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 In my 10 years in clinic, specialising in skin health, I’ve seen first-hand the profound impact diet and lifestyle choices have on skin health. One area that is increasingly grabbing attention is the skin microbiome and its role in conditions like dermatitis/eczema.
In this article I’ll explore what the skin microbiome is, its connection to dermatitis and how paying it some attention can be a crucial step in managing this challenging condition. The skin microbiome: Our body’s first line of defence. You’ve probably heard of the gut microbiome, the population of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses that live in our gut, but you may not have heard of the skin microbiome. The skin microbiome has a similar community of microorganisms that live on our skin and this complex ecosystem is vital in the protection of our skin from harmful pathogens, inflammation regulation and overall skin health. The skin microbiome is not only part of the skin barrier that stops unwelcome organisms from entering the blood stream, but it also acts as a crucial go-between from the outermost skin layer and the immune system. It is crucial that a balance of microorganisms be maintained to support the health of any organ that has a microbiome, including skin and gut. When an imbalance occurs in the skin microbiome, skin conditions such as eczema can emerge or worsen. Eczema and Microbiome Balance Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is characterised by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Research has shown that individuals with eczema often have an altered or unbalanced skin microbiome. (1,2). Eczema patients frequently have an increase in the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria which plays a role both in inflammation and possible infection. This imbalance can disrupt the skin’s barrier function, making it more susceptible to irritants and allergens, further worsening eczema symptoms. Nurturing the Skin Microbiome The good news is that we can nurture our skin microbiome, just as we can support our gut bacteria population. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Barbarot S, Aubert H. Physiopathologie de la dermatite atopique. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2017;144:S14–20. 2. Nakatsuji T, Gallo RL. The role of the skin microbiome in atopic dermatitis. Ann Allergy, Asthma Immunol [Internet]. 2019;122(3):263–9. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2018.12.003 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:
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.
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
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 As I look out the window and watch the endless, pouring rain, I think of a dermatitis trigger that loves this type of weather, mould.
There have been quite a few truly tragic stories in the media over the past year, highlighting the devastating impact mould can have on health, particularly in relation to respiratory conditions, but did you even consider whether mould might be triggering your dermatitis flare? In this blog post, I’ll delve into the intricate relationship between mould exposure and dermatitis and explore ways to reduce the risks. A short mould overview. Mould refers to a type of fungus that thrives in damp and humid environments, basically the UK. Common indoor moulds include Aspergillus, Fusarium Stachybotrys chartarum and Clasporium Herbarum. Stachybotrys chartaruium and Clasporium Herbarum are visible as black mould, but some other moulds are practically invisible to the naked eye. Mould tends to develop in areas that are out of sight. Just this week, I had a message from a client who said “you know you were questioning me around mould, and I said that there absolutely wasn’t any in my home? Well, we’ve just changed the floor in our kitchen and guess what we found under the lino”. Moulds, including the infamous black mould, thrive in damp environments such as kitchens, basements, and bathrooms. They can grow on various surfaces, including paper, wood, and fabrics. When mould touches the skin, or when individuals with a mould sensitivity inhale the spores, it can trigger different types of skin rashes characterized by redness, itching, swelling, and sometimes small bumps or blisters. Dermatitis, what does it encompass? Dermatitis is a broad term encompassing a whole host of skin conditions from Atopic Eczema to contact dermatitis and even Cutaneous Aspergillosis a skin condition directly linked to the Aspergillus mould. The Mould/Dermatitis Connection Research has shown a compelling connection between mould exposure and development or worsening of dermatitis symptoms. People who live or work in damp environments with high mould concentrations have been observed to be more susceptible to skin issues. It is believed that contact, either directly or via minute mould spores landing on the skin or being breathed in, can trigger inflammation that leads to the symptoms so common in dermatitis or eczema: red patches, itching and often pain. The most common types of dermatitis linked to mould are:
Mycotoxins Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by some mould species and which add another complex layer to the mould/dermatitis connection. These substances can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. When mycotoxins come into direct contact with the skin, they can disrupt the skin barrier function, leading to increased permeability or leaky skin and higher risk of skin irritations. Mycotoxins have been found to trigger rosacea, eczema and even acne. Immune Response As previously touched on, both mould and mycotoxin exposure can trigger an immune response, leading to both inflammation and skin reactions. Whilst dermatitis isn’t considered an autoimmune condition, the constant igniting of the immune response is tiring for the body and can lead, in turn, to increased susceptibility to infections and inflammation. An exhausting vicious cycle. Diagnosis If you suspect that mould is triggering your skin, then you should go and see your GP for a diagnosis. Blood tests, finger-prick or patch testing can determine whether mould is an issue for you. Common medical treatments include over-the-counter antihistamines and cortisone creams. Nutrition practitioners also have access to some functional tests which may be useful. Tips for Prevention If you have recurrent dermatitis and are at a loss as to why it is constantly triggered, then it may be worth exploring whether mould might be a cause:
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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.
