks like now.

Maybe nderneath all of that may be one very simple question:

What can I actually do to support my health?

This is why I offer my Cancer Nutritional Therapy Consultation.

It is a focused, personalised 1-2-1 session for people before, during or after cancer treatment, where we cut through the noise and look at you: your diagnosis, treatment, eating habits, lifestyle, symptoms, concerns and individual risk factors.

We look at what is within your control and turn that into practical, personalised and evidence based recommendations that complement, rather than replace, your medical care.

Because whether you’ve just heard the words “you have cancer”, you’re in the middle of treatment, or you’re several years beyond it, you shouldn’t have to journey through all of the conflicting information alone.

I’m looking for 3 people who would like some clarity, direction and a greater sense of control.

If that’s you, send me a private message and we can have a chat.

With warmest wishes,

Helen

Helen Perks BSc
The Cancer Nutritionist

BSc Nutritional Medicine | Registered Nutritional Therapist
mBANT | rCNHC | Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner |
AFMCP Graduate
Systems Approach to Cancer (SATC)

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.helenperks.com
🍲 Nourishing Soups by The Cancer Nutritionist

RESPECT® Your Future by Nourishing Today

04/08/2026

One of our Biz Games challenges, hosted by Lisa Johnson Johnson, was to collaborate with another business owner. The lovely Helen Osmond, a GCSE Maths Tutor, and I, found each other in the group. This experience had reminded me just how powerful it is when people with different expertise come together.

Helen helps students prepare for exams. I help support the foundations that can influence learning through nutrition and lifestyle.

We both share the same goal, which is helping young people perform at their very best.

It’s been a brilliant reminder that some of the best ideas come from connecting, sharing knowledge and supporting one another.

What’s one thing you’ll be having for breakfast tomorrow?

With warmest wishes from both Helen’s!

As I sit here on Friday night reflecting on the week, I feel so grateful to do the job I love.No two clients are ever th...
31/07/2026

As I sit here on Friday night reflecting on the week, I feel so grateful to do the job I love.

No two clients are ever the same, and that’s exactly why I never stop learning.

This week has been a reminder that being a Registered Nutritional Therapist and Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner is about so much more than prescribing diets or supplements.

It’s about listening, being curious, looking beneath the surface, and helping people make informed decisions about their health.

This week alone I have

💜 Supported a client with Ulcerative Colitis, helping her navigate whether to join a clinical trial. Rather than telling her what to do, I empowered her with the evidence and the questions to ask the research team so she could make the decision that felt right for her.

💜 Continued supporting one of my clients with Multiple Sclerosis, whose longstanding gut symptoms have resolved within just a couple of weeks of beginning her personalised programme. We are now focusing on her chronic sinus issues and, rather than just accepting the first options available, I’ve recommended referral to a highly respected rhinologist because I believe that’s the most appropriate specialist for her complex presentation.

💜 Reviewed an Organic Acids Test for one of my clients with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, incorporating the findings into his updated RESPECT® Prescription. Watching both him and his wife embrace dietary and lifestyle changes together has been incredibly inspiring. They really are an unstoppable team.

💜 Supported one of my lovely Australian clients who is living with a**l cancer, discussing nutrition alongside weight loss medication, which had already been agreed with her oncology team, ensuring her nutritional intake continues to meet her individual needs.

💜 Had a 40 minute call with a dentist, who described perimenopause as feeling like she’d “fallen off a cliff” and no longer recognised herself. We talked through the likely drivers of her symptoms, the investigations that may help personalise her programme, and most importantly, I reassured her that she isn’t alone. She is signing up as a client.

Some of the nicest moments this week came from the emails that landed in my inbox.

One client, who had relied on daily antihistamines for around 30 years because of chronic urticaria (hives), has now completed her programme and no longer needs them every day. She can even enjoy a couple of glasses of alcohol without developing the hives that once affected her quality of life.

Another client with an autoimmune condition wrote to tell me she recommends me to everyone because of the difference she has experienced.

Messages like these never lose their impact.

I also continued supporting clients behind the scenes by reviewing blood tests, writing GP letters requesting further investigations and referrals, linking one client with a private gastroenterologist, while also helping facilitate an NHS referral to Papworth’s sleep clinic to investigate possible sleep apnoea that could be contributing to his symptoms.

