What Is Histamine and How Is It Affecting My Child’s Health?

Q&A with Dr. Shane Rainey, Pediatrician

If your child struggles with eczema, allergies, hives, or unexplained skin or behavioral flares, histamine may be playing a bigger role than you realize. As a functional medicine pediatrician Fort Worth, Dr. Shane Rainey takes a whole-child approach to help families understand what is driving these symptoms rather than just treating them on the surface. In this Q&A, Dr. Rainey explains what histamine is, why some children become more sensitive to it, and practical ways to help calm the body naturally so kids can feel better from the inside out.

Q: What is histamine?

Dr. Rainey:
Think of histamine like your child’s built-in alarm system. It’s a normal chemical messenger the body makes to help the immune system respond to potential threats like allergens, bug bites, or infections.

When everything is working like it should, histamine is actually really helpful. It might cause a runny nose during allergy season or make a mosquito bite itchy so your child notices it and reacts the way they’re supposed to.

But sometimes that alarm system gets a little too sensitive. It can go off when there’s no real danger, or it can stay switched on longer than it should. That’s when we start to see symptoms like itchy skin, eczema flares, hives, or chronic runny noses, even from things that normally wouldn’t bother most kids.

So histamine isn’t the enemy. It actually has an important job. The issue is when it gets out of balance and starts overreacting.

Q: Why do some children seem overloaded with histamine?

Dr. Rainey:
There are a few common reasons we see this in kids:

• Immature detox pathways
  Some children simply haven’t fully developed the ability to break histamine down efficiently yet.

• Exposure to allergens, chemicals, or chronic inflammation can keep the immune system in a more activated state.

  • Seasonal allergens like pollen, grass, and ragweed

  • Indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold

  • Household toxins like cleaning products, laundry detergents, scented lotions, candles, air fresheners, and room sprays

  • Poor indoor air quality or lack of filtration

  • Chlorine and other irritants in pools or tap water

  • Ongoing low-level inflammation from things like poor diet, lack of sleep, or chronic stress on the body

• Gut dysfunction
  The gut plays a big role in histamine regulation. When the microbiome is out of balance, histamine can build up more easily. This can be triggered by things like:

  • Frequent or early antibiotic use

  • A diet high in processed foods and sugar

  • Food sensitivities that cause ongoing irritation

  • Infections or imbalances in gut bacteria

  • Chronic constipation or poor digestionEnvironmental load

Most of the time, it’s not just one thing. It’s a combination that pushes the system over its threshold.

Q: What are signs of histamine overload in kids?

Dr. Rainey:
Histamine issues can show up in a lot of different ways, which is why they’re often overlooked. Common signs include:

• Eczema or skin flares

• Hives or unexplained rashes

• Chronic runny nose or congestion

• Headaches

• Sleep disruption or frequent night waking

• Behavioral changes or emotional “flares”

When you start seeing patterns across multiple systems, that’s when histamine becomes something worth looking at more closely.

Q: Do high histamine foods matter?

Dr. Rainey:
Yes, but with an important caveat. Food can contribute to histamine load, but removing foods alone is rarely the full solution. It’s more about the body’s ability to process histamine than it is about avoiding every possible trigger forever.

That said, in some children, temporarily reducing high histamine foods can help calm symptoms while we work on the underlying system.

Common high histamine foods include:

• Aged cheeses like cheddar and parmesan

• Fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi

• Cured or smoked meats

• Tomatoes, spinach, and eggplant

• Chocolate and some citrus fruits

The key is not fear or restriction, but understanding when food is playing a role versus when it’s something deeper.

Q: How does histamine relate to seasonal allergies?

Dr. Rainey:
This is where histamine really becomes most familiar to families, especially during allergy season.

When your child is exposed to things like grass, pollen, dust, or pet dander, the immune system can overreact and release histamine. That histamine release is what causes many of the classic allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and even eczema flares.

