I am a very fit 73-year-old woman and swim about 26 lengths every day. I've recently been diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and told there is no cure but that it can be controlled with steroids. Is that all?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that affects the connective tissue around the muscles and causes pain (particularly in the shoulders and pelvis), tenderness and stiffness in the morning. It is most common in women over 50. Genetic predisposition and stress play a part, but it is thought to develop when the body's detoxification system is overloaded. Alcohol, drugs, poor diet, food allergens and environmental pollutants all toxify the body. A sudden detox at your age would be too stressful, so start by drinking eight glasses a day of filtered or mineral water. Gently reduce caffeine, sugar, white flour, salt, pork products and refined foods, with the end aim of a natural, wholefood diet. Nettle tea is very cleansing: drink three cups a day. Devil's Claw (from Bioforce) is a plant extract shown to reduce inflammation, pain and stiffness; take one tablet twice a day, then one a day when the discomfort diminishes. Magnesium Malate (from BioCare, one tablet three times a day) will reduce pain by relaxing muscles and will slowly help the liver to detox. Take a teaspoon a day of anti-inflammatory fish oils (eg, OmegaCare by BioCare). All the above can be found in healthfood shops.

I have recently moved from Sussex to Wales, and my waterworks are now overactive - I go three times a night instead of once.

Check with your GP, as overactive waterworks can be due to a variety of causes, including hormonal changes, kidney stones, diabetes or bacterial infection. Drink mineral rather than tap water for two weeks. Caffeine and alcohol can contribute to the problem. Cranberry juice or a preparation (such as Nature's Best Cranberry Complex, 01892 552175) would help if there is a mild bladder infection. Anxiety about your move may have triggered a weakness in the bladder; Flowers of the Orient's hibiscus flower remedy (from flowersense.co.uk, 020-8567 9412) is very effective for female anxiety. Twice daily take celery seed extract (from BioCare), which is astringent, antibiotic, cleansing and calming.

· 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