On Wednesday evening, I stepped away from clinic to attend a fantastic business networking event hosted by World of W**e in Saffron Walden.

I met a lovely young woman who has a family member who is living with fibromyalgia. Having experienced fibromyalgia myself,when I had M.E., I completely understand how debilitating it can be, and we had a fascinating conversation about the role nutrition, lifestyle medicine and appropriate investigations can play alongside conventional care.

I also met someone whose father had prostate cancer and who is doing everything he can to reduce his own future cancer risk. Prevention is a conversation I’m incredibly passionate about.

Finally, this afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful lady, Anne, (see photo) who has invited me to speak at her Wellbeing Circle this September. I’m really looking forward to sharing more details very soon.

Looking back over the week, I’m reminded that my role isn’t just to recommend people what to eat, it’s about joining the dots, reviewing blood tests, stool tests, urine tests and functional medicine investigations., understanding why someone doesn’t feel well, working alongside GPs, consultants and other healthcare professionals, helping people ask the right questions, and creating personalised nutrition and lifestyle programmes based on their story, their test results and their goals.

That’s what functional medicine means to me.

After more than 13 years in clinical practice, I still wake up excited to help people feel like themselves again.

If you’ve been told your blood tests are “normal” but you know something still isn’t right, if you’re living with a chronic health condition, if you’re navigating cancer or recovering from treatment, or if you just want someone to look at the whole picture rather than just your symptoms, I’d love to help.

I offer a free 20 minute discovery call where we can talk through your health concerns, discuss whether I’m the right person to support you, and map out the next steps.

Feel free send me a DM or visit my website to book your call.

https://helenperks.com

With warmest wishes,
Helen.

Helen Perks BSc
The Cancer Nutritionist

BSc Nutritional Medicine | Registered Nutritional Therapist
mBANT | rCNHC | Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner | AFMCP Graduate
Systems Approach to Cancer (SATC)

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.helenperks.com
🍲 Nourishing Soups by The Cancer Nutritionist

RESPECT® Your Future by Nourishing Today

09/07/2026

I’ve been keeping a little secret…

I’ve been featured across 2 pages in this week’s Bella Magazine!

If you’ve ever wondered why eating the same meal at 8am can have a completely different effect on your body than eating it at 8pm, grab yourself a copy.

It might just change the way you think about when to eat, forever, because it’s not just what you eat… it’s when you eat too.

If you’re ready to take a personalised approach to your health, I’d love to help. Book a free 20 minute discovery call via my website or send me a DM to find out if we’re the right fit.

https://helenperks.com

With warmest wishes,
Helen.

Helen Perks BSc
The Cancer Nutritionist

BSc Nutritional Medicine | Registered Nutritional Therapist
mBANT | rCNHC | Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner | AFMCP Graduate
Systems Approach to Cancer (SATC)

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.helenperks.com
🍲 Nourishing Soups by The Cancer Nutritionist

RESPECT® Your Future by Nourishing Today

"I don't recognise myself anymore..."Those were some of the first words this lady said to me.She is living with cancer, ...
28/06/2026

"I don't recognise myself anymore..."

Those were some of the first words this lady said to me.

She is living with cancer, exhausted, her s*x drive had disappeared, she wasn't sleeping well, she was experiencing hormonal symptoms that were affecting every part of her life.

She was also taking HRT, but despite this, she still didn't feel like herself. Most importantly, she wanted answers.

After taking a detailed case history and reviewing her medical history, I recommended a DUTCH Complete hormone test. DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones).

(Shared with my client's written permission. All identifying information has been removed.)

Unlike a blood test, this is a simple urine test carried out at home. 4 urine samples are collected onto specially designed cards over approximately 24 hours.

So why not just do a blood test? Because hormone levels only tell part of the story. I also want to understand what your body is doing with those hormones after they've been produced.

When hormones are broken down, they form substances called metabolites. Think of metabolites as footprints. They show the pathways your hormones have travelled, how efficiently your body is processing them and whether they appear to be clearing as expected.