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  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!
How to slip these ingredients into your fussy eater’s diet.
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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.
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  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal condition that affects millions of people in Western societies. Incidence of IBS is on the increase with more and younger people being diagnosed and experiencing symptoms including stomach pain, bloating and irregular bowel movements. Exact causes are unknown, and IBS remains the common diagnosis once all other digestive conditions have been ruled out. Ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPFD) are increasing in both consumption and visibility, but so too is the amount of evidence growing that highlights this food group’s problematic relationship with health. This article will explore the association between consumption of UPFDs and IBS and will give 5 tips on how to transition away from UPFDs if you suffer from IBS. A quick IBS overview IBS is a complex and often long-term (chronic) digestive disorder that effects the large intestine or colon. IBS is considered a functional gut disorder as there is no damage to the gut. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but include a combination of the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult with a medical practitioner. IBS is thought to be caused by several triggers including gut motility (the movement of your stool through your gut), gut microbiome and gut hormones. Diet and stress have been identified as triggers for onset or worsening of IBS symptoms. Ultra-Processed Foods and Drinks. The jury is still out on the classification of what makes a UPFD, however since 2013 the NOVA classification developed by Monteiro et al., (6) has been the system most quoted. The NOVA classification divides products into four categories, from unprocessed or minimally processed foods to ultra-processed foods and drinks: 
In a nutshell, UPFDs are highly processed products that usually contain a long list of additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. They can be found packaged in bright, colourful packaging and they are promoted as being convenient as well as being delicious and economical, as they usually have long shelf lives. How UPFDs affect gut health including IBS When a person is diagnosed with IBS, they are often recommended a low FODMAP diet which is fundamentally a very low fibre diet. Many of my clients come to me saying that ultra-processed foods are those that they tolerate the best on this way of eating. What they don’t realise is whilst these foods and drinks appear to be more easily digested, they are, in fact, reinforcing and exacerbating the problem. Studies have shown that the gut microbiome is different in those who regularly eat UPFDs and those that don’t. Those whose diet includes many UPFDs tend to have a larger population of gut bacteria that is considered more pro-inflammatory (triggers more inflammation). There are numerous ways in which UPFDs affect gut health and can contribute to IBS including:
5 Top Tips for Transitioning Away from Ultra-processed foods if you have IBS. Caution: someone with IBS who has been following a low FODMAP or low-fibre diet shouldn’t suddenly change their diet. I would strongly recommend that anyone wishing to modify their diet consult with a medical or nutrition practitioner.
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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.
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 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 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
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.
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:
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.
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  Understanding and Managing Infant Dermatitis Infant dermatitis is a common skin condition that affects babies in infancy. Whilst it can be distressing for both parents and babies, it’s vital to remember that most cases can be effectively managed with proper care and management. This article is aimed at parents whose infants have recently been diagnosed with dermatitis and will explore:
The different types of infant dermatitis
Causes There are different possible causes, depending on the type:
Role of Nutrition Nutrition is the foundation of all our cells, including skin cells and it can have an impact on the development and management of infant dermatitis. In the past allergens were strictly avoided in infants, but research has uncovered that this may make food allergies more prevalent. The guidelines, now are:
Nutrients that support healthy skin Some nutrients are essential for skin health generally, so if your infant is weaned and hasn’t demonstrated any allergies or intolerances, then consider including the following nutrients into their regular nutrition can be supportive:
My tips for managing infant dermatitis.
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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.
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 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:
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.
