Q. Could you repeat how much caffeine you suggest per day?

2-3 caffeine drinks per day as maximum (also watch coke and chocolate and drinks containing guarana. Read the labels on your drinks as guarana is creeping into many ‘energy’ drinks).

Q. Is diet of milk, yogurt, cheese and fish going to be enough to give us that range of calcium or should we take supplement?

It is impossible to tell without knowing the quantities of these foods you are eating so it is important to calculate how much calcium you are eating on a daily basis. If you are not getting enough, a good supplement can make up the difference. It is important to remember the other major bone mineral magnesium and ensure that any supplement you purchase has magnesium as well, in a ratio of 2:1 calcium to magnesium. It is important to get about 1500mg of calcium per day. Regarding fish – It is not the flesh of fish that is particularly calcium rich, but the bones; so fish such as whitebait or canned sardines are a good high calcium choice because you eat the bones when you eat the fish.

Q. Is it normal to get indigestion from linseed bread?

It may depend on the brand. See if you can get a wheat free one.

Q. How do you find a natural therapist who is a legitimate specialist in women’s health? Most naturopaths/Chinese herbalists advertise that they can help with menopausal symptoms.

Ask them over the phone about their qualifications and experience before you make an appointment. Also, if you have friends and family who have been to someone for a similar condition and they have had good results, you could choose that practitioner. Other people’s experiences can also help you sort out whom you don’t want to consult!

Content updated 26 August 2011