Ask Dr Chris: Dairy allergy, heart palpitations

Ask Dr Chris Steele: Dairy allergy and heart problems | Expert advice | Ask the doctor

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Every week we partner up with our sister magazine, Woman, to bring you expert health advice from This Morning's Dr Chris Steele MBE, health journalist of the year. This week he answers your questions about a dairy allergy and heart worries.

The problem: Dairy dilemma

I'm allergic to dairy products but I've heard if I avoid these I could suffer a calcium deficiency. Is there a supplement I can take?

Dr Chris' advice

Before resorting to supplements, always try to find natural sources as they contain extra nutrients that may be better absorbed. So eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables, as well as fish - especially sardines and pilchards, mashed up with the bones (a great source of calcium).

The problem: My heart skips a beat

I keep feeling my heart race and skip a beat. I'm 36 with two young kids and financial problems. Could it be stress?

Dr Chris' advice

You may be experiencing palpitations and stress could be the cause. Reduce your intake of caffeine - coffee, tea, cola drinks and chocolate. But there are many other possible causes, for example, smoking, thyroid imbalance, anaemia, medications and, most seriously, heart disease. See your GP if symptoms persist.

See more questions answered by Dr Chris

You can email Dr Chris Steele at goodtoknow or womanhealth@ipcmedia.com, marking the subject 'Dr Chris'. Sorry, but Dr Chris can't reply to letters personally. For further advice, go to Dr Chris' website at www.thefamilygp.com