Diet Chart For sjogren's syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome is an immune system disorder. In this disorder, the immune system attacks its own cells which produce saliva and tears. In this disease, there is an inflammation of moisture-producing glands. The symptoms are dry mouth, abnormality or loss of taste, dental cavity, dry mouth, dental cavities, sore throat, dry cough, and dry eyes. Treatment can help control the symptoms but there is no cure for this disease. The Sjogren’s syndrome diet is an approach to control the symptoms of the syndrome and inflammation. It affects people of the age 40 years and above. Most of the patients with Sjogren's syndrome are women.

Sjogren's syndrome diet should include foods that decrease dryness and avoid foods that lead to inflammation or trigger allergies. If this diet is followed and proper medication is taken, inflammation and dryness can be reduced.

Some foods that include anti-inflammatory elements include green leafy vegetables spinach, fenugreek, avocado, garlic, ginger, nuts, and whole grains. Diet is modified to include foods that are easy to swallow and foods with high water content. These include cucumbers, soups, watermelon, etc. Foods which cause inflammation must be avoided, such as sugar, processed food, fried food, alcohol, soda, gluten. Some foods cause inflammation to certain people- especially dairy products.

1. Trans Fats : The good-tasting, greasy foods are usually also high in hydrogenated or trans fats, which are to be avoided on this diet. They could cause inflammation, as can red meat, from excess arachidonic acid. Regular consumption of these fats may also lead to heart disease.
2. Processed Foods : Foods containing canola and corn oils may cause inflammation as the digestive system turns the omega-6 fatty acids into the potentially harmful arachidonic acid noted above. Foods to avoid include packaged candy, corn syrup, bread, pasta, and bakery cakes. These treats cause the blood sugar levels to rise rapidly due to the high amounts of carbohydrates, which make the pancreas fight harder to produce sufficient amounts of insulin.
3. Sweet & Spicy : Sjogren’s syndrome tends to cause a dry and irritated mouth. By eating spicy or sweet food, the irritation can become worse. The lack of saliva might also create an environment ripe for cavities as saliva usually protects the teeth from such a problem.
4. Allergens : Allergenic foods such as dairy, peanuts, and eggs should be avoided by those with Sjogren’s syndrome, even if they do not have allergies to these foods. Other foods to avoid include preservatives, wheat products, gluten, hard or crispy foods, popcorn, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, and tough meats. All of these and similar foods produce a texture that will only exacerbate dryness and irritation and may induce inflammation.

Do's & Don'ts:

1. Moisten foods with mayonnaise, sauces, gravies, yogurts, or salad dressing. Try dipping dry foods into whatever you’re drinking.
2. Soften or thin foods with skim milk, broth, water, or melted margarine. Use your food processor or blender to finely chop or liquefy foods.
3. Use a straw if it helps you swallow. Sip your drink while eating.
4. Add soup with your sandwich.
5. Add cucumbers to a sandwich to add moisture
6. Try smooth, soft, creamy foods like soup, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, casseroles, tender cooked vegetables, canned fruits, pudding, cheesecake, ice cream, and even tender cooked and simmered meats.
7. Drink high-calorie, cold liquids such as milk shakes, instant breakfast drinks, or liquid nutritional supplements for both calories and ease in eating.
8. Suck on fruit juice popsicles, ice chips, or other cold foods to help reduce the pain.
9. Avoid salty, acidic, or spicy foods, or carbonated drinks that prolong pain.
10. Avoid hot foods. Room temperature meals are easier to eat.
11. Acoid hard, crunchy foods such as tough or crisp meats, dry snack foods, crusty bread, popcorn, or nuts since they can be irritating.

1. Healthy Fats : Olive oil is high in omega 3 fatty acids. Other helpful foods are salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, avocados, nuts, and some kinds of seeds.
2. Vegetables : Carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, and winter squash are delicious sources of protective vitamin A and vitamin C.
3. Fruit : The same goes for fruit. Try blueberries, apples, honeydew melon, and papaya by themselves or added to yogurt for a tasty, inflammation-blasting addition to your daily fare.
4. Fiber : Flax seeds and quinoa work wonders.
5. Liquids : Juice, seltzer, and herbal teas add variety. Coconut water is an increasingly popular beverage with an added benefit: it is high in energy-boosting potassium
6. Moist Foods : Soup and stew have a double advantage: they not only add much-needed liquid to the diet but contain vegetables and other helpful ingredients.
7. Organic Meat : Free-range chicken and eggs are also beneficial additions to the diet. Steaming and cooking in liquid are much better than broiling or frying.
8. Protein : Lentils, chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans), peas, and nut butters are all good sources of protein.