Sjogren's Syndrome

Prevention & Treatment of Sjogren's Syndrome

information on diet, nutrition, self-help & research on alternative treatment

Sjogren's is an autoimmune disorder. The symptoms associated with Sjogren's are caused by the infiltration of immune-system cells, usually B and T lymphocytes, into the glands responsible for secreting fluid. This particular autoimmune illness appears as inflammation in certain glands of the body that produce moisture such as the (lacrimal glands) that leads to decreased water production for tears and eye dryness and the salivary glands (including the parotid glands) that leads to mouth dryness.

Read about results experienced by people with Sjogren's.
Learn about nutritional recommendations for Sjogren's.

Sjogren's syndrome that only involves gland inflammation (resulting dry eyes and mouth, etc.) and is not associated with a connective tissue disease is referred to as primary Sjogren's syndrome.

Secondary Sjogren's syndrome involves not only gland inflammation but is also associated with a connective tissue disease such as systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis erythematosus or scleroderma.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of Sjogren's are chronic dryness of the eyes and mouth, but it is also associated with dryness in external genitalia, the ear, and the nose and throat area. There may also be decreased secretions in the gastrointestinal tract.

Nutritional Supplements for Sjogren's Syndrome

These are the most important supplements and recommendations.

Shopping Tips

On a tight budget?

Here's our single most important recommendation:
Doctor's Choice: VisionTone Formula - Vision Tone Formula is based on the classic Chinese formula Six-Ingredient Pill

Essential: VisionTone Formula - Vision Tone Formula is based on the classic Chinese formula Six-Ingredient Pill

Essential: Dry Eye Drop Homeopathic Formula for Women (15ml bottle) (DEDHW) - Dry Eye Drop Homeopathic Formula for Women (15ml bottle) (DEDHW)

Essential: BioTears Gel Caps (BIOT7) - BioTears Gel Caps (BIOT7)

Essential: VIVA-Drops (10ml - .33 oz. bottle) - VIVA-Eyedrops is the only ophthalmic lubricant for dry eyes without preservatives, mercury compounds or anticholinergics

Essential: Carlsons Fish Oil Super Soft Gels 100 - 1,000mg caps (SUP38) - Omega-3 100 1,000mg per gelcap - Natural Lemon Flavor (SUP38)

Essential: Glutamine 500 mg 100 caps (GLU13) - Glutamine 500 mg 100 caps (GLU13_

Important: Digestive Enzymes-V 120 Vcaps (DIG24) - Digestive Enzymes-V 120 Vcaps (DIG24)

Important: Serraflazyme (Serrapeptase) (SERRA) - Serraflazyme 100 tabs (SERRA)

Causes

The cause of Sjogren's Syndrome is not known, though it may be related to genetic (inherited) factors. Females make up 90% of the people with Sjogren's.

Conventional Treatment

There are medications that can be prescribed that help relieve the dry eyes such as Restasis, and other medications for dry mouth such as pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Ecvoxac). Sometimes anti-inflammatories such as Prednisone and autoimmune suppressants such as azathioprine and cyclophosphamide are prescribed.

Self Help

Other useful tips include sucking on lemons to stimulate salive production, using salt water (saline) solutions to combat nose dryness, drinking plenty of water and using a dehumidifier to add moisture to the air in your bedroom.

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Studies

Research on Sjogren's.