Childhood dermatitis, often referred to as eczema, is a common skin condition that can cause significant discomfort for young children. While various factors can trigger or worsen dermatitis, nutrition plays a crucial role in managing its symptoms. 
 
This article provides a comprehensive guide for parents on how to support their child's skin health covering:

• Understanding childhood dermatitis
• Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods
• Identify and Eliminate Potential Food Triggers
• Incorporate Skin-Nourishing Nutrients
• Practical, Child-Friendly Meal Ideas
• Partnering Nutrition with Traditional Medicine

 
Understanding Childhood Dermatitis
 
Childhood dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that presents as dry, itchy, and inflamed patches on the skin. The most common form, atopic dermatitis, often starts in infancy or early childhood and can significantly impact a child's quality of life. The severity and persistence of dermatitis vary greatly from child to child, influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune-related factors.
 
For some children, dermatitis may be a temporary condition that resolves as they reach certain developmental milestones. Many children experience improvement or even complete remission by ages 4 to 5 or during early adolescence. This improvement is often due to the maturation of their immune systems, gut microbiome and skin barrier functions, which reduces sensitivity to triggers and allergens.
 
However, for others, dermatitis can persist into adolescence and adulthood, becoming a more chronic condition. Persistent dermatitis is often associated with a stronger genetic predisposition (such as a family history of eczema, asthma, or allergic rhinitis), more severe early-onset symptoms, or co-existing allergic conditions. For these children, dermatitis requires ongoing management that may combine dietary adjustments, topical treatments, and sometimes systemic medications to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
 
It's also important to note that while some children may "grow out" of dermatitis, others may continue to experience flare-ups triggered by environmental factors, stress, or certain foods, even after long periods of remission. An integrative approach that combines nutrition, traditional medical treatments, and lifestyle modifications can be highly effective in managing both the acute and long-term aspects of this condition.
 
By understanding the unique nature of each child's dermatitis, including its potential to resolve or persist, parents and healthcare providers can tailor treatment strategies that optimise skin health and overall well-being.
 
Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods
 
Inflammation is a hallmark of dermatitis. Including anti-inflammatory foods in a child's diet can help reduce the severity of skin inflammation and promote healing. Key anti-inflammatory foods to consider include:
 

• Fatty Fish - Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. For children who dislike fish, consider adding omega-3-rich supplements like fish oil or algal oil, but consult a healthcare provider first.
  
• Fruits and Vegetables - Colourful fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, spinach, and broccoli are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols, which help combat inflammation and support the skin barrier.
  
• Whole Grains - Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice provide fibre, which supports gut health and, by extension, skin health. Choose whole grains over refined options to minimise inflammation.

 
Identify and Eliminate Potential Food Triggers
 
For some children, certain foods can trigger dermatitis flare-ups. Common triggers include dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten. An elimination diet can help identify these triggers by removing potential culprits for a few weeks and gradually reintroducing them one at a time, observing any changes in the skin.
 

• Conducting an Elimination Diet – Elimination diets are useful but can be unsafe for young children. An eliminated food may cause a worse and even potentially dangerous reaction when reintroduced. Always undertake an elimination diet under the guidance of a healthcare or nutrition professional to ensure nutritional adequacy and avoid unnecessary food restrictions.
  
• Keeping a Food and Symptom Diary – I always encourage parents to keep a diary of what their child eats and any subsequent skin reactions. This can help pinpoint specific triggers and aid in creating a tailored diet plan. Here's a template version for you to download

 
Incorporate Skin-Nourishing Nutrients
 
Certain nutrients are vital for skin health and can help reduce dermatitis symptoms. These include:
 

• Zinc - Essential for wound healing and maintaining skin integrity, zinc is found in foods like pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and lean meats.
• Vitamin D - Known for its role in immune function, adequate levels of vitamin D can help manage inflammation. Encourage safe sun exposure and include foods like fortified cereals, eggs, and fatty fish.
• Probiotics and Prebiotics - A healthy gut microbiome is closely linked to skin health. Foods rich in probiotics (like yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods) and prebiotics (like bananas, asparagus, and garlic) can support a balanced gut environment and, potentially, reduce eczema symptoms. Caution however, as fermented foods can often be a trigger for flare for eczema sufferers.

 
Practical, Child-Friendly Meal Ideas
 
Creating meals that are both nutritious and appealing to children can be challenging. Here are a few ideas that incorporate skin-friendly nutrients:
 

• Omega-3 Fish Fingers: Make homemade fish fingers using wild-caught salmon or mackerel, coated in whole grain breadcrumbs and baked instead of fried.
• Colourful Veggie Smoothies: Blend spinach, avocado, and blueberries with a bit of banana for sweetness. Add a spoonful of flaxseed or chia seeds for an omega-3 boost.
• Chickpea and Veggie burgers: Create veggie burgers using mashed chickpeas, grated carrots, and courgette. Bake or pan-fry in olive oil for a nutrient-packed, child-friendly meal.

 
Partnering Nutrition with Traditional Medicine
Every child is unique, and their dermatitis triggers and nutritional needs can vary widely. Combining nutritional therapy with traditional medical approaches offers a more comprehensive strategy for managing childhood dermatitis.

• Complementary Care Plans: By integrating nutritional strategies with conventional treatments, such as emollients, topical corticosteroids, or antihistamines, a more rounded approach can be achieved. Nutrition can help address underlying inflammation and immune responses, while traditional medical treatments can provide immediate relief from symptoms.
• Collaborative Approach: Working in partnership with dermatologists, GPs, and Registered Nutritional Therapists ensures that all aspects of a child's care are considered. This collaboration allows for the development of personalised care plans that address both the internal (nutritional) and external (topical and medical) factors contributing to dermatitis.
• Enhanced Patient Outcomes: By combining the strengths of both nutritional therapy and traditional medicine, parents can help manage their child's dermatitis more effectively, potentially reducing flare-ups, minimising medication use, and improving overall skin health and well-being.

 If you are not sure what questions to ask your GP or dermatologist, here's a handout with a useful list to keep to hand. 

Work with a Registered Nutritional Therapist
 
Partnering with a nutritional therapist who specialises in childhood dermatitis can help create a personalised nutrition plan that targets your child's specific needs.
 

• Personalised Plans - A Registered Nutritional Therapist can help tailor an anti-inflammatory diet plan, identify food sensitivities, and ensure your child gets all the necessary nutrients for overall growth and skin health.
• Educational Support - They can also provide educational resources and support for parents to understand the nutritional choices that benefit their child's skin condition.

 
If you are considering getting support, you can always book in for a free introductory call. Your opportunity to ask questions and find out more.  You can book here:
 
In conclusion: 

Managing childhood dermatitis with the support of the right nutrition can significantly improve a child's quality of life. By focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, identifying potential triggers, and incorporating skin-nourishing nutrients, parents can provide substantial relief for their child's eczema symptoms. Remember, each child's journey with dermatitis is unique, and seeking professional guidance from a nutritional therapist can help tailor a strategy that works best for them.
 

Recent research has increasingly shown how important our gut health is in influencing many aspects of overall well-being, including the risk of developing allergies.
 
A new review has provided insights into how the gut microbiome, essentially the community of bacteria living in our digestive system, might impact allergy risk. It focuses on substances called short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). 
 
SCFAs, such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, are produced when our gut bacteria break down dietary fibres. These SCFAs are believed to have a protective effect against allergies.
 
What Did the Research Review Find?
 
This comprehensive review looked at studies published up until September 2022 to see how SCFAs are linked to allergies. The researchers analysed data from 37 studies. Out of these, 17 studies focused on SCFA levels during pregnancy or early childhood and their connection to the development of allergies later. The other 20 studies examined SCFA levels in people who already had allergies.
 
Key Takeaways: How SCFAs May Help Prevent Allergies
 
The review found some evidence that SCFAs, especially when present during the early years of life, may help protect against developing allergies. This was most noticeable for conditions like eczema, asthma or wheezing, and certain food allergies in children.
 
However, the protective effects varied depending on the type of allergy and the age at which SCFA levels were measured. This suggests that the relationship between gut health and our immune system is quite complex and requires further research.
 
How Can Nutrition Boost Gut Health and SCFA Production? 
 
Given the growing evidence of the benefits of SCFAs in preventing allergies, it's important to understand how our diet affects gut health and the production of these helpful compounds. Diet is a key player in shaping our gut microbiome, and certain foods can help increase SCFA production and improve overall gut health.
 
The Importance of Fibre-Rich Foods
 
SCFAs are mainly produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fibres. Foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds are rich in these fibres. Specific types of fibres, such as inulin, pectin, and resistant starch, are particularly good at promoting SCFA production.
 
Including a variety of fibre-rich foods in your diet can encourage a diverse gut microbiome, which is linked to higher SCFA levels and potentially a lower risk of allergies. For instance, apples, oats, chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, and bananas are excellent sources of prebiotic fibres that support healthy gut bacteria.
 
