I am in my early 20s and have had a sore, red rash around my nose and chin for 10 years. I follow a healthy vegetarian diet and use mild beauty products. It gets worse if I overeat or eat sweet foods. Could it be an allergy?
Your rash is likely to be linked to a food allergy and overgrowth of Candida albicans. Candida is a yeast that resides normally in the digestive tract but can permeate all parts of the body. If beneficial bacteria levels are cut, say by antibiotics, the yeast can become dominant and convert to a fungal form, damaging the intestine lining and leading to food allergy. Candida is encouraged by eating yeast (eg, in bread), mushrooms, alcohol, MSG and fermented foods (eg, vinegar), and feeds on sugar. You need to identify food intolerances; follow a strict anti-candida diet; take an antifungal agent such as grapefruit seed extract or caprylic acid; supplement intestinal flora with beneficial bacteria; and follow an immune-boosting diet with supplements. Do this with the help of a qualified nutritionist, to ensure a comprehensive approach.
I have developed garlic intolerance - every time I eat even a small quantity, I get diarrhoea. What can I do?
Sulphoxidation is the process by which the sulphur-containing molecules in foods like garlic are metabolised in the liver. The enzyme sulphite oxidase metabolises sulphur to safer sulphates which are excreted in urine. This enzyme is dependent on a trace mineral called molybdenum. If you are depleted in this, the detoxification pathway won't work properly and you can get sickness and diarrhoea. Take a multimineral containing molybdenum and eat lots of legumes (beans) and whole grains which are rich in this mineral.
· 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.
