Sjogren’s syndrome and Lupus

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Today's Question

I was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome and lupus some time ago.

However, my physician never explained what to expect or what I can

do to help keep these disorders from progressing. Any suggestions?

 

-- Sharon Austin

 

Today's Answer

 

(Published 06/27/2003)

Both Sjogren's Syndrome and Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus or

SLE) are autoimmune diseases, which occur when the immune system

mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. These reactions may be

set off by infection, tissue injury or emotional trauma in people

genetically predisposed to them. Although there is no cure for

autoimmune diseases, they are unpredictable and can go into

remission for weeks, months or even years.

 

With Sjogren's Syndrome the targets of the immune system's attack

are the glands that produce tears, saliva and other lubricating

secretions. Those affected (usually mid-life women) develop dry eyes

and dry mouth as well as dryness of the skin, nose and vagina.

Conventional treatment focuses on relieving symptoms by using

artificial tears and saline drops for the dryness Sjogrens causes in

the eyes. However, the kidneys, lungs, liver, blood vessels and

brain also can be affected, and those with severe symptoms may

experience blurred vision, fatigue, joint pain, eye pain,

hoarseness, recurrent mouth infections and even problems with eating

and swallowing.

 

Lupus can be mild or life-threatening. Symptoms range from arthritis

and skin rashes to neurological problems and kidney disease.

Conventional treatment involves efforts to suppress the immune

system with drugs like prednisone (a corticosteroid) or

cyclophoshamide, which is even more powerful and toxic. (These drugs

also may be recommended for severe cases of Sjogren's Syndrome.)

While these may be necessary for short periods, long-term use can

reduce the chance that the disease will go into remission naturally.

 

 

The following general recommendations for dealing with autoimmune

disorders may help you better manage Sjogren's Syndrome and Lupus:

 

Follow a low-protein, high carbohydrate diet. Minimize consumption

of animal products and eliminate milk and milk products including

commercial foods made with milk.

Avoid polyunsaturated oils (vegetable oils) and hydrogenated fats

(margarine, vegetable shortening, and all products made with

partially hydrogenated oils of any kind).

Get regular aerobic exercise (swimming is best if you have joint

problems).

Practice progressive relaxation and other mind-body techniques;

visualization and guided imagery can be very effective for

moderating autoimmune responses.

Try Chinese medicine (diet, herbs, acupuncture, and energy work).

To reduce inflammation, increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids

by eating more salmon, herring, sardines, walnuts, purslane and

other leafy greens as well as freshly ground flax seeds. Also eat

ginger and turmeric regularly for their anti-inflammatory effects.

Keep a journal in which you make daily entries about your physical

and emotional state.

 

I also would advise you to avoid health care professionals who make

you feel pessimistic about your condition.

 

Dr. Andrew Weil

www.drweil.com

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