So in that sense, histamine is actually part of the normal allergic response, it’s the body’s signal that something is triggering the immune system.

During allergy season, many families turn to antihistamine medications or more natural histamine support supplements to help reduce symptoms. And while these can be helpful for symptom relief, it’s important to understand what they are doing. They are essentially helping to quiet down the histamine response temporarily, not necessarily addressing why the immune system is reacting so strongly in the first place.

I like to take the approach of not just trying to block histamine, we ask why the body is becoming so reactive in the first place. That’s where gut health, immune balance, and environmental load all come into play.

The goal is not to fear histamine, but to better understand it so we can support the body in a more sustainable way.

Q: How do you calm histamine naturally?

Dr. Rainey:
The goal is not to eliminate histamine completely, but to help the body process it more effectively and reduce unnecessary activation. Some foundational strategies include:

• Gut support
  Supporting a healthy microbiome can improve histamine breakdown and immune balance.

• Nutrient cofactors
  Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, zinc, and others help the body metabolize histamine more efficiently.

• Fresh, whole foods
  Emphasizing fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables while minimizing highly processed foods can reduce overall inflammatory load.

• Anti-inflammatory fats
  Foods like olive oil and avocado support cell and immune health.

• Herbs like turmeric and ginger
  These can help calm inflammation and support immune regulation.

• Reducing inflammatory triggers overall
  This includes environmental exposures, gut irritants, and chronic stress on the system.

The goal is to lower the “background noise” so the immune system is not constantly in overdrive.

Q: What are some practical ways to help calm histamine, specifically during allergy season?

Dr. Rainey:

There are a lot of simple, everyday strategies that can help reduce the overall histamine load on a child’s body, especially during high allergy seasons when pollen, grass, and environmental exposures are higher. Some of the most helpful things I recommend include:

1. Shower and change clothes after being outside

   Pollen and environmental allergens can stick to skin, hair, and clothing. A quick shower after outdoor play, or at least changing clothes, can significantly reduce ongoing exposure in the home.

2. Keep windows closed during high pollen days

   I am normally a huge fan and big believer in opening windows for fresh air. But during allergy season, especially for kids who are sensitive, it can actually make symptoms worse by letting pollen and other allergens inside. In those seasons, it may be best to keep windows closed to help reduce exposure indoors. If budget allows, indoor air filtration systems can also be a helpful tool to support cleaner air in the home.

3. Rinse face, hands, and hair in the evening

   If a full shower isn’t realistic, even a quick rinse before bed can help remove allergens and reduce nighttime symptoms.

4. Support hydration

   Proper hydration helps the body’s natural detox and clearance pathways function more effectively.

5. Reduce overall inflammatory load

   This includes focusing on whole foods, minimizing processed foods, and supporting good sleep, since stress and poor sleep can make histamine responses worse.

6. Consider targeted nutrients and supplements

   Certain nutrients can help support histamine balance and immune regulation, including:

   • Vitamin C

   • Zinc

   • Vitamin B6

   • Omega-3 fatty acids

   • Quercetin (a natural plant compound that supports histamine regulation)

   • Probiotics (to support gut balance and immune function.

The goal isn’t to eliminate histamine entirely, but to help the body handle it more efficiently so kids are more comfortable, especially during peak allergy times.

A final note from Dr. Rainey

When families first hear about histamine, it can sometimes feel like one more complicated piece of the puzzle. If your child has been dealing with chronic symptoms like allergies, eczema, or frequent “flares,” it’s completely understandable to feel frustrated or overwhelmed trying to connect all the dots.

As a pediatrician and a father, I understand how hard it is to watch your child feel uncomfortable and not have clear answers. Most parents I meet are simply trying their best with the information they’ve been given, and often that information is oftentimes incomplete.

My hope is that this helps you start to see histamine not as something to fear, but as a signal. When we learn how to read those signals, we can better understand what the body is trying to tell us and begin to support it more effectively.

