Q. I have recently been diagnosed as having osteoporosis. What advice could you offer?



Janey, by e-mail

A. Calcium is the most prevalent mineral in bone, but other nutrients are involved in calcium absorption, with magnesium playing a crucial role in the prevention and reversal of bone loss. Include mineral-rich foods in your diet; calcium, magnesium and silica, in particular, are found in tinned salmon, chlorophyll-rich greens, pulses, almonds, cashews and brazil nuts and sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Vitamin D aids absorption of calcium. Good dietary sources include egg yolk and oily fish; 20 minutes of daily sunshine has also been shown to help.

Taking a boron supplement reduces urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium; zinc, vitamin K, manganese, silicon and copper also play a role in bone formation. Phytates, present in dietary fibre such as bran, bind with magnesium and calcium, inhibiting their absorption in the gut. Osteo-P-Complex (£18.95 for 120 capsules; from Nutri; 01663 718850) contains the enzyme phytase, which helps to release these minerals, together with absorbable forms of magnesium and calcium and the other nutrients necessary for bones.

Reduce your intake of acid-forming foods such as coffee, tea and salt, which can disrupt the natural calcium and magnesium balance. Developing stronger muscles through weight-bearing exercise and yoga will also help to protect your bones.

Q. I have been diagnosed with HPV (human papilloma virus) and have had a minor surgical procedure to remove pre-cancerous cells. I am alarmed by an article that linked the HPV virus to 70% of cervical-cancer deaths. Is that accurate? Beside regular screening, is there an alternative remedy that could help to protect me from contracting cervical cancer? I am 48 years old and in good health.

Name and address supplied

A. At least 90% of all cervical carcinomas are thought to be related to HPV infection, although only certain strains of the virus will present as cancerous. I have had success at clearing HPV in my clinic, though I have to stress that patients were all individually treated under a naturopathic constitutional programme that primarily involved strengthening their immunity. All took, as part of the protocol, the edible oil of oregano, a powerful herb possessing antiviral properties (P73 Super Strength Oregano Gelcaps, £30.75 for 60 gelcaps; www.oliveleaf.co.uk). Take one capsule three times daily.

A paper presented at the Royal College of Physicians by Dr Silva Couto concluded that patients with low-grade lesions using the nutritional mushroom Coriolus-MRL (£19.95 for 90 tablets; from Lemonburst; 01273 558112) showed a higher success rate than the control group. Coriolus supports the immune system, helping the body in its continuous battle against viral and bacterial infections. Take two tablets three times a day for three months.

Eat a wholesome, organic diet, rich in essential fatty acids and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage), which contain the phytonutrient indole-3-carbinol, which can help to prevent certain cancers. Also, drink plenty of water and antioxidant-rich green tea.

Q. Do you have any dietary advice on how I can avoid catching colds over the next few months? I remain strong in summer, but go downhill in autumn and end up with copious amounts of clear mucus. I am 46 and otherwise healthy and jog several times a week.

Thomas M, Oxfordshire

A. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), autumn is connected to our lungs, which are responsible for producing defensive qi (energy). This protects our immunity and defends us from climatic conditions.

TCM considers it best not to eat too many cold and raw foods at this time, as they are said to dissipate surface heat, making the body more susceptible to chills. In Chinese medicine, clear mucus represents inner coldness, so include warming curries and ginger tea, which will help to dry up mucus. Also, focus on eating roasted squash and root vegetables with small amounts of seasonal fruit, ideally baked or stewed and sprinkled with cinnamon or nutmeg. There is an important acupuncture point at the back of the neck that helps to protect our immunity, so I would wear a scarf when jogging to prevent the cold or wind from getting to this area.

Jennifer Harper-Deacon is a registered naturopathic physician. For more information, visit www.jenniferharper-deacon.com

If you have any questions, write to What’s the Alternative? Style, The Sunday Times, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1ST. We can provide replies to only published letters

Before following any recommendation in this column, it is important to consult your GP if you suffer from any health problem or special condition, or are in doubt as to its suitability

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