Understanding the Root Causes, Nutrition Strategies, and Anti-Inflammatory Solutions

By Stephanie Larmour Sanders, MS, RDN, CDE, FNLP

Anti-Inflammatory Dietitian and Nutritionist

For many people, Sjögren’s syndrome begins with symptoms that seem unrelated:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Joint pain
• Digestive issues

Unfortunately, these symptoms are often dismissed as part of aging or stress. However, symptoms are signals.

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva. While dryness is the hallmark symptom, the disease can affect many systems throughout the body.

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What Is Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation of moisture-producing glands.

The disease most commonly affects:

• Tear glands
• Salivary glands

However, inflammation may also affect:

• Joints
• Muscles
• Skin
• Thyroid
• Digestive tract
• Lungs
• Kidneys
• Nervous system

Many individuals report overwhelming fatigue that significantly affects quality of life.

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What Causes Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Researchers believe several factors contribute to the development of autoimmune disease.

Genetic Susceptibility

Some individuals inherit genes that increase autoimmune risk.

Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation is designed to protect us from injury and infection. When inflammation becomes chronic, immune regulation may become impaired.

Viral Triggers

Several viruses have been investigated as potential contributors:

• Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Human Herpes Virus-6

Women represent approximately 90% of Sjögren’s cases, suggesting hormones may influence disease development.

Hormonal Influences

Reduced estrogen levels have been linked to Sjögren’s syndrome-like symptoms in animal studies. However, human research has yielded conflicting outcomes regarding the role hormone levels in this syndrome.

Environmental Factors

Potential contributors include:

• Chronic stress
• Poor sleep
• Environmental toxins
• Smoking
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Poor dietary quality

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A Functional and Anti-Inflammatory Perspective

From an anti-inflammatory perspective, Sjögren’s syndrome may reflect years of accumulating inflammatory burden.

Think of inflammation like a bucket.

Each stressor adds to the bucket:

• Poor nutrition
• Blood sugar imbalance
• Lack of movement
• Chronic stress
• Sleep deprivation
• Environmental exposures

Eventually the bucket overflows and symptoms appear. Symptoms are often the body’s way of communicating that underlying systems need support.

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Nutrition Strategies That May Help Reduce Inflammatory Burden

While nutrition does not cure Sjögren’s syndrome, it may help support overall health and reduce inflammatory load.

Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Eat the Rainbow

Colorful fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients that help protect cells from oxidative stress.

Examples include:

• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Spinach
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Bell peppers
• Purple cabbage

Include Omega-3 Fats

Omega-3 fatty acids may help regulate inflammatory pathways.

Sources include:

• Wild salmon
• Sardines
• Mackerel
• Herring
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseeds
• Walnuts

Prioritize Healthy Fats

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Avocados
• Nuts
• Seeds

Stay Well Hydrated

Because dryness is common, hydration becomes especially important.

Consider:

• Water
• Herbal teas
• Broths
• Electrolyte-rich fluids

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Foods That May Increase Inflammatory Load

Many individuals feel better when reducing:

• Ultra-processed foods
• Added sugars
• Refined carbohydrates
• Fried foods
• Excess alcohol

Some individuals may benefit from evaluating possible food sensitivities such as:

• Gluten
• Dairy
• Soy
• Corn

Work with a qualified healthcare professional before making major dietary restrictions.

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Key Nutrients Worth Discussing With Your Healthcare Provider

Vitamin D

Supports immune regulation.

Suggested laboratory target:
40–80 ng/mL

Magnesium

Supports:

• Sleep
• Stress management
• Blood sugar regulation
• Muscle function

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Important for inflammatory balance.

Zinc

Supports immune function and tissue repair.

Selenium

Important for antioxidant protection and thyroid function.

Vitamin B12

Supports nerve function and energy production.

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Laboratory Values to Consider

Autoimmune Testing

• ANA
• SSA (Ro)
• SSB (La)
• Rheumatoid Factor

Inflammatory Markers

• High Sensitivity CRP
• ESR

Nutrient Assessment

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12
• Folate
• Ferritin
• Zinc
• Selenium
• RBC Magnesium

Blood Sugar Assessment

• Fasting Glucose
• Fasting Insulin
• Hemoglobin A1c

Thyroid Evaluation

Because thyroid disorders commonly overlap with Sjögren’s syndrome, discuss testing of:

• TSH
• Free T4
• Free T3
• Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO)
• Thyroglobulin Antibodies

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Lifestyle Strategies That Support Healing

Sleep :Aim for 7–9 hours nightly.

Movement

Consider:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Strength training
• Yoga

Stress Management

Helpful practices may include:

• Prayer
• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Nature exposure

Environmental Health

Reduce exposure when possible to:

• Tobacco smoke
• Pesticides
• PFAS chemicals
• Plastics
• Artificial fragrances

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The Big Picture

Sjögren’s syndrome is not simply a disease of dry eyes and dry mout. It is a complex autoimmune condition involving inflammation, immune regulation, nutrition, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors.

Although there is no known cure, many individuals can improve their quality of life by reducing inflammatory burden and supporting the body’s natural healing systems.

I believe symptoms are not random. They are signals.

My goal is to help people learn how to connect the dots, identify inflammatory triggers, and build a healthier future.

I can hand you the flashlight.

My course teaches you how to become the detective. Found under course.

References

• Sjögren’s Foundation
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
• American College of Rheumatology
• Furman D et al. Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the lifespan. Nature Medicine.
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical care. Sjögren’s disease should be evaluated and monitored by a qualified healthcare provider, often a rheumatologist, especially if symptoms involve the lungs, kidneys, nerves, blood vessels, or other organs.