One of the most important areas I assess is oestrogen metabolism. This is particularly relevant for women experiencing hormonal symptoms, those taking HRT, and in certain situations for women with hormone related cancers.

Research suggests that some oestrogen metabolites may be associated with greater potential for DNA damage if they are not efficiently detoxified and cleared by the body. Looking at these pathways can help us understand where nutritional and lifestyle support may be beneficial as part of a wider personalised approach.

For this client, the DUTCH test gave us valuable information that a routine blood test simply couldn't provide. Working alongside her GP, I wrote requesting a review of both the dose and timing of her HRT prescription.

Her GP agreed and made those changes.

Alongside personalised dietary advice, targeted supplementation and lifestyle recommendations, she is already noticing positive improvements.

That is exactly why I do what I do, not because a test diagnoses disease, but because it empowers women to better understand their bodies and have more informed conversations with their healthcare team.

The DUTCH test isn't one single test either. There are several types depending on what we're investigating.

These may be helpful for women experiencing:

• Perimenopause and menopause

• PMS and PMDD

• Endometriosis

• PCOS

• Fertility challenges and recurrent miscarriage through DUTCH Cycle Mapping

• Hormonal symptoms while taking HRT

• Some women with hormone related cancers as part of personalised nutritional support

Other DUTCH profiles can also assess cortisol patterns, stress hormone metabolism and melatonin, helping us understand the relationship between stress, sleep and hormone health.

I also use other functional medicine tests where appropriate, including Comprehensive Stool Analysis, Organic Acids Testing, nutrigenomics, and nutritional assessments. Every recommendation is based on a person's symptoms, medical history and clinical presentation. Not everyone needs every test.

My aim has never been to replace your GP, consultant, or oncologist, it is to work alongside them, helping you understand your body so you can make informed decisions about your health.

If you've been told your blood tests are "normal" but you still don't feel like yourself, if you're struggling with hormonal symptoms, or if you'd simply like to understand what your body is trying to tell you, I’d love to help.

I offer a FREE 20 minute telephone call where we can discuss your symptoms and whether personalised nutrition and functional testing may be appropriate for you.

You can book through my website or send me a DM.

https://helenperks.com

Helen Perks BSc Nutritional Medicine

Registered Nutritional Therapist

Institute for Functional Medicine trained

Postgraduate training with a world renowned integrative oncologist in the Systems Approach to Cancer

Over 13 years of clinical experience supporting clients throughout the UK and internationally via Zoom.

100% success rate with GP and consultant requests made via client letters to date

RESPECT® Your Future By Nourishing Today.

I'm so excited to be speaking at the upcoming Women's Wellness Weekend!🗓 Sunday 14th June⏰ 3pm🗺️ The Lodge, DuxfordMy ta...
05/06/2026

I'm so excited to be speaking at the upcoming Women's Wellness Weekend!

🗓 Sunday 14th June
⏰ 3pm
🗺️ The Lodge, Duxford

My talk is called:

Before Your Body Shouts: Hormones, Health and Cancer Prevention

Over the past 13 years in clinic, I've seen time and time again how the body often whispers before it shouts.

Hormone imbalances, changes in energy, sleep disturbances, digestive symptoms, weight changes, inflammation and other seemingly unrelated symptoms can all provide valuable clues about our health.

In this talk, we'll explore:

• How hormones influence overall health and wellbeing

• The link between hormones and cancer risk

• What nutrition, lifestyle and functional medicine can teach us about prevention

• Practical, evidence based steps you can take to support your future health

My goal is simple.

I want you to leave feeling informed, empowered and confident about the choices you make for your health going forward.

I promise you'll learn something you didn't know before.

I'll also be there throughout the day with an exhibitor stand, so please do come and say hello.

Who’s coming? I’d love to meet you in person! 😊

Helen Perks BSc
The Cancer Nutritionist

BSc Nutritional Medicine | Registered Nutritional Therapist
mBANT | rCNHC | Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner | AFMCP Graduate
Systems Approach to Cancer (SATC)

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.helenperks.com
🍲 Nourishing Soups by The Cancer Nutritionist

RESPECT® Your Future by Nourishing Today

Address

Thaxted
CM6

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447955011849

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Helen Perks BSc. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share