If you feel like your child may be dealing with histamine-related symptoms and you want a deeper look, we’d be happy to help. You can schedule a free meet-and-greet or a functional medicine pediatric appointment with me to take a deeper look into your child’s overall health. 

You can call us at 817-720-6220 Ext. 2 or email integrative@restoreandrevivefw.com.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new service, product, or treatment. Please note that prices, offerings, and other details mentioned in this post reflect information available at the time of publication and may have changed since.

What’s Really Causing Your Child’s Eczema?

Q&A with Dr. Shane Rainey, Pediatrician

If you’re searching for a more root-cause approach to your child’s health, you’re not alone. Dr. Shane Rainey, a functional medicine pediatrician in Fort Worth, takes a deeper look at common childhood conditions like eczema by addressing what’s happening beneath the surface. Rather than simply treating symptoms, his approach focuses on gut health, immune balance, nutrition, and environmental factors to support long-term healing. In this Q&A, Dr. Rainey shares what eczema really is, what he evaluates first, and practical steps families can take to start improving their child’s skin from the inside out.

Q: What is eczema?

Dr. Rainey:
Eczema is more than just dry skin. At its core, it involves three main things:

• Inflammation

• Skin barrier dysfunction (the skin isn’t able to protect and retain moisture like it should)

• Immune dysregulation (the immune system is overreacting or not responding appropriately)

So what you see on the surface is really just a reflection of what’s happening underneath.

Q: What are the top things you evaluate first when a child presents with eczema?

Dr. Rainey:
I like to zoom out and look at the whole child, not just the skin. Some of the first things I evaluate include:

• Gut health
  I look at antibiotic use, medication history, and anything that may have disrupted the gut microbiome.

• Food triggers vs. true allergies
  Not every flare is a true allergy. Sometimes it’s a sensitivity or inflammatory response.

• Environmental exposures
  This can include air quality, water quality, and other environmental factors in the home.

• Nutrient deficiencies
  I often consider the child’s diet and levels of key nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, and others that support skin and immune health.

Q: Is eczema just a skin issue?

Dr. Rainey:
No, and that’s a really important mindset shift for families. There is a strong gut-skin connection, and eczema is often tied to how the immune system is developing and functioning. The skin is just one way the body is expressing a deeper imbalance.

Q: Is eczema hereditary?

Dr. Rainey:
Genetics can absolutely play a role, but they are only part of the picture. Environmental factors and gut health have a big influence on whether eczema develops and how severe it becomes. Even if no one in the family has eczema, a child can still experience it based on these other factors.

Q: How do gut health and immunity affect eczema?

Dr. Rainey:
I like to think of the gut as the “control center” for the immune system. In fact, about 70–80% of the immune system lives in the gut, so when things are off there, it can show up in other places, including the skin.

An easy way to picture it is this: if the gut is like the foundation of a house, and that foundation is unstable or inflamed, you’ll start to see cracks show up elsewhere. For many kids, eczema is one of those “cracks.”

When the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is disrupted, whether from antibiotics, diet, or other factors, it can lead to increased inflammation and a more reactive immune system. That immune response can then show up on the skin as redness, irritation, and itching.

The encouraging part is that when we start supporting gut health, we’re often helping calm the immune system at the same time. And for a lot of kids, that’s when we begin to see real improvement in their eczema.

Q: What role does nutrition play in skin health?

Dr. Rainey:
Nutrition plays a huge role, I am a huge advocate for focusing on diet and eating real, whole foods. The skin relies on certain nutrients to stay strong and resilient.

Some of the most important include:

• Essential fatty acids (like omega-3s)

• Zinc

• Vitamin D

• Antioxidants

When kids are deficient in these, the skin barrier can weaken and inflammation can increase, making eczema worse.

Q: What foods support those key skin nutrients?

