I am a 44-year-old man and every so often I get a flare-up of painful ankle, knee and hand joints for a day or two. I am convinced this is a reaction to something I am eating - are there any foods I should avoid?

Unless it's due to poor posture, repetitive strain, an accident or overuse, your joint pain is probably due to arthritis linked to poor diet, food or chemical sensitivities. Keep a food and symptoms diary to help highlight trigger foods - commonly wheat, dairy, corn and other grains, peanuts, eggs, soya, yeast, beef, chilli and coffee. Meat, dairy products and refined carbohydrates acidify the body and worsen symptoms, while vegetables are alkalising and beneficial. Some people react to the nightshade family (tomato, potato, aubergine and pepper); others to oranges, rhubarb and plums. Once you have identified irritating foods, avoid them for three months to allow the digestive tract to heal. Improve your general diet, avoiding refined sugar, fat and stimulants, while eating plenty of green vegetables, berries, red grapes, onions, garlic, seeds, nuts, oily fish, herbs and spices such as turmeric, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon and ginger. Literally 'oil' the joints internally with daily supplements of GLA essential fatty acids from evening primrose or borage oil. When you have flare-ups, massage joints with Yin Yang MSM Cream or try adding therapeutic JointBombs to your bath, for pain relief and joint repair (from G&G, 01342 312811). For salts and herbs to alkalise the body, contact Best Care Products (01342 410303, bestcare-uk.com).

I am 48 and in November underwent a successful uterine embolisation for the treatment of fibroids. For three weeks I've taken black cohosh daily. I am now experiencing swollen and painful breasts, and abdominal tenderness. Should I stop taking it?

Black cohosh can have this effect if your liver is 'congested'. Frustration, too much fat or alcohol, and lack of exercise can create this tendency. Raspberry leaf can be great to tone the uterus after such an operation, and vitex agnus castus will help regulate periods. Calming nerve tonics such as valerian or skullcap will also allow the liver to work better (from Hambly's, 01892 783027, hamblys.net).

· 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