Katie Kelly, Isle of Man

A. You may have a problem absorbing iron, as it is not particularly easy for the body to extract it from food. The best way to increase the availability of iron in your system is by consuming vitamin C-rich foods such as peppers, broccoli, strawberries and cherries while also taking an iron supplement or eating iron-rich foods such as spinach, watercress, red meat, pumpkin seeds, lentils and eggs. Avoid red wine and tea, as they contain tannin, which can inhibit iron absorption.

Beetroot is an excellent food for making blood, according to Chinese medicine, as are apricots, kidney and adzuki beans, spirulina, nettles, parsley, figs and fish. You could also try taking a sachet of Spatone first thing in the morning, with some orange juice or a berry smoothie. This natural, iron-rich spa water comes from the mountains of Snowdonia and each sachet contains 5mg of iron (approximately one-third of the RDA). However, because the iron in Spatone is more effectively absorbed, one sachet should fulfil 100% of the body’s iron requirement. It’s a good idea to increase your intake during or after your period, when iron levels can be depleted. Spatone costs £6.49 for 28 sachets (01492 640057).

Q. Despite avoiding salty and processed foods and following a healthy, organic diet, I swell up like a balloon as the day goes on, and can be 7lb heavier at bedtime than in the morning. My GP thinks I may have a food allergy and feels it would be worth paying for a private blood test to identify the culprits. Can you tell me where I can be screened?

Alison Miles, Weybridge

A. Your GP is probably correct, as an intolerance or allergy to a food can certainly cause oedema (swelling), with the telltale symptoms of a puffy face and swollen abdomen, arms, fingers and ankles.

Individual Wellbeing Diagnostic Laboratories (IWDL) offers an extensive range of tests, including the food allergen cellular test (Factest), which assesses the body’s responses to food by measuring the chemical changes that happen in the immune system when an intolerance or allergic reaction occurs.

The most comprehensive covers 230 foods and involves a simple blood test that can be carried out at your GP’s surgery or one of IWDL’s clinics. Factest is available at the special price of £220 for Sunday Times readers (020 8336 7754, www.iwdl.net). In addition to the results, you will receive a blood-group analysis, a four-day rotation eating plan and an interpretation guide. IWDL can also put you in touch with a qualified nutritionist or naturopath in your area.

For home-testing, try the Yorktest Foodscan method, which tests for food intolerances using a sample of blood taken from a finger prick (£250 to test for 113 foods; 0800 074 6185). The price includes a results package advising you about foods to avoid. You will also receive a 30-minute consultation with a trained expert in nutritional care, and a follow-up call.

You may be interested in reading The Food Intolerance Bible by Antony Haynes and Antoinette Savill (Thorsons £14.99) and Hidden Food Allergies by Patrick Holford and Dr James Braly (Piatkus £7.99).

Q. I am quite new to looking at alternatives to conventional medicine (I am 83). I have been reading a lot about homeopathy and have learnt that the royal family are great advocates. How would I find a homeopath to consult, and is homeopathy available on the NHS?

Edne M, Broomside

A. How wonderful to hear that you wish to explore homeopathy. It is a gentle, safe and effective complementary therapy. What I suggest (depending on what condition you have and how severe it is, which you do not tell me in your letter) is that you ask your GP for a referral to one of the five NHS homeopathic hospitals in the UK (London, Tunbridge Wells, Liverpool, Glasgow and Bristol), where you can be seen by a medical doctor who is also qualified in homeopathy.

There are also several NHS homeopathic clinics around the country that take referrals from GPs in their area. If you contact the Faculty of Homeopathy (0870 444 3955; Hahnemann House, 29 Park Street West, Luton LU1 3BE), it will supply further details, together with an information pack, which includes the leaflet How to Get Homeopathic Treatment on the NHS.

Failing that, you can contact the following organisations to find a private homeopath: Alliance of Registered Homeopaths (08700 736339), British Homeopathic Association (0870 444 3950), Homeopathic Medical Association (01474 560336) or the Society of Homeopaths (01604 817890).

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 recommendation 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