My 37-year-old boyfriend has suffered from constant tiredness for the past eight years. He gets sore eyes, has difficulty sleeping and rarely wakes up refreshed. This leads to difficulties concentrating and a constant need for stimulants to get through the day. Blood tests show nothing wrong.
Stimulants such as coffee give a short-term energy boost, usually followed by an energy 'low', causing blood-sugar levels to rise and dip, increasing overall exhaustion. Meals should be frequent and include protein and carbohydrate, but not much fat or sugar (for example, a breakfast of organic cereals with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds and live yogurt). The amino acid L-glutamine aids clear thinking and concentration, and also stabilises blood-sugar levels: take 500mg before breakfast and lunch. L-carnitine transports fuel to cells while coenzyme Q10 helps the body's cells to turn the fuel they receive into energy - take 500mg and 30mg respectively before breakfast and lunch. Take 400mg of magnesium at lunch. Drink two litres of water a day between and before meals, but not on a full stomach.
I have suffered from genital herpes for the past 20 years. Attacks are infrequent, but the condition has made sexual intercourse uncomfortable and sometimes painful. My penis and foreskin are often very dry, and both become sore when aroused.
Refrain from sexual intercourse until at least two weeks after sores are healed. V-gel from Higher Nature is a sexual lubricant. Its organic ingredients (aloe vera gel with marigold and comfrey extracts) will nourish and soothe the skin on your penis and foreskin, while vitamins A and E and zinc will help to ward off the attacks (£10.90 for 75ml or £1 for a 7ml 'under the pillow' sachet of V-gel; order line, 01435 884676). Use daily as well as just before intercourse. The amino acid L-lysine also helps to keep the virus dormant. Take vitamins A, C, B complex, zinc, calcium, magnesium and selenium orally to boost your resistance. Wear cotton underwear.
My father is 68 and has been diagnosed with throat cancer. He also has angina, asthma and recently underwent an angioplasty. He suffered a mild stroke about two years ago. He is on a liquid feed, can't eat properly and has lost about three and a half stone. He is due to start chemo- and radiotherapy and I hoped you could suggest some alternative remedies to counteract the effects of his treatment and aid his recovery.
Your father's needs are complex and plentiful, so it is essential that you and he get the best possible advice. The Bristol Cancer Help Centre is the flagship of complementary care in cancer and works alongside NHS treatment. It provides a unique synthesis of physical, emotional and spiritual support through nutritional advice, vitamin and mineral recommendations, spiritual healing, counselling, massage, shiatsu and self-help techniques. It supports not only the patient but also close family and friends, and runs two- and five-day courses that would be useful to analyse your father's particular needs and to guide you all in helping him. Their telephone helpline is 0845 123 2310, bookings can be made on 0117 980 9502 and more information found on www.bristolcancerhelp.org
· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Before following Emma's recommendations, you should consult your GP about any medical problems or special health conditions.
Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com
