Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva. It also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it is rheumatoid factor positive in 90 percent of cases.
On Amazon, I was reading about some books about Sjogren's and autoimmune diseases. Some authors (MD's and researchers) believe that diets that result in an imbalance of bacteria and fungus in our system is the cause of autoimmune diseases. I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with that.
Now, looking back, my onset of Sjogren's happened after a bout of oral thrush (Candida). Originally, I took an antibiotic for acne which caused the imbalance that led to growth of candida in my mouth. The doctor then gave me med's to get rid of the fungus, but it didn't work. Then she thought it may be Sjogren's so she referred me to a rheumatologist who then tested me for Sjogren's. The results said borderline. Meanwhile, I ate some yogurt and got rid of the candida.
So the doctor continue to monitor my Sjogren's and over a few years, the test numbers become larger and larger. (From 150 to 800+). However, all this time, I don't have dry eyes or mouth. I, however, get achy joints and muscles and severe fatigue. Recently, an endocrinologist said I don't have Sjogren's; I just have the antibodies.
So does anyone out there have any knowledge or experience with this bacterial/fungal imbalance stuff??
Now, looking back, my onset of Sjogren's happened after a bout of oral thrush (Candida). Originally, I took an antibiotic for acne which caused the imbalance that led to growth of candida in my mouth. The doctor then gave me med's to get rid of the fungus, but it didn't work. Then she thought it may be Sjogren's so she referred me to a rheumatologist who then tested me for Sjogren's. The results said borderline. Meanwhile, I ate some yogurt and got rid of the candida.
So the doctor continue to monitor my Sjogren's and over a few years, the test numbers become larger and larger. (From 150 to 800+). However, all this time, I don't have dry eyes or mouth. I, however, get achy joints and muscles and severe fatigue. Recently, an endocrinologist said I don't have Sjogren's; I just have the antibodies.
So does anyone out there have any knowledge or experience with this bacterial/fungal imbalance stuff??
In 2013, I had a terrible case of Thrush in my mouth and throat, also a bad case of C-Diff, a yeast infection, and toe fungus all at the same time.
I was hospitalized for 17 days, (then ended up getting my Gallbladder removed).
It was a bad time for me!
It's just this year that I was diagnosed with Sjogren's. I have all the symptoms of sjogren's, and complications from it!!!
So, what does a bacteria or fungus infection have to do with Sjogren's?? I'm curious.
Some readers actually said they got better (significantly) by changing their diets, eliminating certain foods and toxins, etc.
Just curious ... what numbers are that high?
Before the anti-candida and antifungals, I was not in a good place with my fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. After changing my diet and using the anti-fungals, I received marked improvement in my pain and fatigue. Today I have mostly mild fibromyalgia symptoms and occasional flare-ups. As long as I stick to my regimen I am able to function pretty well. This is coming from someone who was bedridden.
I cannot tolerate sugar so I use stevia. If I consume any foods with sugar my skin burns like fire. Also, if I eat anything with gluten it causes pain and puts me in a flare. Also, if I eat grains it causes all of my joints to ache. As far as the sicca is concerned, I'm still working on the dryness issues.
I have some more book recommendations. I'll come back and post them for you later.