Beyond Sjögren's

Beyond Sjögren's Beyond Sjögren's helps people with Sjögren's find relief using a natural approach.

You might have heard that people with Sjögren's (and other autoimmune conditions) need to avoid nightshades (i.e. potato...
08/07/2025

You might have heard that people with Sjögren's (and other autoimmune conditions) need to avoid nightshades (i.e. potatoes, peppers, tomatoes...) if they want to reduce their inflammation and improve their symptoms.

And although a minority of people could be sensitive to these foods, there is no reliable scientific evidence that shows they should be eliminated in those with Sjögren's. And this matches our clinical experience as well.

In fact, eliminating them unnecessarily could make you miss out on a range of important nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds.

👉 The bottom line:

There is no reliable scientific evidence to show that reducing or eliminating nightshades is beneficial for Sjögren's. Even anecdotally, most people are able to tolerate them well.

Nightshades are rich in beneficial compounds like fibre, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory polyphenols, all of which support overall health.

So unless you’ve personally noticed a reaction, there’s no reason to avoid them: they can be a nourishing part of a healing diet.

🍅 Want to learn more about what a healing diet for Sjögren's looks like?

Comment "HEALING FOODS" to receive a link to our blog article

Can Sjögren’s cause low-grade fevers?The short answer is yes (although it’s not one of the most classic symptoms of the ...
03/07/2025

Can Sjögren’s cause low-grade fevers?

The short answer is yes (although it’s not one of the most classic symptoms of the disease).

That said, low-grade fever is considered one of the possible systemic symptoms of Sjögren’s, meaning it reflects inflammation happening beyond just the moisture-producing glands. It can show up early in the disease, during flares, or alongside other signs that the immune system is active.

In some people (especially children) low-grade fever can appear before the more typical dryness symptoms. In adults, this is less common, but it does happen, and it may even lead to a faster diagnosis, as people tend to seek medical advice sooner when fever is present.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with Sjögren’s and are experiencing persistent or unexplained low-grade fever, it’s important to bring this up with your doctor. While in many cases, it reflects ongoing inflammation linked to the disease, it can also signal more serious complications.

💡 Want to understand the full picture of Sjögren’s symptoms and what can contribute to them?

Comment “Symptom Guide” below and we’ll send you the link to learn more


26/06/2025

What are top 3 things that have helped our Sjogren’s patients improve their symptoms the most?

In the next few minutes I’m going to share exactly what they are, and how you can get started implementing them effectively.

However, there are actually 5 key fundamentals to healing with Sjogren's, which I'll be covering in a much more detailed webinar on our website.

To access the webinar, comment WATCH below and we'll send a link over right away!

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If you live with Sjögren’s, you know summer heat can make symptoms like dry eyes, dry mouth, and dry skin even harder to...
24/06/2025

If you live with Sjögren’s, you know summer heat can make symptoms like dry eyes, dry mouth, and dry skin even harder to manage.

Higher temperatures mean faster fluid loss, which doesn’t just worsen dryness but can also lead to fatigue, joint pain, and even difficulty swallowing.

That’s why staying on top of hydration is extra important during summer!

To help you, here are 5 refreshing drinks to help:

💧 Water: There's no substitute for this one! Carry a bottle and sip throughout the day, and add lemon, cucumber, or berries for a natural flavor boost.

💧 Herbal teas: like chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos are caffeine-free and hydrating. Enjoy them hot or iced, but make sure to skip the added sugar!

💧 Fresh fruit smoothies: Blend water-rich fruits like watermelon, strawberries, or oranges with ice or water for a delicious hydration boost.

💧 100% Aloe Vera Juice: is soothing, hydrating, and a great gut-support option. Just make sure it’s pure and free from added sugars!

💧 100% Coconut Water: is packed with electrolytes, perfect for hot days or after activity. Look for pure, no-sugar-added options, and make sure not to overdo it.

⚠️ A quick reminder:
Caffeine and alcohol can be dehyrating. If you have them, limit their intake and make sure to drink extra water.

