J Martin, by e-mail

A. There can be many reasons why we bloat, but a good starting point is to ensure that your digestive system is working optimally. Food combining, where you do not eat complex carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, bread) and protein at the same meal, may be a simple regime to try initially.

If you can’t bear to give up your Sunday roast, try eating the protein part of your meal first, giving the hydrochloric-acid juices in the stomach the best chance to break down the protein efficiently. Follow this with the roast potatoes — and remember to chew these and all carbohydrates well, as they are broken down by your teeth and mixed with saliva, which contains salivary amylase, an enzyme that digests starch.

A product I always keep in the fridge is Similase, a plant-based digestive enzyme that helps digest food along the whole length of the gastrointestinal tract. Similase contains various enzymes, including amylase, to aid digestion of starches; protease, for protein digestion; lipase, for digestion of fats; and cellulase, to break down plant fibres. If you know that you are going to eat a large meal, simply take 1-2 capsules beforehand. It costs £8.75 for 42 capsules, plus £1 p&p, from Nutri; 0800 212742.

Q. My sister-in-law is in the second trimester of her pregnancy. She came off antidepressants when she found out she was expecting. She is now suffering badly from depression, but is loath to take the antidepressants her doctors are recommending. Are there any alternatives that would help her through pregnancy and not harm her baby?

Name and address withheld

A. I, too, am cautious in prescribing even natural alternatives during this time. However, there are some things it is very important to take in pregnancy: a good prenatal multivitamin and supplement that provides sufficient quantities of the essential fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). The latter is extremely important for both mother and baby. Babies are unable to synthesise them themselves, and there is a clear association between low levels of these omega-3 fatty acids and depression. Low DHA levels have been linked to low serotonin levels in the brain, which are in turned linked to an increased tendency to depression.

The recommended daily dose in pregnancy is 500-600mg. Although oily fish is an ideal source, some fish, including tuna, has been shown to contain high levels of mercury. Favour sources such as wild Alaskan salmon and take a good-quality fish-oil supplement to ensure an adequate intake of DHA and EPA. One teaspoon of Eskimo-3 Liquid, which is purified of all environmental poisons, provides 500mg of DHA (£12.70 for 105ml, plus £1 p&p, from Nutri; as before).

Q. With all this talk about a possible flu pandemic or, worse still, bird flu, could you advise me of any natural products powerful enough to fight these viruses?

T Simmonds, Hampshire

A. It’s reassuring to know that Mother Nature has provided the key ingredient for Tamiflu, the antiviral drug that has shown some promise in the treatment of human bird flu. It is shikimic acid, which is extracted from star anise, a Chinese cooking spice. So it certainly can’t do any harm to use this spice when cooking Star anise costs £1.80 for 50g from www.natco-online.com.

Over the years, I have witnessed the superior action of edible wild oregano oil on viral infections, and of Oregacyn P73, a new combination of edible wild oregano oil, cumin, sage and cinnamon oils.

Historical documents indicate that oregano has long been used as a natural germ-killer. The antiseptic powers of cinnamon were recognised by the Romans, and ancient herbalists used sage for respiratory relief and cumin as a germicide. Take one capsule of Oregacyn P73 (£21.15 for 30 capsules, from Tigon; 0116 235 5020) twice daily to boost your immune system.

Elderberries, which are packed with healing flavonoids, have been used for centuries to support immunity and ease flu symptoms. I use a handmade organic elderberry tincture or an alcohol-free glycerine version for children (£7.50 for 100ml; www.granaryherbs.co.uk).

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

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