I have blue discoloration between my eyes. I've read this indicates problems with the pancreas. Is this true? And what do you recommend to banish it?
The area between the eyes on each side and above the bridge of the nose is thought to be related to the liver, not the pancreas. Rings or bags under the eyes, meanwhile, are an indication of the health of the kidneys. Discoloration can also be hereditary, as can the health of these organs. An unhealthy liver can lead to weight and digestive problems, head-aches, fatigue, low libido, mood swings, excessive body heat, high cholesterol, allergies, sugar cravings and intolerance to alcohol. These can be manifested in bad breath, a coated tongue, dry eyes, bad nails and a confused brain. Looking after your liver may well be the best favour you could do your body. The good news is, given the right environment, the liver can regenerate. Eat organic fruit and vegetables, especially carrots, beetroot and alfalfa. Drink plenty of filtered water every day. Avoid refined sugars, alcohol, rich foods and eating late. Take lecithin and milk thistle complex, which contains extract of artichoke, milk thistle, dandelion and peppermint (from Bioforce, 01294 277344; bioforce.co.uk). Dr Sandra Cabot's The Liver Cleansing Diet, and the liver tonic Livatone (The Nutri Centre, 0800 587 2290), would both be great gifts to your liver.
I am 29, 5ft tall, with a slight frame - since my teens I've weighed just under six stone. I have a very fast metabolism and find it impossible to gain weight. I suffer from depression, which can affect my appetite, but eat regularly. How can I put on weight?
Your size, metabolism and depression might be due to an endocrine imbalance, such as hyperthyroidism. Ask your GP for tests, but bear in mind that any imbalance may be too subtle to pick up. Thyroid problems are common, and are triggered by many things, such as an auto-immune condition, emotional disturbances, pregnancy, illness, drugs, surgery, radiation and smoking. Many substances can affect the thyroid, too. Stop using iodised salt as, along with the iodine in fish, vegetables, meat and milk, you may be taking too much. Deficiencies of folic acid, minerals and essential fatty acids can cause depression; zinc and niacin supplements will improve appetite and mental state. For an information pack, including a list of GPs who specialise in thyroid problems, alternative treatments and useful addresses and websites, call Thyroid UK, 01255 820407.
I've spent a lot of time on my computer recently and my wrists and fingers are feeling strained. I realise it is repetitive strain injury, and happily I can rest, but I'd welcome advice on how to speed up the healing process.
The height and type of seat, the way you sit (and whether you use wrist rests), how often you take breaks - all these are crucial factors in RSI. But the underlying cause of the problem is that you're hitting the keys with too much effort. This tiny movement, repeated thousands of times in a session, builds up to produce tension in the muscles, which eventually 'lock up', causing the RSI. Unfortunately, there's no quick fix. The best solution is to rest and relearn how to use your body when typing. Alexander Technique is ideal (it also helps with all aspects of movement and posture). Contact the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, 020-7284 3338 (stat.org.uk).
· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Her recommendations are to be followed in conjunction with advice from your own healthcare provider. Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com.
Useful links
Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique