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
 Foods, ingredients, or molecule intolerances appear to be on the rise and whilst some such as gluten or histamine are well known, others, such as salicylates, are more misunderstood. This article will delve into this lesser-known phenomenon exploring:
What are salicylates and what is a salicylate intolerance? Salicylates are natural chemicals found in many plants who use them to defend themselves against pests, bacteria, and environmental stressors. Salicylates are anti-inflammatory and as such have also been synthetically reproduced in laboratories for uses in medications, including aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Salicylic acid has excellent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, leading to its common use as an ingredient in processed foods, condiments, cosmetics, and beauty products. In terms of food, salicylates are found in many plant foods to a higher or lesser extent. Some of the foods that are common triggers are:
Salicylate intolerance is where a person’s system has difficulty metabolising and tolerating salicylates, leading to a range of symptoms. The phenomenon was initially observed in medically diagnosed patients with either aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) or NSAIDs-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) (1,2). In the cases of both AERD and NERD, high doses of chemical salicylates can trigger asthma, rhinosinusitis and urticaria. Clinical case studies have observed that for some, simply eating a diet high in salicylates can contribute to a variety of symptoms, although this can vary from person to person and may also depend on the quantity of salicylates eaten or exposed to over a short period of time. Which symptoms are linked to salicylate intolerance? Whilst respiratory and skin symptoms are the most recognised symptoms of salicylate intolerance, there are others including:
What does the science say causes this condition? As with so many conditions, the exact cause of salicylate intolerance is not well understood, however there are some areas which are being explored:
How is salicylate intolerance medically diagnosed? Diagnosis of salicylate intolerance is tricky, mainly because of the number of overlapping symptoms with other conditions. A medical or nutrition practitioner will undertake:
For many, a salicylate intolerance is linked to other conditions or genetics and is not, itself, the root cause. Sufferers tend to go heavily down the elimination root, which whilst does initially provide relief, is not a sustainable or healthy long-term solution. Working with a practitioner to discover the main trigger of the sensitivity is key. Suggestions for managing a suspected salicylate intolerance.
If on medication, please speak to your GP/consultant before making any changes to your diet.
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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.
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:
 The trees begin to lose their leaves, and you sigh a great sigh of relief thinking that the hay fever and seasonal allergies season is finally over. Then you realise that you are still getting symptoms – itchy eyes, runny nose, a dermatitis flare. It is very possible and even probable that you are suffering from Autumnal allergies.
TV adverts and magazine articles would have you think that hay fever and seasonal allergies only happen in the spring and summer, but that isn’t the case. Autumn brings its own set of allergens ready to trigger a runny nose, atopic dermatitis, and itchy eyes. If it isn’t plant pollen, what are the autumnal triggers that can cause so many issues? Weed pollen, mould spores and house mites are the most common triggers for Autumnal allergies, read on to find out more details and to get my 5 tips to lessen the autumnal allergy symptoms. Weed Pollen Not all pollen producing plants flower in spring. A whole category of weeds flower in the autumn and produce the highly allergenic weed pollen. These plants usually flower from late August until the first frost (usually around the end of November but growing later with climate change). This category of plants includes common weeds found in the UK such as nettles and sorrel but also varieties that are much newer to the UK and Europe such as the American Ragweed. Not only is ragweed a recent invader, but it also produces one of the highest amounts of pollen, causing uncomfortable hay fever and dermatitis symptoms in many sufferers. Mould Spores Mould is around us all the time, but at this time of year levels peak with the falling leaves gently composting on the ground releasing large amounts of allergenic spores. These are the main types of mould which have been highlighted as being triggers for allergy symptoms: Cladosporium Herbarum – this is a black mould that you can sometimes be found on bathroom walls or in a fridge, but it is also found on rotting vegetation. This is the considered the most allergenic of the moulds as it is easily airborne and so can spread quickly. Penicillium Notatum – found in decomposing leaves and soil. This mould is also the type you find on food that is going off eg. bread and fruit. Alternaraia Alternata – mainly found in rotting wood and therefore, forests, but can also be present on food and textiles. Dust Mites Many sufferers of asthma, eczema or hay fever also have a dust mite allergy and whilst dust mites exist all year, reactions tend to peak in autumn as the weather becomes damp but remains relatively warm and we retreat inside and close our doors and windows, but we haven’t yet put our heating on. 5 Tips to Lesson the Autumnal Allergy Symptoms
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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.
