Best Supplements for Managing Sjögren's Syndrome Symptoms

Understanding Sjgren's Syndrome

Sjgren's (pronounced SHOW-grins) syndrome is an autoimmune disorder affecting the body's moisture-producing glands. This includes the tear and saliva glands. Sjgren's causes symptoms of dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain and fatigue.

While there is no cure yet for Sjgrens syndrome, various medications and supplements can help relieve symptoms. Lifestyle measures like drinking more fluids, using humidifiers and avoiding irritants also improve comfort.

What Happens in Sjgrens Syndrome?

In Sjgrens syndrome, the body mistakenly attacks its own tear and saliva glands. This causes inflammation that damages these glands over time. With fewer functioning moisture glands, the eyes and mouth become chronically dry.

Additionally, inflammation from Sjgrens syndrome can affect organs like the kidneys, liver, pancreas, thyroid, lungs and joints. This leads to issues like fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, neuropathy and Raynauds.

Who Develops Sjgrens Syndrome?

Sjgrens primarily affects older women, but can develop in people of all ages. The average age of diagnosis is late 40s. Around 90% of Sjgrens cases occur in women.

Those with an autoimmune disease like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disorder have increased odds of developing Sjgrens syndrome too. Genetics and family history also play a role in susceptibility.

Diagnosing Sjgrens Syndrome

Getting an accurate Sjgrens diagnosis involves multiple exams checking for reduced saliva and tear production. Blood tests check for specific antibodies present in the majority of Sjgrens patients.

A lip biopsy of the salivary glands may also be done to check for lymphocytic inflammation damage. Imaging scans help classify disease severity and rule out complications in organs.

Conventional Medications for Sjgrens Syndrome

While no medications cure Sjgrens itself, prescription drugs help manage different symptoms. Main drug classes used include:

• Tear substitutes - Artificial tear drops and gels replace moisture for dry eyes.
• Saliva stimulants - Drugs like pilocarpine promote more saliva flow.
• Immunosuppressants - Drugs that calm the overactive immune response.
• Corticosteroids - Powerful anti-inflammatories used short-term.
• Pain relievers - Acetaminophen, NSAIDs and opioids to reduce joint/muscle pain.

Doctors also often prescribe drugs for associated conditions like high blood pressure, thyroid dysfunction, acid reflux, Raynauds phenomenon and neuropathy.

Best Supplements to Take for Sjgrens Syndrome

Certain vitamins, minerals and omega fatty acids have been shown to help manage different aspects of Sjgrens syndrome. Working with your healthcare provider, supplements can enhance prescription treatment.

Vitamin A for Dry Eyes

Also called the anti-xerophthalmia vitamin, vitamin A is important for corneal health. Food sources include milk, cheese, egg yolks, liver, spinach, broccoli, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Those with Sjgrens are often deficient in vitamin A. Taking an oral supplement containing retinyl palmitate or retinol may help reduce eye dryness and damage.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Reduce Inflammation

Omega-3s from fish, flaxseeds, walnuts and soybeans have natural anti-inflammatory effects. For Sjgrens, omega-3s help lower cytokine immune activators and autoantibody production.

Taking an oral fish or krill oil supplement, or increasing oily fish intake, helps counter glandular and systemic inflammation to ease symptoms.

Digestive Enzymes for Nutrient Absorption

Reduced saliva flow in Sjgrens leads to low amylase enzyme levels, impairing starch and carbohydrate digestion. This causes gastrointestinal issues like reflux, bloating and diarrhea.

Digestive enzymes containing amylase, lipase and protease help properly break down food for better nutrient absorption. This prevents an energy-draining nutritional deficit.

Hydroxychloroquine to Protect Salivary Glands

The anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine is one medication sometimes prescribed for Sjgrens syndrome. Research confirms it helps limit glandular damage from lymphocytic infiltration and anti-Ro/SSA antibodies.

When prescribed by a rheumatologist, taking hydroxychloroquine long-term may help preserve salivary gland structure and function in Sjgrens patients.

Alpha Lipoic Acid to Manage Nerve Pain

Up to 20% of people with Sjgrens syndrome develop peripheral neuropathy. Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant supplement that specifically helps treat diabetic nerve pain.

Some small studies show taking an oral alpha lipoic acid supplement significantly reduces neuropathic symptoms like numbness, prickling and burning sensations in the hands and feet.

Vitamin D for Fatigue and Bone Health

Many Sjgrens patients have low vitamin D levels that contribute to increased fatigue, myalgia and bone loss issues. Excellent vitamin D sources include sunlight, fortified dairy/juices and fatty fish.

Supplementing with oral vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) helps replenish levels to help combat exhaustion and osteoporosis risk common in Sjgrens sufferers.

CoQ10 to Boost Energy

The antioxidant coenzyme Q10 is vital for mitochondrial health and cellular energy output. Since crushing fatigue is a major Sjgrens complaint, CoQ10 supplementation helps counter exhaustion.

Studies utilizing 100-200mg daily doses of CoQ10 show significant improvement in fatigue, muscle pain and general weakness among Sjgrens patients.

Probiotics to Improve Digestion

Having a healthy balance of gut bacteria is crucial for proper digestion and immune modulation. Some early studies note that Sjgrens patients have fewer good bacteria and more bad bacteria.

Daily probiotic supplements can help populate the GI tract with more beneficial strains. This improves digestive enzyme activation and nutritional uptake.

The Importance of Supplement Quality

With any supplement, quality, purity and potency can greatly affect how well it works. Only purchase reputable brand products that:

• Follow cGMP standards in manufacturing
• Use researched, patented ingredients
• Have certificates of analysis from testing
• Are certified contamination free
• Guarantee label claims with testing

High quality supplements supported by clinical data are best for managing Sjgrens syndrome symptoms. Boutique online brands specializing in autoimmunity often offer very high quality products.

Lifestyle Measures Also Help Sjgrens Symptoms

While supplements boost conventional Sjgrens medications, certain lifestyle measures also help ease symptoms:

• Use humidifiers to add moisture to air
• Avoid irritants like smoke and harsh chemicals
• Drink adequate water and moisture-rich foods
• Choose soft, wet-food diets if eating is difficult
• Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes and lubricating gels
• Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress

Combining supplements with medications and home care tips gives Sjgrens patients the best chances of effectively managing irritating symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.