J Hill, Nottingham

A. You are now on your summer holiday, so I suggest that you build up your reserves over the coming months. I am going to look at your symptoms from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as they relate to the spleen, an organ that is critically important in TCM, as it transforms food into blood and qi (energy) and is weakened by excessive concentration (such as studying), resulting in the symptoms you describe — lethargy, pale complexion, water retention and heaviness in the lower half of the body.

The spleen can be helped by eating the right foods. As these are inexpensive, you will be able to continue eating them at university. Fennel, sweet potatoes, squashes and root vegetables all support the spleen. They are best roasted and combined with millet, brown rice, quinoa, lentils, pulses and lean meat, fish and eggs. Avoid raw or cold foods, which are seen to weaken the spleen.

I would also recommend you contact the British Acupuncture Council (020 8735 0400) for a course of acupuncture. Your practitioner can teach you specific acupressure points to strengthen your spleen when you return to university.

Q. I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) last year and referred by my GP to the NHS CFS/ME services. My immune system is also weak, so much so that an hour’s walk can trigger a mild cold that lasts for a few days. While I wait for an appointment, I would appreciate it if you could give me some advice on how I might boost my vitality, strengthen my immunity and overcome CFS in general.

Andy Greensmith, Hove

A. CFS is such a complex illness that I am certainly not going to recommend any miracle supplement to overcome it. This condition needs expert, tailored treatment. I also believe that the best results are obtained when supporting all aspects of the person — body, emotions and soul.

Dr Alex Concorde, a specialist in stress, hormone and the immune system, with whom I work, believes that the limbic system (an important area of the brain that can alter performance, hormones, the immune system, sleep and weight) is involved in CFS, and that CFS may be a protective ploy when the limbic brain senses the possibility of burnout. She has developed two programmes to make her work available to more CFS sufferers. The Body Restoration Programme involves an extensive questionnaire, hormone and immune system tests, and a six-month online personal-health programme. The Mind Restoration Programme is a five-day live event where Concorde works with the limbic brain to steer the mind to restore its natural balance and as a buffer against future stresses (0870 345 2255, www.the-concorde-initiative.com).

Q. I suffer from sensitive skin. I have to watch my diet carefully, as I am intolerant to a variety of foods. I stopped using tampons a few months ago, as they began to feel uncomfortable, but I have found recently that I am getting a rash when I use conventional sanitary towels. Could I be reacting to the pad, and, if so, can you suggest a range that I may not react to?

Brenda Cowell, Cheshire

A. As you have sensitive skin, I would imagine that you are reacting to the synthetic materials used in conventional sanitary towels. Even though tampons may contain a mixture of cotton and rayon, conventionally grown cotton relies heavily on pesticides and insecticides during its growth, and is also bleached with chlorine.

A brand I have recommended for years is Natracare, which is an all-natural sanitary range. Its sanitary towels are made from chlorine-free plant cellulose derived from ecologically managed forests. They are more than 99% biodegradable, and compostable, too. The tampons were the first to be fully certified organic as they are made from only 100% organic cotton. You can find Natracare products in selected Boots, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s stores, or visit www.natracare.com for information. The ME Association has a very good site to visit for further information - www.meassociation.org.uk.

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

Find an archive of articles by Jennifer Harper-Deacon at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/section/0,,27069,00.html

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

Before following any recommendations in this column, it is important to consult your GP if you suffer from any health problems or special conditions, or are in doubt as to its suitability.

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