Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that destroys glands responsible for moisture production. Women older than 40 years of age are at heightened risk of suffering from Sjögren's syndrome, the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation reports. Sjögren's can lead to dry and eyes and an increased risk of chronic health issues such as dental cavities and cancer of the lymph nodes. A few natural supplements may help reduce the symptoms of Sjögren's.
N-acetyl Cysteine
N-acetyl cysteine, a special form of the amino acid cysteine, may reduce the severity of Sjögren's symptoms, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. L-cysteine is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals -- harmful molecules that destroy healthy tissue. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reports that N-acetyl cysteine, by reducing free radical accumulation in the mucous glands, can stimulate mouth and eye secretions. They recommend taking 200 mg of N-acetyl cysteine three times daily.
Cysteine, however, hasn't been thoroughly tested for Sjögren's symptoms in large scale human trials and its effectiveness isn't clear.
Omega-6 Fats
Omega-6 fats are a class of fats that may help treat chronic fatigue -- a common symptom of Sjögren's syndrome, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center says. GLA, a particular type of omega-6 fat, may be beneficial when combined with linoleic acid, another omega-6 fat. GLA and linoleic acid can be found in many omega-6 supplements.
Like N-acetyl cysteine, the research isn't yet clear in determining whether GLA and linoleic acid are largely effective in treating fatigue secondary to Sjögren's, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center notes. Therefore, exact dosage recommendations don't exist for people with Sjögren's.
Omega-3s
Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fats, may help improve symptoms of dry eyes in people with Sjögren's, the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation reports. Omega-3s may help reduce gland inflammation which can block efficient flow through the tear ducts.
Flaxseed oil may be just as effective as fish oil. A July 2007 study done by Coelho Pinheiro of the Universidade de Brasília and published in the Brazilian journal "Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia" found that 1 g of flaxseed oil per day improved dry eyes in a group of 38 women with Sjögren's.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herbs and Supplements for Sjogren's syndrome
- Sjögren's Sydrome Foundation: Sjögren's FAQs
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: Sjogren's Syndrome
- Sjögren's Sydrome Foundation: Dry Eyes: A Hallmark Symptom of Sjögren's Syndrome
- "Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia": Oral flaxseed oil (Linum usitatissimum) in the treatment for dry-eye Sjögren's syndrome patients