Fermented Foods: Boosting Gut Diversity
 
Fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso contain live bacteria that can help maintain a healthy gut. These probiotics work alongside dietary fibres to boost SCFA production. Regularly eating fermented foods has been associated with greater diversity in the gut microbiome, which may support SCFA production and overall gut health.
 
The Role of Polyphenols
 
Polyphenols, found in foods such as berries, green tea, and dark chocolate, also play a role in supporting gut health and SCFA production. These plant compounds act like prebiotics or food for the probiotics, by stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and enhancing the fermentation process that leads to SCFA production. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which may further help reduce the risk of allergies.
 
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fighting Inflammation and Supporting Gut Health
 
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Emerging research suggests that omega-3s may also positively affect the gut microbiome. While more studies are needed to understand their direct impact on SCFA production, omega-3s are beneficial for gut health and inflammation, which may help prevent allergies.
 
Cutting Back on Processed Foods and Sugars
 
Diets high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can harm gut microbiota diversity and reduce SCFA production. These types of foods are linked to higher inflammation levels and an increased risk of developing allergies. Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods while minimising processed options is essential for supporting gut health and optimising SCFA production.
 
Looking Ahead: More Research Needed
 
While the findings from this review are promising, more research is needed to understand exactly how and when SCFAs provide their protective effects. Figuring out whether certain SCFAs are more beneficial at specific stages of development could lead to new strategies for preventing and managing allergies.
 
There’s exciting potential for SCFAs to be used in future treatments for allergies. However, more detailed studies are needed to clarify which SCFAs are most helpful and how they could be used effectively.
 
Conclusion: A New Path in Preventing Allergies
 
This review highlights the increasing awareness of how our gut health plays a role in developing allergies, particularly through the production of SCFAs. While the evidence suggests SCFAs have a protective role, especially in early childhood, there is still much to learn about their full effects. As research advances, SCFAs may become a key part of preventing and managing allergies, offering new hope for those at risk.
 
By focusing on a balanced diet rich in fibre, fermented foods, polyphenols, and omega-3s, we can support gut health and promote SCFA production. This not only strengthens our gut microbiome but also enhances our overall health, making it a vital part of any strategy to prevent allergies. As this area of research grows, combining dietary changes with new microbiome-based therapies could greatly impact how we manage allergies in the future.
 
To read the review in full, follow this link:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38391245/

www.facebook.com/groups/417030973601268This weeks’ article comes thanks to one of my members in my Free Facebook group for carers of children with gut and/or skin issues. She asked for exactly what it says in the title. Ideas for gently supporting gut health whilst appealing to a fussy eater. 
 
At first glance it may appear that this article is only aimed at children, but it isn’t. You would be surprised how many adults have quite distinctive likes and dislikes when it comes to food. So, this is a great topic to tackle because it effects so many of us, whether we are a parent of a fussy eater, or whether we aren’t that keen on a few foods ourselves. 
 
Last thing before I delve properly into the topic.  My belief is that fussy eaters are born and not made and so I want to take any of notion of guilt straight out of the equation. This is the little anecdote that brought me to that conclusion: 
 
My first-born loves all food, a lot. As an infant/young child he was never happier than when he was eating, and we were amazed by how adventurous he was, so young. I of course, as a first-time parent, foolishly thought that this had something to do with my parenting skills.  As I was soon to find out, my son was born loving food, it had absolutely diddly squat to do with me.
 
My daughter then arrived, and if I was a suspicious sort, I would think that she came specifically to teach me a lesson. Food didn’t interest her. She didn’t like lumps right from the start – baby porridge was a no-no, she just spat it out. She would only eat vegetables that came from tins, and she could outlast my patience at the table, by a considerable mile. She was born suspicious of most foods and there was nothing I could do to change it. 
 
Well, I did manage, but it took years.  She is part of the reason I retrained as a Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I needed to know more, so I could feed her better. You’ll be pleased to hear that she now eats an amazing variety of foods and cooks for most of her friends. She still doesn’t like yogurts with ‘bits’, however. 
 
Anyway, enough digression. Today’s article is all about which nutrients are helpful to support gut health generally and some tips on how to subtlety incorporate them in the diet so that it slips past the most vigilant of fussy eaters. 
 
A quick overview of our digestive system and what it needs for health.
 
