Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic disorder that causes dry eyes and
mouth and effects over 1 million people in the United States alone.
This condition is classified as an autoimmune disorder that often
lasts the person's entire life. It is named after Dr. Henrik Sjogren a Swedish eye
doctor who is credited as the first to describe it. Primary Sjogren's syndrome occurs by itself and is not associated with other diseases.
Secondary Sjogren's syndrome occurs along with rheumatic diseases
like: Rheumatoid arthritis , Lupus
, Polymyositis, and some types of Scleroderma. Rheumatic diseases are conditions that affect joints, bones, muscles, skin, and
may effect other organs. Sjogren's syndrome can affect people of any
race and any age. However it affects women more often.
Sjogren's syndrome, changes occur in the immune
system which serves as the body's defense against disease. In
Sjogren's, the immune system control is affected. This causes white blood cells to invade glands in the body that produce
moisture like both the tear and salivary glands, and also the Bartholins glands
located in the vagina. They can destroy the glands and cause them to stop producing moisture.
Sjogren's syndrome can also cause problems in other parts of the body, including: joints, lungs, muscles, kidneys, nerves, thyroid gland, liver, pancreas, stomach, and
even the brain.
| Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
| L-Methionine |
10 |
aids in cell
protection and preservation, important in skin
formation and in low white blood cell count both of
which can be problems for people with lupus or Sjogren's syndrome.
Methionine works very well in supplements
that also include omega fatty acids in their formula. |
| Magnesium |
8 |
low intake of magnesium has been linked to
Lupus related disorders and a good source of magnesium is a quality multi-vitamin &
mineral supplement especially one that includes calcium,
zinc, and garlic. Magnesium also helps with PH balance in the
body
and for protection against bone loss. |
| Aloe
Vera |
9 |
herb that helps with stress and
healing in the body |
| Echinacea |
9 |
herb that helps with the immune
system |
| Essential
Fatty acids |
9 |
important for people
with lupus, aiding with arthritis prevention, protection
of skin cells, and is required for production of
all body cells. Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish
and flax and borage
seed oils from plants. |
| Vitamin C |
8 |
vitamin C helps Sjogren's syndrome
patients by strengthening and normalizing
immune system function. Usually can be taken in
a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. Be sure that
it is not synthetic vitamin C. |
| Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
9 |
vitamin B complex, inositol, zinc, vitamin
A, vitamin E, and others all serve to help the
body with Sjogren's syndrome symptoms. A daily supplement provides nutrients
that promotes general good health and well being. |
| Garlic |
8 |
garlic has been
shown to help strengthen the body's immune system
which can be weakened by Sjogren's syndrome. |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|
