Sjögren’s disease (formerly known as Sjögren’s syndrome) is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks moisture-producing glands. This leads to hallmark symptoms like dry eyes and dry mouth, but the disease’s impact often extends far beyond, affecting joints, the nervous system, and even internal organs such as the lungs and kidneys. While traditional approaches aim to manage symptoms, functional medicine seeks to address the root causes, offering hope for a more comprehensive recovery.
In this post, we’ll explore what Sjögren’s is, how it’s diagnosed, and how both traditional and functional medicine approaches can work together to support health and well-being.
What is Sjögren’s Disease?
Sjögren’s is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, primarily affecting women, especially in middle age. It can occur on its own (primary Sjögren’s) or alongside other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (secondary Sjögren’s).
Typical symptoms include dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, and joint pain. However, some people experience complications like swollen salivary glands, recurring infections, or even systemic issues such as kidney or lung involvement. Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, Sjögren’s is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, delaying effective treatment.
Traditional Approach: Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing Sjögren’s typically involves evaluating symptoms, blood tests, and other diagnostic tools to confirm the condition.
Diagnosis
Doctors begin with a detailed medical history and a symptom review. If Sjögren’s is suspected, the following tests may be helpful:
- Blood Work: Autoantibodies such as ANA (antinuclear antibodies), anti-SSA/Ro, and anti-SSB/La are checked. These markers are often present in Sjögren’s and other autoimmune diseases.
- Eye Tests: The Schirmer’s test measures tear production, while a tear break-up time test assesses tear stability.
- Salivary Gland Assessment: Salivary flow measurement and imaging (ultrasound, MRI) can evaluate gland function and structure. A lip biopsy might also be performed to confirm inflammation.
- Additional Imaging: Sialography can identify abnormalities in the salivary ducts.
Treatment
The traditional approach focuses on symptom management and preventing complications. For dry eyes, treatments like artificial tears, lubricating ointments, or punctal plugs are common. Dry mouth is managed with saliva substitutes, sugar-free (xylitol) chewing gum, or medications such as pilocarpine. Systemic symptoms, such as joint pain or organ involvement, may require immunosuppressive drugs like hydroxychloroquine or corticosteroids.
While these treatments can reduce discomfort and slow disease progression, they often don’t address the underlying triggers or causes.
Functional Medicine: A Root-Cause Approach
Functional medicine views Sjögren’s disease as a systemic imbalance, exploring potential triggers such as gut health, chronic infections, and environmental factors. The aim is not only to alleviate symptoms but to restore health by addressing underlying causes.
Potential Root Causes
- Gut Health: Imbalances in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) or increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) may contribute to immune dysfunction.
- Chronic Infections: Persistent viral infections like Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) can disrupt immune regulation.
- Environmental Toxins: Exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, or mold can burden the immune system.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Low levels of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants may impair immune balance.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Estrogen plays a key role in immune regulation, which may explain why Sjögren’s is more common in women.
- Stress and Trauma: Chronic stress or unresolved trauma can dysregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, exacerbating autoimmune symptoms.
Functional Medicine Interventions
A functional approach begins with thorough testing to uncover imbalances, including comprehensive stool analysis, toxin panels, food sensitivity tests, and nutritional assessments. Based on these findings, a personalized treatment plan is created. Common interventions include:
- Targeted Nutrition: An anti-inflammatory diet, rich in whole foods, omega-3s, and antioxidants, can help reduce inflammation and restore balance. Elimination diets may be used to identify and remove food triggers.
- Gut Health Restoration: Supporting gut health with probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-healing nutrients like L-glutamine can address dysbiosis and leaky gut.
- Detoxification Support: Saunas, binders, and detox-supporting nutrients like milk thistle and N-acetylcysteine can reduce the toxic load.
- Stress Management: Incorporating mindfulness, yoga, or biofeedback can calm the HPA axis and reduce inflammation.
- Targeted Supplements: Vitamin D, omega-3s, and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha can support immune balance and reduce symptoms.
Bridging Traditional and Functional Medicine
A combined approach to Sjögren’s disease offers the best of both worlds. Traditional medicine provides tools to manage symptoms and prevent complications, while functional medicine uncovers and addresses root causes, offering a path to deeper healing.
For patients, this integrative approach means more than just managing symptoms—it’s about reclaiming health, energy, and quality of life. By addressing the whole person, both physically and emotionally, we can chart a course toward remission and vitality.
Seeking Support for Sjögren’s Disease
Healing from Sjögren’s starts with the right guidance. A functional medicine practitioner can help you identify and address the root causes of your autoimmune symptoms by considering your unique biochemistry and life circumstances. This personalized approach goes beyond symptom management, offering natural and sustainable ways to support your health.
If you suspect Sjögren’s disease or have struggled with it without significant improvement, we’re here to help. Resolve Medical specializes in functional medicine, offering telehealth consultations to support patients worldwide. Learn more about becoming a patient and how we can help you transform your health journey.
Schedule your discovery call today.
RESOURCES:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sjogrens-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353221
Update on the pathophysiology and treatment of primary Sjögren syndrome
Pathogenesis and treatment of Sjogren’s syndrome: review and update
Toward better outcomes in Sjögren’s syndrome: the promise of a stratified medicine approach
