Q: How can I tell the difference between hormonal slumps and depression and are there any natural alternatives to antidepressants?

A: We often say we are depressed when we’re feeling sad or disappointed about something. If these feelings don’t go away after a few weeks or they come back over and over again you may be clinically depressed.

Mild depression doesn’t just stop you leading a normal life but makes everything harder to do. At its most severe clinical depression can be life threatening.

It’s difficult sometimes to distinguish between the hormonal changes of the menopause and their effect on mood and the emotional stress of it. Other life events that may coincide with it like your children leaving home can affect you too. Also the older you get you’re more prone to depression risk factors such as bereavement and you are more likely to get depression if you’ve had it before or there is a family history of it.

Counselling is the best option if you suspect depression but because waiting lists are often long your doctor may suggest antidepressants. Discuss this carefully before accepting them as they can have unpleasant side effects. If you are on HRT there is no research saying you can’t take them but see your doctor first or if you have side effects while taking them.

As far as natural alternatives are concerned it goes without saying that a healthy diet will help as research has shown how a poor diet high in fat and sugar can trigger depression. Some foods like omega 3 oily fish also help. St John’s Wort can be helpful for mild depression. It works in a similar way to antidepressants but with fewer side effects. Do not take St John’s Wort if you are taking any other medication. Also it helps to keep your mind occupied and try to be active. Just 20 minutes a day of exercise can stimulate your brain and make you feel better.

Q: Is apple juice the best drink for toddlers?

A: Apple juice is a nutritious drink that can supply some of the health-promoting phytochemicals found in apples. But there’s no reason to use it as the main beverage, the way many parents do.

The idea that apple juice is somehow easier than citrus juice on children’s stomachs is quite untrue. The stomach’s digestive juices are far more acidic than any food or drink. Regardless of what juice is used, it is better not to dole out multiple glasses of juice between meals which can leave a toddler too full to get adequate nutrition at meals. Some snack-time juice is fine, but getting children in the habit of drinking water to satisfy thirst between meals will bring them many short- and long-term benefits. Also do not leave a baby or toddler sucking a bottle with juice in it as over the long term this can cause tooth damage.

Q: Every time my period is due I start to vomit and get severe abdominal pains. What can you suggest?

– Janet, Leeds

A: The medical term for painful periods is dysmenorrhoea and the pain can start up to 24 hours before the period actually begins. This can also be accompanied with vomiting like you experience or extreme tiredness, headaches, sweating and diarrhoea.

It is thought that the pain is caused by an imbalance in the production of substances called prostaglandins (anti-inflammatory drugs used for treating painful periods work by decreasing prostaglandins). For three menstrual cycles try eliminating or reducing all wheat, red meat and dairy products and increase your intake of oily fish, nuts and seeds as this will help to re-balance prostaglandin production.

I would also suggest that you take an Omega 3 fish oil supplement which acts as an anti-inflammatory. If you need more help then see my book The Nutritional Health Handbook for Women or go to www.MarilynGlenville.com