Ask Ali

Ask Ali
Alison Cullen is a nutritionist with a special interest in Phytotherapy.
Please note that while Alison endeavours to give the best advice based on the information provided, it is always advisable to have a face-to-face consultation with a practitioner about any health matter which is concerning you.

Q I am 41 and in the peri-menopause. My sleep is disturbed and I often find it hard to get back to sleep again, making me irritable during the day Please suggest something for me.

A Drink plenty of still water and avoid caffeine (including all forms of coffee, whether decaffeinated or not). Drink nettle tea two or three times a day and take Menosan � 15 drops in the morning and 30 drops at night.

Q I am 48 and beginning to get signs of the menopause, as my periods are less frequent and I've noticed my skin getting drier. I don't want to take HRT but my mother had osteoporosis so I am concerned about my bone density. Is there a natural alternative .

A There are many things that you can take to aid your progress through the menopause naturally. As each woman is an individual with her own strengths and weaknesses, every case will be different. In your case, I would take Evening Primrose Oil (3,000mg daily) to prevent your skin from drying out. Make sure you drink at least 1.5 litres of plain water daily and if you smoke, stop! For your bones, do weight-bearing exercises, eat plenty of green vegetables, dried fruit, seeds and wholegrains, and take magnesium (300mg daily) and Urticalcin. This will ensure that your dietary calcium absorbs properly and gets into the bones, where it�s meant to be! Avoid undue stress, as this will leave your adrenal glands free to supply alternative forms of hormones over the next few years.

Q I am 54 years of age and have just had a hysterectomy. Can you suggest an alternative to taking HRT. I am taking thyroxine tablets

A It is very difficult to find a natural solution to the sudden loss of organs, as it is not a 'natural' situation. There are herbs such as Black Cohosh, which attach to oestrogen receptors, but it is unlikely that such herbs would have a strong enough effect to avoid the side effects of a hysterectomy. I would suggest that you consult a medical herbalist near to you, to get a personal programme put together, as this is not something for which you can self-medicate.

Q I am 53 years old and have gone through the menopause. My skin, especially my face, is terribly dry and very sore. Is there anything I can do to alleviate the discomfort please?

A Drink at least 1.5 litres of still water every day and avoid caffeine. If you smoke, make plans to stop. Drink nettle tea every day (teabags available in health stores) and take 3,000mg of Evening Primrose Oil daily. Also any improvements you make in your diet, such as avoiding junk food and fried food, will benefit your skin. You can also take a Silicea capsule with a glass of water or juice every day - you need to do this for at least three months to see the benefit.