Before we get into the nutrients and tips, just a quick overview of the gut. The gut runs all the way from our mouth to our bottom. Digestion starts in the mouth, specifically for carbohydrates (bread, pasta, flour-based products, potatoes etc), once swallowed the food passes via the oesophagus and is drip fed into the stomach. It then passes through into the small intestine, where most digestion of nutrients takes place, before moving into the large intestine where water is removed, and our gut bacteria continues to break down matter and synthesises certain vitamins. We then finally pass what’s left as a stool, and the process is complete. The whole process is managed thanks to peristalsis, a wave like action that helps propel the food to each area of the digestive stages.
 
Many clients talk about gut problems, but that term is a little vague as issues can occur at any of the stages. We may eat too quickly and not chew enough so that the food is too large, and we experience a sensation that the food is hard to digest. We can have issues with our oesophagus so that some of the stomach acid comes up further than it should, and we experience reflux. We can have too much or even too little stomach acid so our foods, most commonly proteins, aren’t adequately broken down. We can have an issue with  digestive enzymes or bile acids. Bacteria can come up to the small intestine, where they shouldn’t be and trigger small intestinal bowel overgrowth (SIBO). We can have an unbalanced gut bacteria population and constipation in the large intestine. 
 
So which nutrients are good for our digestive system?
 
Here is a list of the nutrients, the tips on how to incorporate them will follow! 

1. Probiotics – most of us have heard of probiotics nowadays. These are the positive gut bacteria that are helpful.  Food sources of probiotics are things like natural yogurt (choose a live version) or kefir. Other probiotic foods are a little trickier for the fussy eater as they are fermented foods such as pickles, kimchi, sauerkraut etc. Although my daughter did go through a phase of loving the French cornichons (mini pickled cucumbers) !  Remember that any probiotics that are eaten don’t stay long in the gut, so you do need to keep having them.
2. Prebiotics – these are the foods that the probiotics love to eat and so are vital to help support our natural probiotic population. Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, leeks, onions, and garlic. Often these are the types of foods that are tricky to get passed a fussy eaters  eagle eye.
3. Soluble fibre found in oats, linseeds (ground flaxseeds), chia seeds and most vegetables including root vegetables.  Soluble fibre helps the synthesis of a short-chain fatty acid called n-Butyrate in the large intestine, which is an important nutrient for the gut walls. 
4. Zinc rich foods including beef, pork and chicken or seeds such as pumpkin seeds, sea vegetables and whole grains. Zinc is important for gastric acid and is also involved with tissue healing so helps support gut integrity. 
5. L-glutamine, food sources including eggs, beef, pork, poultry, dairy products, raw spinach, raw parsley, and cabbage. 
6. Bone broth is a great source of natural collagen, a key protein to support the gut lining. 

 
How to slip these ingredients into your fussy eater’s diet. 

1. Unless your fussy eater is dairy free, then including natural, live yogurt or kefir is probably the simplest way of introducing probiotics into their diet. If they aren’t that impressed with either, try mixing a tablespoon of one or the other into another type of yogurt that they like, or in with their cereal or porridge.
2. My daughter could spot an onion ‘bit’ at a hundred paces, so I spent her childhood mixing onions and garlic with carrots and a bit of broth to make a base for most of my cooking.  Roasting vegetables is also an easier way for children to eat them. Yes, steamed is better, but roasted is better than none. 
3. Porridge or flapjacks are the easiest way of including soluble fibre and usually goes down well with most people. Adding some ground flaxseed or chia is also relatively easy. 
4. Zinc rich foods are usually easy to incorporate, especially if an omnivore diet is followed. Plant-based sources can be trickier, but I would recommend toasting pumpkin seeds with a tiny bit of maple syrup and offering them as a snack.
5. L-glutamine foods are similar in ease to zinc rich foods if you stick to the animal-based proteins. Raw spinach can be blended into a smoothie. 
6. Bone broth – I get lots and lots of questions about bone broth from my clients, all concerned that it just sounds too difficult to include, but there are simple ways of incorporating it without your fussy eater knowing. I make a big batch and freeze it in ice-cube trays. I then grab some cubes when I am cooking rice, a stew, soup, or gravy and add them in. All the benefits and they won’t even notice! 

 
Sign up for my news to receive the published articles straight to your inbox. 
Read more by clicking below to see my previously published articles: 

• Motivated to change but struggling to stay on track? Tips for long term transformation.

