1. Is there a yeast-free cocktail for the holidays?
2. Could my diet be making my skin dry and flaky?
3. I'm having a hard time falling asleep. Are those sleep-inducing drinks safe to try?

 I finally have my yeast overgrowth (and the sugar cravings it causes) under control. But with holiday parties coming up, I’m wondering: Can I have a few drinks without feeding the yeast?

Yes! Enjoying alcoholic beverages in moderation shouldn’t cause a yeast problem as long as you choose your drinks wisely. Avoid beer and wine since they’re not distilled following the fermentation process, which means they can contain yeast that is then introduced into your system. Plus, they have high levels of yeast-promoting sugars. Instead, stick with clear spirits like vodka, which are yeast-free—not to mention lower in sugar and calories. In my clinical tests, clients who opt for vodka have lower yeast levels and less bloat than those who drink wine or other spirits. I like vodka and cranberry juice with a splash of sparkling water.

If you prefer beer or wine, I suggest taking a daily dose ofY-C Cleanse. This homeopathic treatment kills yeast while increasing levels of probiotics that crowd out harmful bacteria.

I always moisturize once the weather turns colder, but this year lotion isn’t helping. The only difference compared with years past is that I recently lost 26 pounds on a low-fat diet. Could that be the cause of my dry skin?

It sounds like you may have scaled back on dietary fat a little too much. Insufficient levels of healthy fats trigger deficiencies in the essential fatty acids that lubricate and strengthen skin-cell membranes. To prevent such shortfalls, aim to get at least 1 Tbs. of liquid oil like olive oil, fish oil or flaxseed oil for every 100 pounds of body weight per day. And don’t worry about stalling your slimdown—the monosaturated and omega-3 fats in these oils are proven to promote fat burn.

Your skin’s luster should be restored within two weeks of increasing your fat intake. If not (particularly if you’re experiencing fatigue, chills and brittle nails), see a doctor. Very dry skin can also be a sign of hypothyroid disease.

I’m having a hard time falling asleep. Are those sleep-inducing drinks safe to try?

Beverages and snacks that promise to help you drift off typically contain melatonin, a sleep-promoting hormone that’s secreted by the brain throughout the night. The problem is, many of these products have such high doses of melatonin that they cause blood levels to spike (so you fall asleep), but levels then plummet as the hormone is processed by the body. This triggers the body’s wake cycle, often in the middle of the night.

That said, a melatonin supplement can help when levels are depleted by stress or excess exposure to evening light. The key is to take a time-released formula that delivers 3 mg of the hormone. This mirrors the body’s natural melatonin release to help you sleep through the night.