The use of complementary and alternative medicine is common among those with Sjögren’s disease. The goal is to improve well-being and reduce fatigue and pain.
Many people with Sjogren’s disease adopt an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while avoiding processed foods and common allergens. Some adopt a gluten-free diet even if testing does not show celiac disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for symptoms of dry eye, but the degree of benefit from such supplements is uncertain. A reasonable daily dose is from 1000 to up to 3000 mg daily. There are specially formulated supplements for dry eyes, such as TheraTears.
Adequate levels of vitamin D have been shown to be beneficial for people with autoimmune disease. Thus it is potentially beneficial to supplement with 1000-2000 units daily, particularly if one’s exposure to sun is limited.
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.
Low-dose naltrexone may be beneficial for some people with Sjögren’s, as evidenced by anecdotal case reports. It has not been studied formally in Sjögren’s with placebo-controlled clinical trials. In the case reports, the naltrexone therapy seemed to improve joint pain and fatigue. The usual adult dosage of low-dose naltrexone for autoimmune conditions 1.75-4.5mg taken orally once daily at bedtime. It is best to start at 1.5 to 3.0mg per day and adjust the dose up to 4.5 mg per day as needed. Low-dose naltrexone has virtually no side effects. Some people experience vivid dreams, and occasionally, during the first week of use, there may be difficulty sleeping.