• Symptoms but no idea what’s triggering them? Here are some tips to unravel the mystery.  
• Top Tips for Eating for the Planet without Compromising Your Nutrition 
• I want to eat more plant-based but pulses give me terrible digestive issues
• What is the atopic march?
• Why is eczema/atopic dermatitis itchier at night?
• You’ve been diagnosed with an atopic condition, but what does that mean? 
• Atopic dermatitis/eczema – a chronic condition that effects all ages 
• The skin microbiome, the key to good skin health  
• Autumnal Allergies – Yes, it is a thing
• If one-size-fits all diets worked, don’t you think we would have the magic formula by now?
  
  

Who Am I? 
I’m Jessica Fonteneau, the Eczema and Digestive Health Nutrition Expert. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients to help them change their diets, better manage their flares, and find relief.
 
My vocation is to help those with eczema and digestive issues, because I have suffered with these interlinked conditions since I was 6 months old, and I truly know what it is like to experience these debilitating conditions. 
 
Every client I have ever worked with has their own triggers and ideal nutrition. There is no such thing as ‘one-size-fits-all’. Whether you work with me one-to-one or use my guided tools, my objective is to help you uncover what works best for you, so that you take back control and experience relief. 
 
My guided programmes are only suitable for adults as children have very specific nutrition requirements. I do, however, work with many child clients as part of my clinic. 
 
I also offer two free communities for adults caring for children with eczema and digestive symptoms, feel free to come and join us and get some well-deserved support. 

• Free community for adults with skin and/or digestive issues
• Free community for carers of children with skin and/or digestive issues

 
To easily keep up with my articles, masterclasses, ebooks and online programmes and receive exclusive access to early bird offers, sign-up to my newsletter.  
 
Interested in what I do and who I am? Go to my website: www.jessicafonteneaunutrition.com

There comes a time in most parent’s life when you are faced with your child complaining of stomach-ache and asking to stay home from school. I know, it happened to me frequently with my youngest daughter. 
 
 It can be so hard to judge, especially with younger children, whether the issue is serious or simply an appeal for a day off.  My daughter has admitted that some of those earlier episodes were a case of her just wanting to stay home rather than face a test, but others were genuine. When her stomach aches started to interfere with her high-level sport practice, which she loved, I knew for sure that things weren’t right, and I consulted our GP who referred her to a gastroenterologist. In her case, all was well, but if you have any doubt about your child’s symptoms, consult your own medical practitioner. 
 
Whilst children’s stomach aches can be triggered by many things, for some it comes from Paediatric Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and this article will give an overview on: 

• Understanding paediatric IBS 
• Symptoms
• Managing paediatric IBS
• Tips for how to support your child diagnosed with IBS.

 
Understanding paediatric IBS
 
IBS, whether paediatric or adult, is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. That means that there is no physical damage to the gut, but rather a disorder in how the digestive system is working, which can lead to a range of distressing symptoms. 
 
Paediatric IBS often develops during adolescence, but some children develop the condition at a younger age. It is thought that up to 15% of the paediatric population suffers from this condition. 
 
The name Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can easily be confused with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) which encompasses Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, but it is a completely different condition. 
 
Symptoms of paediatric IBS

• Abdominal pain – one of the main hallmarks of IBS is recurrent abdominal pain or stomach aches.  Suffers often describe a crampy sensation that is felt anywhere in the abdomen and is often relieved by bowel movements. 
• Altered bowel habits. There may be changes in bowel habits and they could be diarrhoea or constipation, and some may alternate between the two. 
• Bloating and wind – excessive wind and bloating is often seen in paediatric IBS. This can lead to discomfort and abdominal pain. 
• Mucus in stool is observed in some children with IBS. 

 
Diagnosing paediatric IBS
 
Any children with persistent symptoms should see their medical practitioner.  It is worth being aware that diagnosing paediatric IBS can be challenging, because it overlaps with other gastrointestinal disorders, and it is usually diagnosed following a process of elimination via a combination of medical history, physical examination, and tests. 
 
If your family has any history of gastrointestinal disorders, then it is essential to share that information with your medical practitioner.  
 
Tips for how to support your child diagnosed with IBS.