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  Blood sugars and continuous blood sugar monitors are all the rage and for good reason. Maintaining a stable blood sugar level isn’t just vital for metabolic health and weight, but also plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin and a normal functioning gut. This article will explore the connections between stable blood sugars and both skin and gut health and will provide practical tips to achieve and maintain this important balance:
The role of stable blood sugars Before we go into the detail of blood sugar and skin and gut health, here’s a quick overview of how important blood sugars are, so that we put it all in context. Simplistically, blood sugar is our main source of energy, and we get it primarily from eating carbohydrates which our digestive system then breaks down to glucose. This then enters our blood stream and provides energy to cells. Stable blood sugars are vital for lots of reasons, but here are the most cited ones:
 Blood sugars and skin health There are several ways that blood sugars can have an impact on skin health including:
Blood sugars and gut health Blood sugars and gut health aren’t usually associated by most people; however, high blood sugar levels can influence:
My top tips for keeping your blood sugars stable.
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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.
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:
 Histamine intolerance is a recently identified but increasingly considered condition that, whilst not life-threatening, can trigger a range of uncomfortable and often debilitating symptoms. The disparity and variety of symptoms that can be attributed to this condition are so widespread that it took time for the scientific community to observe the common denominator, and it is often misdiagnosed in general practice. This, the fifth and last article in my ‘histamine’ series, will delve into this condition that is grabbing the attention of the healthcare community, providing you with information that may help you unravel whether histamine intolerance may be a factor in your health. The article covers:
What is histamine intolerance? Histamine intolerance, also known as histaminosis or histamine sensitivity, is an increasingly recognised condition that affects a significant number of people worldwide. (1,2) is usually defined as the inability to adequately breakdown histamine. Histamine is a neurotransmitter, found throughout the body, but specifically in the skin, respiratory tract, and the digestive system. It is involved in numerous processes including stomach acid production, and vasodilation (the widening of the blood vessels), but is more commonly known for its pivotal involvement in the immune response. It is believed that individuals who suffer from histamine intolerance have a deficiency or dysfunction of the DAO (diamine oxidase) or HNMT (histamine-N-methyltransferase, enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down histamine in the body. This slowing of histamine degradation leads to a possible accumulation of histamine, leading to a variety of symptoms, depending on the individual. It is thought that histamine intolerance prevalence is higher in children than in adults (3), but further studies are needed. My clinical experience, working with many infants and young children with digestive and skin symptoms, is that when true IgE allergies have been ruled out, histamine intolerance is often a route to be explored. Lowering an overall histamine load, rather than assuming that multiple food intolerances are at play, can allow children to retain the all-important macro and micronutrient variety, rather than putting them at risk of strict and restrictive elimination diets which oftentimes worsens the situation and puts their health at risk. Histamine intolerance has, in the past, often been misdiagnosed as whole host of other diseases including food allergy and intolerances, urticaria, eosinophilic gastroenteritis amongst others. When clients come to see me with negative allergy/intolerance testing, but who swear blind that such and such a food triggers a reaction, histamine intolerance is something that immediately springs to mind. Which symptoms hint at a possible histamine intolerance? As I’ve already explored in previous articles (see links at the end of this feature), histamine intolerance can manifest in a variety of different symptoms, hence the diagnosis difficulty. Common symptoms include:
What are the possible contributory causes? There are several possible contributory causes to histamine intolerance, but the main theory involves the concept of an overall histamine ‘load’ or the cumulative effect of several factors, including:
Please note that not every individual will be affected by all the above, and this overview should only support the notion of how your overall histamine load could add up. The genetics of histamine intolerance For some experiencing histamine issues, the question of low or slow DAO or HNMT activity may stem from their genetics. DAO inactivates histamine in the gut and HNMT within the nervous system and lungs. Genetic variants on these enzymes or their pathways can lead to histamine intolerance. Nutrigenomics testing, which I offer through Lifecode Gx, can provide information on our own genes which then informs us on the nutrition and lifestyle changes we can make to align with any variants to optimise health and wellbeing. Lifecode Gx offers a specific Histamine Intolerance test. You can find out more, by clicking the link. Nutrigenomic testing is the only form of testing that is available from the youngest age. Whilst how you eat and live your life will have an effect on whether a gene variation may have an impact, your genes themselves never change. My top tips for lowering your histamine load.
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:
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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.
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:
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AuthorI’m Jessica Fonteneau, I’m the eczema specialist and I help people Escape from the Eczema trap. Archives
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