Sjogren's Syndrome and Lupus - Dr. Andrew Weil

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Post subject: 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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