I am a fit vegetarian, aged 60. Six months ago I had an operation to remove part of my bowel, and my previously inoffensive flatulence has become excessively malodorous.

Ask your surgeon about changes in flatulence following your operation. A nutritionist will offer further advice (British Association of Nutritional Therapy, 0870 606 1284, bant.org.uk). Antibiotics can upset the balance of your normal gut flora. Supplementing with probiotics - Biocare Acidophilus Forte, for example - for two months should rebalance this. Obbekjaers' oil of peppermint tablets taken after every meal have helped many with flatulence problems. Drink camomile, peppermint, ginger and fennel teas, and chew food thoroughly, relaxing while you are eating. Teas and tablets are available from good healthfood shops.

I have verrucas on my foot. I've tried rubbing them with garlic, onion and salt, and even peeing on my foot, but they've merely spread.

Hypnotherapy has been found to help people expel verrucas, but this involves seeing a therapist, possibly for many visits, which can be costly. Also successful (and also not cheap) would be a holistic approach aimed at improving the health and vitality of the whole person, for instance with a therapist such as a naturopath - warts and verrucas are usually a sign of a general imbalance. Improved diet and lifestyle will help, together with a good multivitamin and mineral supplement, extra vitamin C (1,000mg) and zinc (15-30mg) daily. The cheapest remedy for warts and verrucas is to apply strips of duct tape over them, replacing the tape every six days.

· 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