I have just had a colonoscopy, and was warned that my levels of uric acid were high. Any suggestions?

Uric acid is a by-product of the digestion of foods. It is found in the blood, tissue and urine. If levels are high, it forms crystals in joints, causing arthritis and gout. Stress, obesity, poor diet and sudden dieting increase its levels. Reflexologists can detect crystals in the feet and break them down to be flushed out of the body. Eat raw vegetables, fruit, grains, seeds and nuts. Cherries and strawberries neutralise the acid. Uric acid is derived from purines, constituents of nucleoproteins which are found in herrings, anchovies, sardines, mussels, meat (including broth and gravy), asparagus and mushrooms. Also avoid white flour, sugar and alcohol. Vitamin B5 will reduce stress; 3,000mg of vitamin C and six tablets of kelp a day will lower levels. Drink lots of distilled water.

Can you suggest an alternative medicine for my granddaughter, 24, who has suffered from psoriasis on her limbs and torso for the past three to four years?

Sandra Gibbons was a psoriasis sufferer for 25 years - she now has clear skin and helps others through natural methods. She founded the Alternative Centre in London, the first holistic clinic for psoriasis sufferers in the world. I recommend that you read her book, Beat Psoriasis - The Natural Way. In it, she explains how homeopathy activates our natural resistance to disease, naturopathy encourages our bodies to heal themselves by eliminating toxins, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy reduce itching and flaking by releasing stress and aiding confidence, while massage relieves tension and makes sufferers feel good. She explains how the skin reveals what is going on in the mind and how psoriasis sufferers find it hard to release fears and tend to suppress emotions. One chapter explains how everyday products such as washing powder, toiletries and cosmetics can be harmful to the skin, and suggests natural alternatives. Beat Psoriasis, priced £7.99 including p&p, is available from the Alternative Centre on 020-7381 2298.

I have suffered with thrush for 10 months; it occurs straight after my period. What can I do to eliminate it? I have taken advice from my GP and have regularly used pessaries, cream and tablets, but nothing seems to get rid of it. I wear loose-fitting clothing whenever possible and I don't use a perfumed body wash. Could it be due to the contraceptive pill?

Thrush is linked to the pill. Antibiotics, perfumed toiletries and high-sugar diets can also encourage the growth of the Candida albicans fungus in the colon and the vagina, which causes thrush. The beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in live unsweetened yogurt, keeps the candida under control - you need to eat 8oz a day, plus take capsules of probiotics (for example, Probiogest) between meals. Citricidal (grapefruit seed extract) is a powerful natural antifungal. Add one drop to 6oz water for a vaginal douche twice a day (until a week after the symptoms have gone) and take five drops (increasing gradually to 10 drops) in water three times a day. Probiogest and Citricidal are available from Higher Nature on 0870 066 0808 (highernature.co.uk).

· 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.