Sjogren's and Diet

There seems to be no specific diet for Sjogren's syndrome but some general recommendations. (see below) This may be due to the fact that not enough studies have yet been done into it.

It makes sense that if inflammation and autoimmune diseases go together then an anti inflammatory diet would be a general place to start.

An anti-inflammatory diet consists of foods that reduce inflammatory responses in the body. It is rich in unprocessed whole, nutrient-rich foods. They include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins (like beans and nuts), fish, and fresh herbs and spices.

The Mediterranean Diet has been researched and is anti inflammatory. The big take away from this diet is to eat lots of fresh and seasonal vegetables and fruits.

If you are vegan or vegetarian already I would suggest taking notice of what Dr Michael Greger says as he thouroughly researches all his recommendations and lives by his 12 a day rule which includes flaxseeds, nuts, 5 glasses of water, cruciferous vegetables, legumes, mushrooms, berries and more.

My idea is to start with a good basic healthy diet like the Mediterranean Diet and stick to it really well for a good month. If you feel no better then consider cutting out the nightshades first (eggplant, tomatoes, postatoes) then being tested for celiac disease or other food sensitivities like gluten,if cutting out nightshades does not work.

Researchers are currently studying the inflammation and the MIND diet, which combines parts of the Mediterranean diet with the DASH. Results won't be available before 2021.

WHAT IS ON AN ANTI INFLAMMATORY DIET? Read my article here at Help autoimmune.

Mediterranean diet simplified

Mediterranean breakfast suggestions

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EATING WHEN YOU HAVE SJOGREN'S SYNDROME.

avoid spicy foods
avoid salty foods or adding salt
choose soft, moist foods
add sauces to make foods moist
avoid alcohol
avoid citrus juices

See more here

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM DIFFERENT PROFESSIONALS

Eating Healthy PDF Autoimmune Resource and Research Centre

Autoimmune disease diet recommendations by Dr Sandra Cabot

Dr Weils dietary suggestions

Dr. Teitelbaum's recommendations of 3 key oils for dry eyes under heading 'Treatment for Dry Eyes and Mouth'.

Dr Peter J. D'Adamo Blood Type Diet recommendations

SUPPLEMENTS:

It's seems pretty definite that adding flaxseeds or flaxseed oil to the diet may benefit eye dryness and that Vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial, in those who have insufficient vitamin D blood levels but beyond that diet is a very personal thing - what works for one person may make no improvements in another.

So it really is a matter of trying one thing at a time and seeing if it helps you. My rheumatologist said that if you do not feel an improvement after one month on a supplement then discontinue the use.

RESOURCES

Mediterranean Diet and Prevention of Chronic Diseases Donato F. Romagnolo, PhD, MSc and Ornella I. Selmin, PhD

Foods that fight inflammation from Harvard Health Publishing

Diet Tips for Gastrointestinal (GI) Complications & Sjögren's from Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation

Anti-Inflammatory Diet PDF from Keith Wilkinson, ND, Naturopathic Physician. Inflammation is a component of Sjögren’s and essentially all autoimmune disease. From a naturopathic perspective of treating the cause of disease, one of the first ways to address this is through an Anti-Inflammatory Diet.

The Sjögren’s Syndrome Diet from Healthline