💬 What are your favourite hydrating drinks to combat the summer heat? Let us know in the comments!


While dry, sensitive skin is one of the most common symptoms people with Sjögren’s have to deal with, there are several ...
17/06/2025

While dry, sensitive skin is one of the most common symptoms people with Sjögren’s have to deal with, there are several factors that could make it even worse. Let’s break it down:

➡️ Possible triggers behind skin dryness & sensitivity in Sjögren’s:

- Reduced oil + sweat gland function from gland involvement
- Thyroid & hormone imbalances (which often overlap with Sjögren’s)
- Chronic inflammation slowing skin repair
- Nutrient deficiencies (especially omega-3s, vitamin D, E, zinc)
- Medications with dryness as a side effect
- Dry air, wind, harsh skincare products
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➡️ If you're struggling with skin dryness or sensitivity, here are a few ways to help your skin naturally:

1. Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers and watch out for drying ingredients like alcohol and sulfates. Some people can also react to essential oils and parabens.

2. Make sure you're getting enough omega-3s through your diet (like in oily fish, chia seeds, flax seeds...).

3. Use a natural humidifier, especially if you live in a dry climate, or you have air conditioning in your home.

4. Limit exposure to extreme temperatures and weather.

5. For itchy skin, try a colloidal oatmeal bath to help calm irritation and lock in moisture.

6. Focus on anti-inflammatory foods + nutrient support to calm whole-body inflammation (follow us to learn more on this!).

💬 What’s one thing that helps your skin feel better? Let us know in the comments!

Do you ever feel guilt or shame when you express your pain, because someone else "has it worse" than you?It’s a natural ...
29/05/2025

Do you ever feel guilt or shame when you express your pain, because someone else "has it worse" than you?

It’s a natural response. Sometimes we use these thoughts to help us cope and make sense of what we’re going through. But over time, these thoughts can make us feel like our pain isn’t valid.

Psychology reminds us that pain and trauma are subjective. The same situation can feel extremely overwhelming to one person, but manageable to another. That doesn’t mean either response is wrong.

And just like that, two people can have the same diagnosis or injury but experience very different levels of pain.

So whether or not someone else “has it worse,” your pain still matters. YOU still matter. Your voice deserves to be heard.

Does trauma play a role in the development of Sjögren’s?Many people often express that that their Sjögren's symptoms beg...
21/05/2025

Does trauma play a role in the development of Sjögren’s?

Many people often express that that their Sjögren's symptoms began after a major stressor or traumatic life event. Now, research is starting to back that up.

New studies show a strong link between PTSD, adverse childhood experiences, and autoimmune conditions (including Sjögren’s). In some cases, the risk is dramatically higher.

While this doesn't mean that trauma causes Sjögren’s, it does show that we probably need to take mental and nervous system health much more seriously when looking to improve Sjögren's and its symptoms.

To learn more about the relationship between Sjögren's and trauma
💬 Comment "TRAUMA BLOG" or follow the link in bio

In a world that tends to glorify non-stop hustle, sometimes (most often) the most productive thing you can do is rest.Fo...
15/05/2025

In a world that tends to glorify non-stop hustle, sometimes (most often) the most productive thing you can do is rest.

For many people with Sjögren's, resting can bring up feelings of guilt because, in modern societies, rest is seen as "unproductive".

However, productivity means "the ability to produce or achieve results."

Therefore, rest is productive because it makes healing more likely, and healing brings results (joy, peace or happiness).

If we have labeled rest as unproductive, maybe it’s time to reassess what kind of results we truly want to see in our society.

Are Carbs Bad for Sjögren’s?Here’s what we know so far 👇➡️ One study (Pagliai et al., 2022) found that diets high in ref...
13/05/2025

Are Carbs Bad for Sjögren’s?