Dr. Rainey:
One of the best ways to support skin health is through real, nutrient-dense foods. When we’re thinking about eczema, I like to focus on a few key nutrients and where to find them:

Essential fatty acids (omega-3s)
These help reduce inflammation and support a healthy skin barrier. Foods to include:

• Fatty fish (think like salmon, sardines, etc.)

• Chia seeds and flaxseeds

• Walnuts

Zinc
Zinc plays a big role in skin healing and immune function. Foods to include:

• Grass-fed beef

• Pumpkin seeds

• Chickpeas and lentils

• Eggs

Antioxidants
These help protect the skin from inflammation and oxidative stress. Foods to include:

• Berries (blueberries, strawberries)

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale)

• Colorful vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, sweet potatoes)

Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and supports skin repair. Sources include:

• Sunlight exposure (get your kids outside!)

• Fatty fish like salmon

• Egg yolks

• Fortified foods (if tolerated)

Bone broth is another easy win here. It’s rich in amino acids and nutrients that support gut health, and since the gut and skin are so connected, that can go a long way for kids with eczema. Use it to soups, cook rice or pasta in it, add it to sauces, etc.

The goal isn’t perfection, it’s just consistently incorporating a variety of these foods to help support the skin from the inside out.

Q: What if my child is a picky eater and won’t eat these foods?

Dr. Rainey:
This is incredibly common, so first, you’re not alone. I never expect kids to flip a switch overnight and suddenly love salmon and spinach.

Instead of aiming for perfection, I encourage parents to think in terms of small, strategic wins over time.

Here are a few ways to start:

1. Start with what they already like
   If your child already eats something even remotely close to these nutrients, build from there. For example, if they like chicken, you might try incorporating higher-quality versions or pairing it with a small exposure to a new food. 

2. Make small upgrades, not big overhauls
   You don’t have to change everything at once. Try swapping one item at a time, like a cleaner yogurt with less sugar, adding a smoothie in the morning, or changing snacks to be less processed foods. 

3. Use “hidden nutrition” when needed
   Smoothies are a great way to add things like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or even mild-tasting greens. Add finely chopped walnuts or blueberries to muffins. Or you can also mix ingredients into foods they already enjoy, like adding ground flax to oatmeal or yogurt.

4. Keep exposure low-pressure
   It can take multiple exposures before a child accepts a new food. Keep offering without forcing. Even having the food on their plate is a step in the right direction.

5. Focus on what you can control
   You decide what foods are offered. They decide whether to eat it. Over time, that consistency really matters.

   And a little tough love here, but if you don’t want them eating Cheetos…. stop buying Cheetos. If it’s in the house, it’s going to be the easy choice every time. Creating the environment is half the battle.

6. Leave healthy food out and visible

   I have young kids myself, and while I feel fortunate they’re generally good eaters, we still have our battles. One thing my wife and I have found really helpful is simply having healthy food out during snack time. When cut-up fruit, homemade protein balls, chicken, or veggies with dip are sitting on the counter and easy to grab, it gets eaten. Sometimes accessibility makes all the difference.

7. Use supplements as a bridge, not a crutch
   If a child truly isn’t getting key nutrients through food, supplements, including omega-3s, vitamin D, zinc, and a probiotic, can help fill gaps while you continue working on diet. There are a lot of great, high-quality options out there for kids. We carry several of our favorites here at Restore + Revive, and you can also find good options at local health stores. The key is choosing clean, well-sourced products and using them thoughtfully.

At the end of the day, progress is what we’re after. Small changes, done consistently, can still make a big impact on your child’s skin and overall health.

Q: What are the first 3 things you would tell a family to do if their child is struggling with eczema?

Dr. Rainey:
I don’t love a one-size-fits-all answer because every child is different. But if a family can’t see me or another functional medicine provider right away, there are a few simple things I often recommend starting with:

1. Remove artificial fragrances
   This includes laundry detergent, soaps, lotions, and bath products. Fragrance is a very common trigger and easy place to start. If finances don't allow you to swap everything overnight, that is okay! The next time you run out of laundry detergent, buy a cleaner ingredient, fragrance free option. 

