There is a history of osteoporosis and early menopause in my family. I have increased my calcium intake, but dairy products give me eczema-like patches. A calcium supplement with vitamin D has had the same effect.

There is an excellent alternative for osteoporosis. Urticalcin by A Vogel, The Nature Doctor, is produced from freshly harvested stinging nettle with small amounts of calcium salts and silica. It helps the body to absorb and use the calcium found in food. It contains lactose, but that shouldn't worsen your eczema (A Vogel Urticalcin, £4.05 for 360 tablets, from Bioforce, 01294 277344, bioforce.co.uk). Your diet may contain calcium in excess of daily needs - especially if you eat lots of green, leafy vegetables, nuts, oily fish, soya and tofu - since we do not easily absorb the calcium we ingest. Smoking and alcohol consumption are also risk factors for osteoporosis. Exercise, a healthy diet and sunlight (for vitamin D) reduce the risk.

My wife is 61, and lost her sense of smell and taste after a cold four months ago. Any suggestions?

We have a limited number of olfactory receptor cells, and our sense of smell and taste can be lost because we run out of these cells as we age, especially if we smoke or are exposed to air pollution. Low zinc levels can have the same effect; some find that a supplement of zinc at 15mg a day returns these senses. Biocare (0121 433 3727) has easily absorbable zinc drops. Toxic heavy metals (cadmium, aluminium, lead) can build up in the liver, preventing zinc absorption. A liver detox would eliminate these — ask for guidance from a nutritional therapist (bant.org.uk).

· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Before following Emma's recommendations, you should consult your GP about any medical problems or special health conditions.

Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com.