Q As an alternative to HRT, I have been skipping three times a week for 19 years. I think it has helped, as in that time I’ve tumbled twice and not broken anything. Next year I am 60, and I wonder if I have done enough groundwork. Can I ease up on the skipping?
Mrs A M Rutter, Portsmouth

A There are plenty of studies that confirm that regular exercise can help to prevent and slow down bone loss. Provided that it doesn’t cause you any new aches, pains or dizziness, I suggest that you carry on skipping. However, yoga is another excellent form of exercise, as are swimming and brisk walking, and any of those will complement the high-impact exercise you’re already doing.

As well as paying attention to weight-bearing exercise, you could supplement your diet with bone-supporting nutrients. Vitamins D and K, calcium, boron, zinc, manganese, silicon and copper all play a part in bone formation. Always include omega3 fats in your diet: they support bone density, too. Osteo-P-Complex (£19.95; 01663 718850) contains easily absorbed forms of magnesium, calcium and the other vitamins and minerals necessary for bones, and also the enzyme phytase, which helps to release the minerals. Take two or three capsules three times daily.

Q I have been taking herbs to strengthen my liver, as my herbalist said that my headaches are connected. I work in the City, and my job entails frequent corporate events (late nights and alcohol). My diet is not wonderful, but I cannot change much about it now. What else can I do to support my liver?
Philippa K, Wapping

A Frequent alcohol consumption, late nights and poor diet will have an impact on your liver, but as you feel this unhealthy lifestyle is currently unavoidable, I suggest working on two key acupressure points that will strengthen your liver. This will take no more than five minutes. Liver 3, located between the first and second toe bones, about 2.5cm in from where the toes join the foot, not only strengthens the liver but also helps to calm the nervous system, which I imagine is somewhat frazzled, in your case, by your lifestyle. Massaging this point for two minutes a day on both feet can relieve headaches and help your body to overcome the effects of toxins and excess stress. Another excellent point to relieve tension in your head and neck is Gall Bladder 20 (GB20), located about 2cm out from each side of the hollow area at the base of your skull. This point will feel painful if there is any congestion in your body; do not use GB20 in pregnancy. Essential oils applied to these points will increase the effect; try Aveda Blue Oil (£9.50 for 7ml; 0870 034 2380), a cooling blend of blue camomile and peppermint.

Q My 14-month-old daughter has had a persistent yeast-infection rash on her wrist for more than three weeks, and also had one on her neck four months ago. I, too, suffer from this problem. Could you recommend an antiyeast remedy and natural vitamin C and A supplements that might help?
Kristina Samuel, Gerrards Cross

A There are many supplements for thrush (yeast infections), but I have found in clinic that oil of oregano is consistently effective in combating such problems. H2 Orega wild oregano oil (£41.95 for 30ml) is a water-soluble version that is quickly utilised; I suggest you give your daughter one drop of H2 Orega in a drink in the morning.

A probiotic would benefit her immunity, so mix half a teaspoon of vanilla-flavoured HealthBac (£22.35 for 100g) in lukewarm milk at bedtime. You may also take those remedies, but you would need 5 to 10 drops of H2 Orega twice daily (in a drink or under the tongue) and a teaspoon of HealthBac.

With regard to natural vitamins C and A, you should try to obtain the latter from your diet. Eat betacarotene-rich foods such as carrots, sweet potato and apricots. North American Herb Berries Flush (£21.15 for 30ml) is a natural source of antioxidants from wild berries that I give to my child. The dosage is two to three drops twice daily in juice. For you, try Purely C (£23.50 for 90 veggie caps), a natural vitamin C supplement derived from wild strawberry leaf, mountain berry, acerola cherry, rosehip powder and wild camu camu berry. Each capsule contains approximately 75mg of natural, crude vitamin C (equivalent to about 700mg of synthetic vitamin C). All of the above supplements are available from www.oliveleaf.co.uk .

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 only to 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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