Holistic Approaches to Managing Dry Eyes and Dry Mouth in Sjogren’s Disease

by Dr. Anastasia Stocker

Living with Sjogren’s Disease can be challenging, especially when managing chronic dryness in the eyes and mouth. Below are tips to help keep our eyes and mouth comfortable:

For Dry Eyes:

1. Hydration: Ensure adequate water intake to maintain moisture levels. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial for overall hydration, which directly impacts eye moisture.
2. Diet: Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, flaxseeds, and walnuts to reduce inflammation and improve tear quality. These healthy fats support the glands responsible for tear production.
3. Herbal Remedies: Eyebright and chamomile have soothing properties. Consider using them in eye drop form or as a wash. Eyebright is known for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which can help reduce irritation.
4. Humidifiers: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially in dry climates or during winter. This helps prevent the air from drying out your eyes.
5. Rest and Protection: Take regular breaks from screens and protect your eyes from wind and harsh environments with sunglasses or goggles. The 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) can reduce strain.
6. Pharmaceutical Treatments:
   • Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter (OTC) lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief.
   • Prescription Eye Drops: Medications like cyclosporine (Restasis) and lifitegrast (Xiidra) can help increase tear production and reduce inflammation.
   • Punctal Plugs: Small devices inserted into tear ducts to prevent tear drainage, keeping eyes moist longer.

For Dry Mouth:

1. Hydration: Regularly sip water or herbal teas. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can exacerbate dryness. Staying hydrated keeps the mucous membranes in the mouth moist.
2. Diet: Eat foods rich in moisture and avoid acidic or spicy foods that can irritate the mouth. Fresh fruits and vegetables can help keep your mouth hydrated.
3. Herbal Remedies: Aloe vera juice and slippery elm can soothe and coat the mouth, providing relief. Bitter tasting herbs/food like arugula, gentian lemon, ginger, licorice can help increase saliva production.
4. Chewing Gum and Lozenges: Opt for sugar-free options containing xylitol to stimulate saliva production. Xylitol not only stimulates saliva but also helps prevent cavities. Be sure to keep out of reach of pets as it can be toxic to them.
5. Oral Hygiene: Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent infections and use mouth rinses designed for dry mouth. Products like Biotene can provide relief and help protect your oral health.
6. Pharmaceutical Treatments:
   • Saliva Substitutes: OTC saliva substitutes can help keep the mouth moist.
   • Prescription Medications: Pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac) can stimulate saliva production in patients with dry mouth due to Sjogren’s.

General Tips:

• Acupuncture: Can stimulate saliva production and improve tear flow. This traditional Chinese medicine technique can be particularly effective in managing symptoms.
• Stress Management: Practice yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises to reduce stress, which can worsen symptoms. Stress management techniques help in maintaining overall well-being.
• Supplements: Vitamin D, vitamin E, and evening primrose oil might support overall gland function and reduce dryness. These supplements can help in balancing the body’s inflammatory response.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific condition. They can provide guidance on the best integrative approach tailored to your needs.

Need knowledgeable care? Schedule with one of our team members today!