• Whilst dietary modifications can be useful, it is important to consult with a nutrition practitioner before eliminating any foods or food groups out of your child’s diet. 
• A low FODMAP diet is often linked to IBS, but a child’s gut and microbiome are still immature and underdeveloped, removing so many foods could make things worse. 
• Fibre is important for bowel regularity but can sometimes trigger symptoms. Try introducing different types such as soluble or insoluble, cooked versus raw and see what works best with your child. 
• Probiotics are often suggested to support IBS, but supplements can often have the opposite to intended effects. I always recommend starting with probiotic foods such as fermented yogurt, kefir, pickled foods or kombucha, if your child is happy to try them. 
• Stress management is vital as stress and anxiety has been shown to make paediatric IBS symptoms worse. There are a host of meditation apps that are developed for children, think about introducing mindfulness at home. 
• School and social life. Children with IBS may face challenges at school and in social situations. Keeping the school, teachers, school nurse and parents of friends informed of your child’s condition can help ensure proper support wherever your child is. 

 
IBS in children is a real, but often misunderstood condition that can have a significant impact on a child’s daily life. Recognising the symptoms, seeking healthcare advice for proper diagnosis and nutrition support, and introducing some anxiety relief techniques are crucial to help improve quality of life. 
 
Sign up for my news to receive the published articles straight to your inbox. 
 
Read more by clicking below to see my previously published articles: 

• Understanding and managing infant dermatitis
• Are you constipated? My top tips for getting your bowel moving.

• Motivated to change but struggling to stay on track? Tips for long term transformation.

• Symptoms but no idea what’s triggering them? Here are some tips to unravel the mystery.  
• Top Tips for Eating for the Planet without Compromising Your Nutrition 
• I want to eat more plant-based but pulses give me terrible digestive issues
• What is the atopic march?
• Why is eczema/atopic dermatitis itchier at night?
• You’ve been diagnosed with an atopic condition, but what does that mean? 
• Atopic dermatitis/eczema – a chronic condition that effects all ages 
• The skin microbiome, the key to good skin health  
• Autumnal Allergies – Yes, it is a thing
• If one-size-fits all diets worked, don’t you think we would have the magic formula by now?
  
  

Who Am I? 
I’m Jessica Fonteneau, the Eczema and Digestive Health Nutrition Expert. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients to help them change their diets, better manage their flares, and find relief.
 
My vocation is to help those with eczema and digestive issues, because I have suffered with these interlinked conditions since I was 6 months old, and I truly know what it is like to experience these debilitating conditions. 
 
Every client I have ever worked with has their own triggers and ideal nutrition. There is no such thing as ‘one-size-fits-all’. Whether you work with me one-to-one or use my guided tools, my objective is to help you uncover what works best for you, so that you take back control and experience relief. 
 
My guided programmes are only suitable for adults as children have very specific nutrition requirements. I do, however, work with many child clients as part of my clinic. 
 
I also offer two free communities for adults caring for children with eczema and digestive symptoms, feel free to come and join us and get some well-deserved support. 

• Free community for adults with skin and/or digestive issues
• Free community for carers of children with skin and/or digestive issues

 
To easily keep up with my articles, masterclasses, ebooks and online programmes and receive exclusive access to early bird offers, sign-up to my newsletter.  
 

It’s a fascinating fact that before puberty, if you are born male, you are more at risk from childhood allergies, but that after puberty those born female are more likely to suffer from conditions relating to immune function including allergies and autoimmune conditions. (1,2)
 
It’s also reported that many people experience an onset, worsening or sometimes remission from eczema and IBS symptoms at certain times in the menstrual cycle or life stage e.g. pregnancy and menopause.
 
Have you ever considered why? 
 
Studies have hinted at the interaction of the neurotransmitter, histamine, and the hormones, oestrogen, and progesterone.  Today’s article, the fourth in my ‘histamine’ series, explores this emerging topic and includes: 

• Histamine a quick review.
• Oestrogen, progesterone, and the menstrual cycle
• Oestrogen, progesterone, and histamine, how might they interact? 
• Histamine levels linked to the menstrual cycle.
• Histamine and pregnancy
• Menopause and histamine imbalance
• My recommendations for keeping histamine in check.

 
Histamine, a quick overview
Histamine is a compound that acts as both a neurotransmitter and an immune system messenger. It is responsible for a range of roles, including immune response, vasodilation (the widening of the blood vessels), and stomach acid production.  Whilst histamine is vital for protecting the bodies against infection and supporting wound healing, too much histamine can lead to various health issues. 
 
 For more detail on how this might link to digestive health, skin conditions or autoimmunity, please see my previous articles, links below.
 
Oestrogen, progesterone, and the menstrual cycle
 
The menstrual cycle is an intricate ballet of hormonal fluctuations, depending on distinct phases, going from menstruation to the follicular phase, ovulation and finally the luteal phase.  During this cycle levels of sex hormones, including oestrogen, progesterone, luteinising hormone, and follicular stimulating hormone, rise and fall with the aim to prepare the body for pregnancy.
 
