Live webchat with nutritionist Jane Clarke, Tues 8 Feb, 12.30pm-1.30pm. UPDATE - Jane returning to answer questions she missed tonight - Tuesday 15th Feb 7.30

[GeraldineMumsnet]

We're delighted that nutritionist Jane Clarke is joining us for a webchat at 12.30pm on Tues 8 Feb.

Jane, who is a qualified dietitian, says her mission is to change people's lives through the power of nourishment.

Her latest book, Nourish, explains nutritional needs at every stage of life - children, teens, adulthood, pregnancy, middle age and over-60s.

She runs two dietetic practices (her specialist practice assists patients who have cancer and their families) and advises some of Britain's leading sportspeople.

Grab this opportunity to quiz an expert nutritionist, and join Jane on Tuesday. But if the timing doesn't work for you, post your question here as usual.

[DolceeBanana]

Hi Jane

I have 3 children (4.5, 3.5 and 16 months)...The eldest, my son has always been far pickier than his sisters. He hates fish and will pften gag when encouraged to taste it. We eat a fairly healthy, balanced diet of home cooked food. How would you coax him to eat anf enjoy fish?

Many thanks

[JaneClarke1192]

Hi Jane,

I have had several miscarriages over the last year (diagnosed with over-active natural killer cells, sub-clinical hypothyroid and Factor V Leiden), and the only time that I successfully carried a pregnancy I was on a very low carb diet.

Even when not low-carbing I generally eat a healthy diet, with very few sugary foods or ready meals.

I wanted to ask whether you believe that there such thing as an optimal fertility diet?

Thanks [/quote]

The relationship between specific foods and fertility is a little complex, so I'm sorry if I don't get to cover this completely today. It's interesting that you have found that a low carb diet has been successful, as i suspect that it may have something to do with the relationship which exists between insulin and the other reproductive hormones. eating a low carb diet can help some women but i would say that one thing worth checking is that your diet is as all round nourishing as possible, rich in good quality lean proteins and vegetables and fruits as you're more likely to ensure that you have plentiful amounts of beneficial nutrients such as zinc and vitamin C. there is a chapter in my book-this is not meant to be a plug, but there is so much more to say and I've run out of time. do feel free to come and see me though in my practice if you'd like to.

[angelcake99]

Thanks for your advice Jane.

I will give it all a go. What a good excuse for a new perfume too!

[JaneClarke1192]

@ItsGraceAgain

Hi, Jane.
I've got CFS/ME and want to get better.

I eat a lot of meat, fruit & veg, and I take a multivitamin + mineral supplement plus Omega3 and Vitamin C. Do you know of anything else (affordable) that could help support my poor, tired system?

Thanks.

Grace, I'm sorry to hear about ME as I know from having treated so many people with ME how debilitating it can be. Try as much as you can to have three protein rich meals a day as you'll probably find that this helps maintain a good blood sugar control, which can maintain better energy levels-this could be an omelette, scrambled eggs, a quick tuna fish salad or some cold cut deli hams or smoked salmon, made as an open sandwich on a slice of wholemeal bread.

[GeraldineMumsnet]

Sadly, Jane's out of time but we're talking to her about doing a Q&A or an evening webchat, so she can get through some more of your questions. We'll post when we've got details.

Thanks v much to Jane. And to everyone who took part.

[ThePosieParker]

Hi there, I've had eating issues since I was in my teens, losing weight by not eating but because my appetite disappears, then ballooning from under 6st to over 12st in pregnancy. What foods can I eat that will inspire me to eat well? [miracle question]

[JaneClarke1192]

sorry everyone for having to rush off, but I really look forward to being here again.

[ThePosieParker]

Bugger..........

[ItsGraceAgain]

Just want to post my thanks to Jane :) Glad I squeezed in there!

I was aware that protein is vv important for managing energy levels in CFS/ME, but hadn't thought to start the day with it [dumb emoticon]

Bacon & eggs from now on

[VenetiaLanyon]

Thanks very much Jane

[Rindercella]

Jane, thank you very much for taking the time to respond to my questions.

[jonicomelately]

Why did she post so few answers?

Mine was the first one

[RachelMumsnet]

Jane had to rush off this afternoon to an appointment at her clinic and she was disappointed not to get through more of your questions. As she said, she didn't want to rush the answers because the questions are quite specific and involved. However, she would love the opportunity to answer more of your questions and we'll keep you posted on this. In the meantime, you can find out more about Jane at her website Jane Clarke and her book Nourish is available now.

[jonicomelately]

OK. Thanks.

[IngridBergmann]

Some nice answers, it's a shame it wasn't longer, these things need to be accurate and thought through don't they though.

Glad she answered Rinders but it looks like Rinders will need to go and buy a book

anyway...a good start, if she's coming back!

[jonicomelately]

I'm glad she answered Rinders as well

[FunnysInTheGarden]

Oh, Thanks Jane for answering my question. I totally understand though that you need to put you daughter first. Will look out your books and continue to sneer at John Briffa in the meantime..................

[crissyboo]

Hi Jane

I have an underactive thyroid and currently take 150mg thyroxine a day, however I am constantly tired and am gaining weight despite going to the gym 3 times a week and trying to follow weight watchers. Are there any foods I can eat or supplements I could take to boost my thyroid level??? It is really starting to get me down now :( I also have psorisis and depression.

[goldenticket]

Oh shame - really hope she can come back and answer a few more.

[RachelMumsnet]

Really pleased to tell you that Jane has agreed to come back tomorrow evening between 7.30 and 8.30 to tackle some of the questions posted up here that she didn't get time to answer last week.

[goldenticket]

Brilliant, thank you Jane!

[SameAsYou]

Thats fantastic would really love it if my question was answered!

[AtYourCervix]

Dear Jane - So glad you are coming back.

I am despairing over DDs diet (see my original Q on P1). She just eats crap. We all eat normally, proper meals, vegetables, fruit etc. She doesn't.

[JaneClarke1192]

Hi everyone, sorry for being a few minutes late but the traffic was horrendous, but I'm here now and ready to start chatting and working through your questions.
one thing just to remind you about is the fact that my answers should be taken as a general why don't you try this type of help, rather than a specific therapeutic comment. If you're at all worried about anything then feel free to come and see me in my practice.

[JaneClarke1192]

@ByThePowerOfGreyskull

Hi Jane,
I have a seemingly healthy diet, fruit or veg at every meal, I don't cut out any food groups and try to have a balance of thirds on my plate.

However, I am a very windy person (both ends) and I get huge cramps from time always in the same place - just slightly in from my right hip bone.

I haven't yet managed to work out what it could be.. any tips?

wind is always an awkward subject to bring up, but it's oh so common, so I'm glad you have..
so a few things to try-have you first of all thought about keeping a food and symptom diary for a few days as this could show you if there is any specific food or food type, such as brassicas like cabbage, artichokes, sprouts etc which could be making things worse or just not suiting you. it's a good place to start as it gives you some pointers hopefully. It's my experience from treating this problem for many people that it's often down to a combination of sometimes having too much raw foods-try a week of eating cooked vegetables and fruits instead of raw and see if this makes a difference. equally you may find that a couple of remedies could help-my favourites are aloe vera juice, which as disgusting as it is to drink, it can soothe a windy gut and also try taking a pre and probiotic supplement containing about 4 billion cultures of probiotics, for a few weeks to see if rebalancing the gut bacteria helps too. good luck!