Immune System Strikes Twice? Sjogren's Syndrome & Lupus

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Immune System Strikes Twice? Sjogren's Syndrome & Lupus

JoAnn Guest

Jul 11, 2006 14:11 PDT

--

Immune System Strikes Twice?

 

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

 

 

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

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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 flaxseeds. 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.

 

Andrew Weil, M.D>

www.drweil.com

 

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets