Acne (in adulthood)

Triggers: poor diet, stress Watch for: bacteria getting into the spots, causing a secondary infection.

Beat it: improve you diet, cut out fat and redefined sugars, build up levels of vitamins A and B6, learn some relaxing techniques.

Complimentary therapy: herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture.

Recurrent colds

Triggers: secondary infection such as bronchitis or asthma

Beat it: take immune-boosting vitamins A and C in your diet. At the first sign of a cold, take a zinc supplement, the herbal extract Echinacea is also a good immune booster. Avoid antibiotics-they ineffective with colds. Learn some relaxing techniques.

Constipation

Triggers: low-fibre diet, anxiety and lack of exercise. Watch for: food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticular disease (pouches in the intestines), bowel cancer. Beat it: eat more fibre-rich foods. Drink plenty of water. Check for food intolerance. Do more exercise.

Cystitis

Triggers: bacterial infection of the urethra Watch for: kidney infection.

Beat it: drink unsweetened cranberry juice and plenty of water. Urinate whan needed and especially after sex. Avoid perfume toiletries. Wear cotton underwear.

Complementary therapy: herbal medicine, homeopathy.

Ear problem

Triggers: viral or bacterial infection, eczema on outer ear, build-up of earwax or catarrh. Watch for: ruptured eardrum, possible hearing damage (especially if infection is untreated).

Beat it: avoid getting water in ears and using cotton buds. If catarrh is a problem, use steam inhalations with rosemary or eucalyptus oil. Gently clear wax with olive oil.

Eczema

Triggers: allergies, stress. Watch for: secondary skin infection.

Beat it: avoid known irritants. Check for food intolerance.

Complimentary techniques: herbal medicine and homeopathy.

Mouth ulcers

Triggers: stress, smoking Watch for: food intolerance

Beat it: build up immunity with a health diet rich in beta carotene and vitamin C and E