I am a 51-year-old man who does not smoke or drink alcohol; I don't eat much dairy, either. Despite this, I suffer from excessive production of phlegm, especially after eating. My GP says it is caused by a high blood pressure medicine I'm taking. Do you know of any natural ways to solve or alleviate my problem?

One of the reasons the body produces phlegm is as a vehicle to eliminate toxins, including drugs, particularly if other elimination systems are not functioning well. Assuming your drug regime cannot be changed, I suggest you work to alleviate other factors that may be contributing to the mucus build-up. As symptoms are worse after eating, this indicates a reaction to certain foods - cow's milk is the most mucus-producing food, but since you already limit dairy intake, you need to look further. A nutritionist would test to find other foods likely cause the problem (British Association for Nutritional Therapy, 08706 061284, bant.org.uk). Ginger, garlic and horseradish all lessen mucus production, and drink plenty of water to aid elimination. Muccolyte by BioCare (0121 433 3727) is a supplement designed to combat phlegm.

I am a 53-year-old woman and have suffered most of my life from allergies such as asthma and chronic sinus problems. I also have spotty skin and trouble sleeping. I've tried cutting out wheat and dairy, which helps but doesn't get rid of it. Can you help?

Short-term solutions, such as steroids and antibiotics, may eliminate the symptoms but override and disable the body's own healing mechanisms. If early allergic symptoms (for example, to wheat and dairy) are suppressed rather than being identified and addressed holistically, then the body will inevitably produce more symptoms which, if further suppressed, will result in a downward spiral of ill health. All natural health therapists are familiar with the layers of suppressed symptoms that need to be uncovered to find the core cause eventually. With the supervision of a therapist you like and trust, and in close consultation with an open-minded GP (particularly if you are taking prescription drugs), you can move up the spiral to better health. It will take time, but the journey will be fascinating.

· 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.