Green tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, and according to the University of Maryland, contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease, occurs when the body's immune system attacks itself. Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is a disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to properly control blood sugar levels. Green tea may be beneficial for type 1 diabetes and Sjogren's syndrome, but a doctor should always be consulted before taking green tea.
Sjogren Syndrome
In Sjogren's syndrome the moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are affected first, resulting in decreased production of saliva and tears. The two main symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are a dry mouth and dry eyes, although some patients may also experience swollen salivary glands, a persistent dry cough, vaginal dryness and fatigue. According to the MayoClinic, although Sjogren's syndrome can develop at any time, most sufferers are over 40 years of age and are women.
Sjogren's syndrome patients should consult a health care professional before taking green tea.
Green Tea and Sjogren Syndrome
In a study published in a 2007 issue of "Autoimmunity," researchers studied the effect of green tea on patients with Sjogren's syndrome. The team commented that research has already shown that a component of tea called EGCG helps to suppress inflammation. The team found that the group treated with green tea had fewer white blood cells called lymphocytes that gather at sites of inflammation and also lower levels of a protein called autoantibodies. When the immune system attacks itself, autoantibodies are produced. The authors concluded that green tea helped to decrease the damage to the salivary glands and therefore helped to reduce the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome.
Type 1 Diabetes
The hormone insulin is needed to move blood sugar into the cells, where it is used for energy. Insufficient insulin causes a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream, which leads to the symptoms of type 1 diabetes. Typical symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, feeling hungry, being very thirsty and blurry eyesight.
Green Tea and Type 1 Diabetes
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea has a traditional use for helping to balance blood sugar levels in the body. Studies on animals have shown that green tea may help to prevent the development of type 1 diabetes and slow down the progression once the disease is established. Patients with diabetes should consult a doctor before taking green tea
References
- "Autoimmunity": Green tea polyphenols reduce autoimmune symptoms in a murine model for human Sjogren's syndrome and protect human salivary acinar cells from TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity: Stephen D. Hsu, Douglas P. Dickinson, Haiyan Qin et al: 2007
- Mayo Clinic: Sjogren Syndrome
- University of Maryland: Green Tea
