Foods that are good for Sjögren’s
As many as 90% of people with Sjögren’s have gastrointestinal challenges. Since there’s no cure for Sjögren’s, much of the treatment revolves around managing the condition. Dietary choices play an important role in this and certain foods are encouraged, such as:
Omega-3 fatty acids
This would include foods like fish, nuts, olive oil, and avocados, all of which are good for inflammation.
Organic meat
The healthier fats in grass-fed meat, especially grass-fed beef or bison, have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Whole fruits and vegetables
The many colorful varieties of fruits and vegetables are loaded with anti-inflammatory nutrients. Choose red, orange, green, and yellow fruits and vegetables for their wealth of helpful vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
High fiber
Lentils, kidney beans, quinoa, oats, and more are all high-fiber foods that ease symptoms of inflammation.
Spices and herbs
Various seasonings such as garlic or turmeric have long been recognized for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
Foods that are bad for Sjögren’s
Another way to manage your Sjögren’s symptoms is to avoid foods that are thought to worsen the condition. These include:
Trans fats
Trans fats are found in foods made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, like many types of fried and fast foods. In addition to raising the risk of heart disease, they have a pronounced inflammatory effect on the body that can worsen the symptoms of Sjögren’s.
High glycemic foods
Foods with a high glycemic index are those that quickly spike your blood sugar levels after consuming. The resulting insulin level can aggravate inflammation caused by Sjögren’s.
Red meat
Red meat contains arachidonic acid, a type of fat thought to contribute to inflammation in the body. A person with Sjögren’s should either reduce their consumption of red meat or choose an alternative with a healthier fat profile, such as grass-fed meat.
Dairy
Lactose is a common allergen. Allergens release histamines into the body, which can in turn cause inflammation in people with autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s. The saturated fats in dairy may also cause inflammation.
Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and others may not be recognized by the immune system, potentially triggering an inflammatory autoimmune response. People with Sjögren’s may better tolerate natural sweeteners like honey.
*article courtesy of www.medicinenet.com