2. Simplify the diet
   I often suggest removing processed dairy as a trial to see if symptoms improve. While I personally like raw dairy, I know it’s not always accessible or comfortable for everyone, so simply removing dairy for a period of time can be a helpful, no-cost step.

3. Consider key nutrients, probiotics, and supplementation

   Essential fatty acids (like omega-3s), zinc, and vitamin D all play important roles in skin repair and immune regulation. Adding in a high-quality probiotic can also help support gut balance (especially if there has been a history of antibiotic use), which in turn supports the immune system. For some children, simple and safe supplementation can reduce flare-ups and support overall balance.

A final note from Dr. Rainey

I know how frustrating and overwhelming it can be to deal with a condition like eczema, especially when it’s your child. First, you are not alone, and you should not feel guilty. As a parent, it’s incredibly hard to watch your child uncomfortable, itching, and not feeling their best, and to feel like you’re not seeing improvements.

As a father, I understand that firsthand. There’s nothing easy about navigating your child’s health, especially when it feels like you’ve tried everything.

My hope is that some of these insights and simple strategies give you a starting point and help you feel a little more empowered. Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference over time.

If you’re looking for more personalized support, I’d love to help. You can schedule a free meet-and-greet or a functional medicine pediatric appointment with me to take a deeper, root-cause approach to your child’s eczema and overall health. 

You can call us at 817-720-6220 Ext. 2 or email integrative@restoreandrevivefw.com.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new service, product, or treatment. Please note that prices, offerings, and other details mentioned in this post reflect information available at the time of publication and may have changed since.

Hair Loss Explained: Common Causes and What to Look For

Q&A with Dabney Poorter, FNP-C, Certified Functional Medicine Provider

Hair thinning can feel discouraging and terrifying, especially when it seems to come out of nowhere. We sat down with Restore + Revive’s Founder and Certified Functional Medicine Provider, Dabney Poorter, FNP-C, to talk through the most common causes of hair loss and what you can do to support healthy hair growth from the inside out.

Question 1: If a client comes to you and is suddenly experiencing hair loss, what first comes to mind for you?

Dabney: Hair loss is usually a symptom of something deeper, so my first step is always to look for the “why.” Ideally we start with comprehensive testing, not just a surface-level check. The 4 main things I typically run labs to evaluate for are:

• Thyroid health: A full thyroid panel (not just TSH) helps identify if the thyroid is under- or over-functioning, which can directly affect hair growth. 

• Hormones: We look at sex hormones and patterns that may indicate PCOS, perimenopause, postmenopause, or autoimmune conditions like lupus.

• Chronic stress: Ongoing stress can lead to inflammation and lower hormone levels. I look at cortisol and DHT levels since both can influence hair loss.

• Nutrient levels: Deficiencies in iron, protein, and other key nutrients can disrupt the body’s ability to grow strong, healthy hair.

Q2: If blood panels look good, what are some other sneaky reasons somebody might still be experiencing hair loss?

Dabney: Sometimes, the answer lies in our genetics. If parents or close family members have experienced thinning or pattern hair loss, there can be a hereditary component. In those cases, I may recommend genetic testing to help determine whether certain gene patterns are at play, allowing us to build a comprehensive and customized plan to tackle accordingly. 

Q3: Are there any over-the-counter products you like to help maintain strong hair growth?

Dabney: Like I previously mentioned, I always like to look at the root cause of hair loss, which is typically something happening inside the body. However, external factors and products can be helpful in creating a healthy environment for strong hair growth.

I always remind clients to pay attention to water quality, especially if you live in an area with hard water, which can be harsh on the scalp and hair. Simple water filtration devices or shower heads can be extremely helpful.

