I've been getting repeated attacks of cystitis, which can have me doubled over in pain. I've been taking antibiotics to deal with each bout, but would like to stop them from occurring in the first place. Do you have any advice?

Firstly, I've found that homeopathy can be one of the quickest and most successful ways to banish recurrent cystitis because it treats the underlying cause of the problem. I would recommend seeing a professional homeopath rather than attempting to self treat; see the Society of Homeopaths www.homeopathy-soh.org for a registered practitioner near you.

In the meantime there are several other things you can do to help. With your diet, increase immune-boosting antioxidants by eating lots of brightly coloured fruit and vegetables, particularly berries and green leafy vegetables which are very alkalising. Foods containing vitamins A and C - such as sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, kiwi fruit, strawberries, and broccoli - protect the urinary tract lining and help to fight infection. Garlic and natural yoghurt will also help to boost immunity. Drink 8-10 glasses of filtered or bottled water daily to prevent the urine becoming too concentrated. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary foods, all of which deplete immune function.

In terms of supplements, I would recommend Cellguard Forte, a potent antioxidant formula, plus Vitamin C Powder 2g daily, both by Biocare, available from healthfood shops. Echinacea tincture as a daily maintenance dose of 2-4ml is also helpful for keeping recurrent infections at bay, available from Xynergy Health Products www.xynergy.co.uk tel 08456 585858. Repeated courses of antibiotics leave our gut flora short of immune-boosting beneficial bacteria. Replenishing these can help to eliminate recurrent infections such as cystitis; for best results try Biocare's high strength Replete or Bioacidophilus Forte.

If you do get an attack, try drinking natural cranberry juice that has no added sugar; this contains hippuric acid which lines the urinary tract and prevents harmful bacteria from lodging there. Even though urinating is painful, still try to drink around 8-10 glasses of water to help dilute the bacteria and flush the system.

Stella New RSHom is a registered homeopath and dietary therapist based in West Sussex. Prior to her training she spent many years as an expedition leader, taking groups into some of the most challenging parts of the world, where she was inspired by the use of natural remedies for treating all manner of ailments. Email stella@stellanew.co.uk