Yes, stress can definitely make Sjögren's symptoms worse, triggering flare-ups and intensifying dryness, fatigue, pain, and other autoimmune responses, with research showing a strong link between stressful events and increased disease activity in Sjögren's patients. Managing stress through relaxation, exercise, proper diet, and boundaries is crucial for managing this chronic autoimmune condition.
Currently there is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome.
For Sjögren's syndrome, natural remedies like omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and probiotics may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms like joint pain and dryness. Omega-3s from fish oil or flaxseeds and turmeric supplements are great for managing inflammation.
It has been reported that more than 400 drugs can exacerbate the dryness symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome, including antihypertensives, diuretics, antidepressants, antiparkinson drugs, antipsychotics, antihistamines, centrally acting analgesics, and anticholinergics [6], [13], [14], [15].
There may be times when your symptoms get worse (flare-ups) and times when they're better (remission). It's not known exactly why this happens, but it's thought that certain things, such as overdoing it and not resting enough, may trigger your symptoms or make them worse.
Jonas: Well, like all autoimmune diseases, patients who feel stressed or are under unusual stress will often have exacerbation of their symptoms.
Nevertheless, the onset of at least 50% of autoimmune disorders has been attributed to “unknown trigger factors”. Physical and psychological stress has been implicated in the development of autoimmune disease, since numerous animal and human studies demonstrated the effect of sundry stressors on immune function.
Both heat and cool packs can help relieve muscle and joint pain associated with Sjögren's. Use heat for joint stiffness and to relax muscles. And use cold packs to help reduce inflammation/swelling on sore joints and muscles. Be your own advocate.
However, widely used herbs — including spirulina, elderberry, ashwagandha, chlorella, echinacea, and alfalfa — possess immunostimulatory properties that can worsen autoimmune symptoms, posing risks to patients with conditions like DM and CLE.
Nipocalimab is the first and only investigational therapy granted U.S. FDA breakthrough therapy designation for the treatment of adults living with moderate-to-severe Sjögren's disease [news release]. Johnson & Johnson. 2024 Nov 11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act ().
Some people with Sjögren's have a related autoimmune condition (pernicious anemia) that impairs vitamin B12 absorption. This can be tested by your physician. Routine B12 supplementation is not necessary unless one adheres to a strict vegan diet.
Start with five minutes of aerobic exercise daily (e.g. walking, biking, running, elliptical, treadmill) and increase the duration by an additional two-to-three minutes each month up to a maximum of 25 minutes daily. If you have a heart or lung condition, consult your doctor first.
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
The severity of Sjögren's disease varies. For some patients, symptoms are troubling but relatively mild. Others have symptoms that wax and wane or even go into remission.
Examples of important herbs in the management of autoimmune conditions:
Turmeric may also help improve digestion, which is often affected in people with Sjogren's syndrome. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric can help reduce inflammation in the digestive system, leading to improved digestion and reduced symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome.
Green tea
Green tea is a great supportive herb for autoimmune conditions as it contains catechins, notably epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), with strong anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest green tea may help reduce inflammation and improve immune function, potentially benefiting autoimmune diseases.
Abstain from Eggs
To a person with autoimmune, they can cause havoc that probably wouldn't happen in a healthy person. Eggs can allow proteins (usually lysozyme, from the egg white) to cross the gut barrier where they don't belong and contribute to molecular mimicry.
In patients with autoimmune diseases, like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Systemic Sclerosis (SS), Type 1 Diabetes, and Psoriasis, vitamin C can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals.
Nuts, leafy greens, fatty fish, avocados, olive oil, whole grains, and foods prepared with turmeric, garlic, or ginger have proven to benefit some individuals. To alleviate symptoms, some patients avoid red meat, alcohol, smoking, processed or fried foods, and refined grains as well as safflower, corn, and canola oils.
SARS-CoV-2 may trigger the development or progression of autoimmune diseases, as evidenced by increased autoantibodies in patients and the presentation of cardinal symptoms of SjD.
Immunosuppressant drugs: These are stronger than Plaquenil and actually decrease (or suppress) immune system activity rather than just calm it down. These medicines are called immunosuppressants. They include methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, and cyclophosphamide.
Chronic inflammation – Emotional stress—especially unresolved anger—triggers inflammatory responses. This persistent state of inflammation is a key factor in autoimmune diseases.
Ways diet can help improve your condition
However, if stress sticks around for a long time (chronic stress), it can have the opposite effect. Chronic stress means you may have high levels of cortisol in your system for extended periods, which actually weakens your immune system over time. This makes you more susceptible to infections and other health problems.