YES!! this kept popping up in my research on Sjogrens and AI diseases as well! What some very current research seems to be pointing to is that we are not able to break down certain proteins. These undigested proteins then get into our bloodstream whole which triggers our immune system to attack them as it would bacteria or viruses. Now we have two issues, an immune system hyper-vigilant and vitamin and mineral deficiencies as they depend on certain digested proteins for there own absorption! Hence why so many of us have b12, iron and magnesium issues. It's not that we aren't eating or supplementing enough with them we just won't absorb them without the digested proteins helping.One theory is we need pancreatic enzymes and proper bacterial cultures in our gut to fully break down these proteins.
it is fascinating stuff and as a nurse myself makes so much sense - the science behind it pointing more and more to it being the genesis of the pathology.

It is interesting and I wish I could find more fine tuned info. This sounds wierd but I saw on Dr. Oz about taking 4 forkfuls of saurkraut each morning within 30 min. of raising for energy. Anyway I tried it and I'm not sure on the energy but it helps settle my stomach and I just feel a bit better and my digestive tract seems to be functioning better. I think it's due to replacing bacteria I'm missing. I wish I knew what protiens and I am going to try finding pancreatic enzymes.

It seems that most fermented foods involve either salt or dairy. Sometimes, I drink a small amount of Braggs apple cider vinegar. Does anyone have any ideas of other fermented foods without salt or dairy?

there is a new book out ( for those of you in the States you can get in at amazon.com) called "Autoimmune- the cause and cure" that really gets into fermented foods. I have not read it myself yet but have read lots of buzz about it's theories backed by very good current clinical research that seems to make a great deal of sound sense. And yes the sauerkraut seems to be highly promoted at least the REAL organic unpasteurized variety. Also other cultures fermented dishes such as kimchi and kefir. I like miso but also a high sodium dish Sooki! Maybe seeing if you can get a copy of the book will shed some light on alternate sources of enzymes for you?

I have read the book, Cargill, but still found that the fermented foods suggested had salt or dairy (or soy). I tried making water kefir, but it didn't agree with me. It felt like it had some yeasts in it that weren't agreeing.

This is great information! I had no idea this was a component of SS. Do any of you have nay insights of drinking Kombucha? I've been drinking this for a few months and it is very satisfying...in that, I've actually felt good after having lunch and sipped on one of these beverages.

I find that I have problems digesting fat and sugar but not proteins. Also eating one serving of non-fat greek yogurt really helps. "Regular" yogurt doesn't seem to have the same soothing, and filling, effect. I don't know if it makes any difference for dietary issues but my pancreas has been badly damaged by SS and that's why I can't digest fats and sugars. I have had no problems with protein of any kind. I don't know how that would translate for anyone else though.

I find that I have problems digesting fat and sugar but not proteins. Also eating one serving of non-fat greek yogurt really helps. "Regular" yogurt doesn't seem to have the same soothing, and filling, effect. I don't know if it makes any difference for dietary issues but my pancreas has been badly damaged by SS and that's why I can't digest fats and sugars. I have had no problems with protein of any kind. I don't know how that would translate for anyone else though.

I find that I have problems digesting fat and sugar but not proteins. Also eating one serving of non-fat greek yogurt really helps. "Regular" yogurt doesn't seem to have the same soothing, and filling, effect. I don't know if it makes any difference for dietary issues but my pancreas has been badly damaged by SS and that's why I can't digest fats and sugars. I have had no problems with protein of any kind. I don't know how that would translate for anyone else though.