For many years, my father has suffered with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in his hands and feet. But his medication has affected his renal functioning. Are there natural remedies he can try?
Ninety per cent of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, even those in their 80s and 90s, have seen a major improvement when following an elimination diet. Foods that often cause symptoms are the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, aubergine, peppers), meat, sugar, citrus fruits, acids (for example, vinegar) and salt, as well as tobacco. Foods that help are those containing sulphur, such as eggs, onions, garlic and asparagus, as well as green, leafy veg and oily fish. Before your father alters his diet, however, he should seek advice from a qualified nutritionist (call 0870 606 1284 for the British register; or visit bant.org.uk). Recommended supplements are fish oils for their anti-inflammatory action (such as Eskimo 3, 1 tsp a day), glucosamine sulphate - a natural constituent of cartilage, which we produce less of as we age (500mg three times a day), and organic sulphur for healthy connective tissue (two 1,000mg MSM tablets twice a day). For supplements, call Nutri on 0800 212742 (quote A0403). MSM is also available as a balm to rub into joints; call Higher Nature on 01435 882880.
Over the past year I have developed a chemical sensitivity problem and can react severely to a number of everyday things. The main symptoms are aching kidneys, dehydration, joint pain and fatigue. Can you help?
Chemical sensitivity either develops after continuous exposure to common chemical agents, such as petrol or diesel exhaust fumes, formaldehyde (in household cleaning materials, solvents, carpets, curtains) or phenols (in disinfectants), or sudden massive exposure to chemicals such as preservatives in pharmaceutical injections. This often coincides with a period of stress and usually occurs with food sensitivities or allergies to airborne particles, such as dust or pollen. The British Institute for Allergy and Environmental Therapy has trained practitioners who will look at your individual allergy picture and give homeopathic desensitisation remedies for each of the allergens. This helps the body to cope with everyday foreign materials. For information and therapist list, call 01974 241376 (allergy.org.uk).
My 16-year-old daughter has bad stretch marks around her lower back and thighs. I think they occurred because she grew from a skinny 12-year-old to a young woman very quickly. These marks appear as red stripes down her inside thigh and she is very self-conscious about them. Is there anything she can do?
Vitamins A, C (with bioflavonoids) and E promote healing and encourage the construction of new skin tissue. Zinc is important for production of skin cells; in fact, a lack of zinc can cause stretch marks. Moisturising and nourishing skin from inside and out will combat marks. Supplement with essential fatty acids; evening primrose, vitamin E or borage oil to the maximum stated on the pack; add oily fish to her diet twice a week, and uncooked seed and nut oils to her food. Massaging the affected area with cocoa butter may help; wheatgerm oil, vitamin E oil or aloe vera gel will produce good results, too. For a fragrant alternative, blend seven drops lavender, two drops neroli and three drops frankincense essential oils to 5ml vita-min E and 20ml apricot kernel base oils.
Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Her recommendations are to be followed in conjunction with advice from your own healthcare provider. Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com.
