Q: I have polycystic ovary syndrome. Can you recommend any self-help suggestions?

A: Women with PCOS can experience a number of symptoms including weight gain, few periods, acne and excess body hair. Over the last few years, the nutritional approach to PCOS has revolutionised the treatment of this problem. Studies have shown that when women with PCOS lose weight, testosterone levels fall, insulin levels go down and hair growth is less and in one study, 92% of women with PCOS who were not ovulating conceived naturally after reducing their weight.

Eat a good diet and avoid sugar, refined carbohydrates (like white flour) and caffeine, as all these will cause blood sugar fluctuations and the release of excess insulin. Insulin makes the ovaries produce more testosterone.

Also add in a good multivitamin and mineral and extra chromium (to help control blood sugar fluctuations), B vitamins for efficient metabolism and co-enzyme Q10 to help weight loss (The supplement called NutriPlus I use in the clinic has all these nutrients combined). For more information on PCOS, see my book The Nutritional Health Handbook for Women.

Turmeric from India is a member of the ginger family and its many health benefits are mainly due to the curcumin content.

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant but it is mainly known for its anti-inflammatory properties, so can be helpful where there is any inflammation e.g. arthritis, bursitis. It also has a beneficial effect on liver function and has been shown to lower cholesterol.

Turmeric is thought to help heart function by stopping abnormal blood clotting and preventing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries caused by deposits of plaque). There are many studies showing that turmeric has cancer-preventing effects and that it can stimulate apoptosis – cell suicide.

Healthy cells are normally programmed to die when they have fulfilled their function. If apoptosis is not happening then uncontrolled cell division can take place (just as it does in cancer and in the growth of cancerous tumours).

Health Benefits of Turmeric:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-Cancer
• Maintains normal cholesterol levels
• Beneficial for liver function
• Prevents hardening of arteries
• Acts as an anti-oxidant
• Anti-bacterial

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 350g (12oz) organic long grain brown rice
• 1 tablespoon organic olive oil
• 2 medium organic onions, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice, squeezed from an organic or unwaxed lemon (not ready squeezed juice)
• 1 packet (approx. 285g (10oz)) of organic tofu, cubed

Wash the rice and drain well. Heat half the oil and sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes. Add the rice, bay leaves and sea salt, cover with boiling water and simmer until the rice is almost tender.

Add the remainder of the oil to another pan, add the turmeric and garam masala and cook for 3-4 minutes, then add the lemon juice. Stir in the tofu and leave to cook gently for 3-4 minutes.

About 5 minutes before the rice is ready add the tofu mixture and stir well. Continue simmering until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Before serving, remove the bay leaves.

For entertaining: try serving individual portions in hollowed halves of squash or melon.