Q: Can acupuncture boost fertility?

A: The treatment of infertility with acupuncture dates back thousands of years and several studies suggest that this ancient therapy can improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing. For instance, a landmark study published in the respected medical journal Fertility & Sterility found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques.

Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Centre in New York reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

• Increase blood flow to the womb, which improves the chances of an egg implanting in the womb lining
• Reduce anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility
• Normalise hormones that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
• Positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility
• Regulate menstrual cycles

In my opinion, acupuncture provides a safe, effective, drug-free, and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy. However, if you are having problems getting pregnant I would not recommend it as your only option; especially if you are over the age of 35. In my experience acupuncture works best alongside an integrated approach to fertility including nutrition and conventional medical investigations.

Q: Is it okay for me to exercise when I have a cold? I have a stuffy nose and sore throat and am desperate to leave the confines of the sofa. Will exercise make me feel worse?

A: You can continue with mild or moderate activity if you have a cold with no fever. Exercise may even help you feel better — by temporarily relieving nasal congestion; but don’t over do it and exercise gently. Having a cold taxes your body. So give it some help by staying as warm and as rested and relaxed as you can.

So how do you determine if you’re too sick to exercise? Here’s a good rule of thumb: If your symptoms are above the neck — such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat — you can proceed with your workout. However, if your symptoms are below the neck — such as chest congestion or tightness, hacking cough, or upset stomach — you should postpone your workout. Also, you shouldn’t exercise if you have a fever, fatigue or widespread muscle aches.

This is because exercise is a stress on your body’s immune system and your immune system needs to be fighting off your illness. Plus if your cold is viral or you have a fever or flu there is a slight chance the infection will affect the muscle wall of your heart.

As always, use common sense. If you’re not feeling well but still want to exercise, reduce the intensity of your workout and listen to your body. If your symptoms worsen with exercise, stop and rest. Missing a few days of exercise isn’t the end of the world; swap your exercise time for some extra time in bed.

And to help your stuffy nose and sore throat try this natural remedy: Hot drinks can relieve congestion and soothe sore throats so juice four lemons and heat. Add one and a half tablespoons of honey. The lemon has high vitamin C content to help boost your immune system and the sweet, honey will sooth your throat.

Q: I recently bought some edamame seeds, tofu, alfalfa and quinoa because I read somewhere they were good for me. Could you tell me why they are so great and what I can do with them?

A: First of all I want to congratulate you for breaking out of your normal shopping routine and buying something new. Variety is the key to a healthy diet. Don’t be daunted by foods that have tricky or exotic sounding names as most of them are really easy to use and delicious tasting as well.

• Let’s start with tofu. Soya rich foods like tofu are so good for you because they can keep your cholesterol levels down and ease symptoms of the menopause. They are also rich in protein and calcium which is great for strong and healthy bones. Tofu absorbs flavours brilliantly so try marinating it as a meat or fish substitute in curries, casseroles, sandwiches and soup.
• Quinoa is a nutty grain that is richer in protein, calcium and iron than rice and wheat. It’s also packed with magnesium which is great for insomnia, pain relief, strong bones and easing PMS. Soak it for a few minutes and use it as substitute for rice, oats or pasta.
• Alfalfa is a brilliant source of iron which can really boost your energy. Try adding it to salad and sandwiches as you would cress.
• Finally edamame beans are baby soya beans that are a great source of protein and fibre. They have a tasty, nutty flavour and are a delicious alternative to peas that can fill you up for hours. You’ll find them in the freezer section of most supermarkets and all you need to do is boil them for a few minutes and serve with any meal, toss into a salad, stir fry them or take them to work with you as a snack.