I also love hair growth sprays that stimulate follicles without causing irritation. One of my favorites is from Rowe Casa, their hair spritz. It is gentle, natural, safe for most hair types, and it smells amazing!

Finally, using a clean, gentle shampoo can make a big difference. Some people use the same shampoo for years, and over time it may no longer agree with their scalp or hair. Innersense is my personal favorite. 

Q4: What are some “free” things people can do to support hair growth and discourage hair loss if testing isn’t something they want to do or can’t afford right now?

Dabney: There’s a lot you can do at home to support your hair and overall wellness:

• Lower stress and inflammation: Movement, mindfulness, and adequate sleep all make a huge difference. I know saying “lower your stress” is easier said than done (trust me!). But I have learned that striving to slow down, take time for a walk outside, getting in bed a few minutes earlier, praying/meditating, and saying “no” to activities that drain you can be hugely instrumental in lessening your daily stress. 

• Eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet: Getting enough protein, healthy fats, and minerals is key. These foods and nutrients help your body naturally produce stronger hair that is less likely to break easily. 

• Stay hydrated and care for your scalp: Gentle scalp massage, clean water, hair spritz, and consistent washing with non-toxic products all help maintain a healthy foundation for hair growth.

Q5: I’ve heard people can lose hair after being sick, especially after COVID. Why does that happen? Can other illnesses cause it too?

Dabney: Yes, post-illness hair loss is actually very common, and we’ve seen it a lot in recent years. Essentially, when the body experiences something stressful, like a viral infection or high fever, it often shifts its resources toward healing vital organs and away from “non-essential” functions like hair growth.

This can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes more hair follicles to enter a resting phase. You’ll typically notice increased shedding about 2–3 months after the illness, once the body starts to reset.

However, it’s not just COVID, other viral infections, severe flu, or even surgery can trigger the same response. The good news is that this type of hair loss is usually temporary. Supporting recovery with good nutrition, stress management, and gentle scalp care can help encourage regrowth as the body rebalances.

Q6: When you say inflammation can cause hair loss, what exactly do you mean?

Dabney: Think of inflammation like your body being on “high alert.” It’s a natural response to injury or infection. For example, when you get a cut, the redness and swelling you see is inflammation helping you heal. But when inflammation sticks around all the time, it can start affecting other parts of your body, including your hair. Chronic inflammation can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, causing follicles to stop producing hair or to shed prematurely.  Some common inflammation triggers include:

• Autoimmune conditions, like lupus or alopecia areata, where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles.

• Diet and nutrient issues, not getting enough protein, iron, or other vitamins, which can increase internal stress.

• Chronic stress, which raises hormones like cortisol that promote inflammation and can affect hormone balance.

Q7: Do men and women experience hair loss differently?

Dabney: Yes. Hair loss often looks and develops differently in men versus women because of hormones and genetics.

• Men: The most common type is androgenic hair loss (also called male pattern baldness). It usually starts with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown. It’s driven largely by DHT, a hormone derived from testosterone, which shrinks hair follicles over time.

• Women: Hair thinning is usually more diffuse and spread across the scalp, rather than forming a distinct bald spot. This is often called female pattern hair thinning. Hormonal changes, like perimenopause, menopause, PCOS, or thyroid imbalances, play a big role. Stress, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic inflammation can also contribute.

While the patterns may look different, the underlying principle is the same: hair follicles are sensitive to hormones, inflammation, and nutrient availability.

At Restore + Revive we know how frustrating hair loss can feel, but it’s often a signal that your body needs support. By identifying root causes, whether hormonal, nutritional, stress-related, or genetic, we can take a functional approach to restore healthy hair growth. Even small changes can have a meaningful difference.

To schedule an appointment with Dabney Poorter or one of our Functional Medicine providers, you can call us at 817-720-6220 Ext. 2 or email integrative@restoreandrevivefw.com.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new service, product, or treatment. Please note that prices, offerings, and other details mentioned in this post reflect information available at the time of publication and may have changed since.