Here’s what we know so far 👇

➡️ One study (Pagliai et al., 2022) found that diets high in refined carbs were associated with increased inflammation markers in autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including Sjögren’s. However, they also found that diets rich in unrefined carbs, such as those found in the Mediterranean diet, helped reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.

➡️ Does that mean all carbs are bad?

Not at all. Unrefined carbs like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables provide essential nutrients and fiber, supporting gut health and steady blood sugar levels. For this reason, low-carb diets are not recommended long-term, unless there are specific reasons for them.

➡️ But what about fatigue and flare-ups?

For the majority of people, reducing refined carbs and focusing on fiber-rich, whole food sources can help stabilize energy levels and minimize inflammation. But it’s not one-size-fits-all.

➡️ So, what’s the bottom line?

While refined carbs may worsen inflammation, nutrient-dense, unrefined carbs can be beneficial. The key is choosing quality over quantity and paying attention to how your body responds.

💡 Want to learn more?

Our course gives you the knowledge, step-by-step guidance, and recipes you need to make safe, confident dietary changes - based on the latest research and clinical experience - so you can take the guesswork out of your diet.

💬 Comment "COURSE" for more info

Recent research suggests that gut bacteria imbalances may play a significant role in both physical and emotional symptom...
08/05/2025

Recent research suggests that gut bacteria imbalances may play a significant role in both physical and emotional symptoms in people with Sjögren’s. Let’s explore what this means:

➡️ Recent studies show that gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria) is common in people with Sjögren’s, and often includes higher levels of pro-inflammatory bacteria and lower levels of beneficial, inflammation-reducing bacteria.

➡️ Over time, this imbalance can contribute to increased inflammation, more severe symptoms, and even heightened fatigue and brain fog.

➡️ But that’s not all. The gut is also closely linked to the brain through the gut-brain axis. This means that when the gut is out of balance, it can impact mood and cognitive function too. In fact, some studies have found a connection between gut health and symptoms like anxiety and depression in people with Sjögren’s.

🌱 The good news is that emerging therapies and dietary changes are showing promise in helping to restore gut balance, reduce inflammation, and potentially alleviate some of these symptoms.

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References:

📚 Tsigalou, C., Stavropoulou, E., & Bezirtzoglou, E. (2018). Current insights in microbiome shifts in Sjogren’s syndrome and possible therapeutic interventions. Frontiers in immunology, 9, 1106.

Zhu, Y., Zhang, K., Luo, Z., Song, Y., & Wang, X. (2025). Gut Microbiota on Anxiety and Depression in Primary Sjogren's Syndrome: A Novel Insight. Heliyon.

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Want to learn more?

At Beyond Sjögren's we have worked hard to put together a program that gives you the best practical strategies to help you improve your symptoms based on research and clinical experience of working with dozens of people with Sjögren's.

Comment 'COURSE' and we'll send you more info!

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Why does Sjögren’s make your joints hurt — even when your labs are “normal”?If you’ve been told everything looks fine, b...
06/05/2025

Why does Sjögren’s make your joints hurt — even when your labs are “normal”?

If you’ve been told everything looks fine, but your joints still ache, feel stiff, or flare out of nowhere — you’re not alone.

➡️ CRP and ESR don’t always capture the kind of low-grade, chronic inflammation that happens in Sjögren’s. Inflammatory cytokines can still be elevated, and immune complexes can build up in joint tissue — causing pain, even if tests don’t pick it up.

➡️ Sjögren’s can also affect connective tissue, nerves, and joint fluid — and conditions like fibromyalgia or small fiber neuropathy often show up alongside it, adding to joint discomfort without showing on labs.

The bottom line is that your pain is real, even if your lab results say otherwise.

And the more you understand what’s actually going on in your body, the easier it becomes to find ways to support it.

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➡️ We’ve helped dozens of people reduce symptoms like joint pain, digestive issues, and fatigue through simple, steady shifts in how they eat and care for their bodies.

We put those tools into a course that’s clear, practical, and designed for life with Sjögren’s.

Comment “COURSE” if you’d like the details!

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