Oestrogen is a group of sex hormones (estrone, oestradiol and estriol) that plays a key role in the development and functioning of the female reproductive system. Less well considered is the fact that oestrogen also impacts bone health, cardiovascular function, cognitive function, and the modulation of the immune system.  Oestrogen levels are at their highest during the follicular phase, between the first day of a period and the next ovulation (days 1-14).  Oestrogen is primarily excreted from the body following detoxification via the liver. Some oestrogen is, however, recycled and remains in circulation which may lead to oestrogen levels being proportionately higher at some times. 
 
Progesterone, another vital hormone, works in step with oestrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the body for a potential pregnancy.  It also plays a role in thermoregulation (cooling you down or keeping your warm), skin health, brain function, and vitally has anti-inflammatory actions.  Progesterone levels are highest during the Luteal phase of your cycle. This is the phase directly after ovulation which lasts until your next cycle begins. 
 
Oestrogen, progesterone, and histamine, how might they interact? 
 
Research suggests that histamine levels are influenced by the hormonal fluctuations that happen during the menstrual cycle. 
 
Oestrogen has been demonstrated to encourage release of histamine from mast cells. This may explain the increase in symptoms such as allergies, migraines and eczema during the follicular phase, reported by many. (1)
 
Some studies, have indicated that oestrogen may not just trigger mast cells to produce histamine  but may also downregulate the production of DAO (diamine oxidase), one of the enzymes that breaks down histamine in the gut. (3,4)
 
Some studies suggest that progesterone may slow mast cells from releasing histamine. (5)
 
Histamine levels linked to the menstrual cycle.
 
A useful, but basic summary, particularly in relation to the topic we are discussing today is the fact that oestrogen can stimulate histamine production and progesterone is anti-inflammatory.  If we know that oestrogen levels are highest during the follicular phase and progesterone’s are highest in the luteal phase, then we can start to consider whether a person’s own symptoms can be mapped to their cycle.  
 
It is important to note that whilst some do report an increased sensitivity to histamine during certain phases of their cycle, many do not. 
 
Histamine and pregnancy
Hormone levels are increased during pregnancy and for those sensitive to histamine, an increase in skin or digestive issues may be experienced at that time. Morning sickness can also be related to histamine’s role in stomach acid production. 
 
On the other hand, during pregnancy the immune system is naturally heightened, which for some results in remission from eczema or other symptoms for the duration of the pregnancy. 
 
Menopause and histamine imbalance
 
The menopause marks the end of the reproductive years and is characterised by a host of hormonal changes including the reduction of oestrogen and the almost total cessation of progesterone production. 
 
Remember, oestrogen can induce histamine production whereas progesterone counter acts the effect with its anti-inflammatory role. So, during the menopause when progesterone levels are almost nil, but oestrogen continues to be produced, the scene is set for histamine load to be higher, and many menopause symptoms are directly related to this, including: 

• Hot flushes. Vasodilation triggered by histamine. 
• Disturbed sleep caused by histamine’s role in the sleep/wake cycle.
• Mood swings and anxiety. High levels of histamine may disturb overall neurotransmitter balance leading to anxiety and mood swings.
• Digestive issues. Reflux, bloating and stomach aches can be linked back to histamine’s role in stomach acid production.
• Skin issues, particularly eczema. Over production of histamine leading to severe eczema flares in susceptible individuals.

 
My recommendations for keeping histamine in check.

1. If you still have a cycle, track it and any symptoms you may experience. Do you find that they get worse at the same point in your cycle each month? The follicular phase (days 1-13) is when oestrogen levels are at their highest and when you might experience worse symptoms.
2. If you identify that you have more premenstrual, perimenopausal, menopausal, skin, autoimmune or digestive symptoms during the follicular phase, consider how you might be able to lower your overall histamine load. 
   1. Food sources - Ensuring you don’t have too many high histamine foods at the same time or close together, might help lower the histamine load. HOWEVER, histamine can be found in many foods and there are many, many contradicting food lists available on the internet. Eliminating more and more foods is not the answer and could be very dangerous for your health. Consulting with a nutrition professional is recommended. Follow this link for a list of common high-histamine foods. 
   2. Reduce any alcohol consumption so that your liver has the capacity to process the oestrogen rather than send it off for recycling.
   3. Stress can increase your histamine load. What 10-minute activity could you do every day that helps with self-care and lowers your stress levels?
3. Vitamins C and B6 are thought to help regulate histamine. Common food sources include:
   1. Vitamin C: red pepper, parsley, orange, lemon, cooked broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
   2. B6: poultry salmon and chickpeas.
4. Find out how your genetics may impact your relationship with histamine but also your hormones. The Lifecode Gx Histamine Intolerance and Hormones tests can help unravel where you might need additional nutrition and lifestyle support.  As a Lifecode Gx practitioner I can offer this testing as part of my practice. Click here to find out more.

 
If on medication, please speak to your GP/consultant before making any changes to your diet. 
 
 
If you are interested in histamine and its impact on symptoms, this article is the second in a series I am currently publishing covering.  The series in total will include:

1. What is the histamine and eczema/dermatitis link? (Already published, view using the link)
2. What’s the histamine and gut health connection? (Already published, view using the link)
3. What is the histamine and auto-immune conditions link? (Already published, view using the link)
4. Histamine and oestrogen – why histamine may trigger skin and gut issues at the menopause. (Today's article) 
5. Histamine Intolerance is it really a thing? 

 
Sign up for my news to receive the published articles straight to your inbox. 
 
Read more by clicking below to see my previously published articles: 

• Motivated to change but struggling to stay on track? Tips for long term transformation.

• Symptoms but no idea what’s triggering them? Here are some tips to unravel the mystery.  
• Top Tips for Eating for the Planet without Compromising Your Nutrition 
• I want to eat more plant-based but pulses give me terrible digestive issues
• What is the atopic march?
• Why is eczema/atopic dermatitis itchier at night?
• You’ve been diagnosed with an atopic condition, but what does that mean? 
• Atopic dermatitis/eczema – a chronic condition that effects all ages 
• The skin microbiome, the key to good skin health  
• Autumnal Allergies – Yes, it is a thing
• If one-size-fits all diets worked, don’t you think we would have the magic formula by now? 
  
  

Who Am I? 
I’m Jessica Fonteneau, the Eczema and Digestive Health Nutrition Expert. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients to help them change their diets, better manage their flares, and find relief.
 
My vocation is to help those with eczema and digestive issues, because I have suffered with these interlinked conditions since I was 6 months old, and I truly know what it is like to experience these debilitating conditions. 
 
Every client I have ever worked with has their own triggers and ideal nutrition. There is no such thing as ‘one-size-fits-all’. Whether you work with me one-to-one or use my guided tools, my objective is to help you uncover what works best for you, so that you take back control and experience relief. 
 
My guided programmes are only suitable for adults as children have very specific nutrition requirements. I do, however, work with many child clients as part of my clinic. 
 
I also offer two free communities for adults caring for children with eczema and digestive symptoms, feel free to come and join us and get some well-deserved support. 

• Free community for adults with skin and/or digestive issues
• Free community for carers of children with skin and/or digestive issues

 
To easily keep up with my articles, masterclasses, ebooks and online programmes and receive exclusive access to early bird offers, sign-up to my newsletter.  
 
Interested in what I do and who I am? Go to my website: www.jessicafonteneaunutrition.com
 
References: 

1. Chen W, Mempel M, Schober W, Behrendt H, Ring J. Gender difference, sex hormones, and immediate type hypersensitivity reactions. Allergy Eur J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008;63(11):1418–27. 
2. Pali-Schöll I, Jensen-Jarolim E. Gender aspects in food allergy. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol [Internet]. 2019;19(3). Available from: https://journals.lww.com/co-allergy/Fulltext/2019/06000/Gender_aspects_in_food_allergy.12.aspx
3. McCallion A, Nasirzadeh Y, Lingegowda H, Miller JE, Khalaj K, Ahn SH, et al. Estrogen mediates inflammatory role of mast cells in endometriosis pathophysiology. Front Immunol. 2022;13(August):1–15. 
4. Afrin LB, Dempsey TT, Rosenthal LS, Dorff SR. Successful mast-cell-targeted treatment of chronic dyspareunia, vaginitis, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. J Obstet Gynaecol (Lahore) [Internet]. 2019 Jul 4;39(5):664–9. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/01443615.2018.1550475
5. Chiarella SE, Cardet JC, Prakash MPHYS. Sex Steroid Receptors and Signaling Airway Epithelial Cells Airway Smooth Muscle Cells The Mononuclear Phagocyte System Innate Lymphoid Cells Eosinophils Unresolved Clinical Questions and Future Directions. 2021;