Nutrition Diet: Are Blueberries Good for Sjögren's?

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Affecting millions, Sjögren's syndrome involves an autoimmune attack causing chronic inflammation. Exploring dietary choices, like asking, Are blueberries good for Sjögren's?, is key for managing symptoms and reducing systemic inflammation naturally.

Quick Summary

Blueberries, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, are a valuable part of a Sjögren's-friendly diet. They combat oxidative stress, potentially helping to manage inflammation, though more human research is needed on direct benefits for symptoms like dry mouth and eyes.

Key Points

Antioxidant Power: Blueberries are packed with anthocyanins and other antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, which contributes to inflammation in autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The compounds in blueberries possess anti-inflammatory effects that can help modulate the immune response and reduce systemic inflammation.
Potential for Dry Eye Relief: Animal studies using blueberry leaf extract have shown promise in improving tear secretion and reducing inflammation in the lacrimal glands, suggesting a potential benefit for dry eyes.
Part of a Broader Diet: Blueberries are a valuable component of an overall anti-inflammatory diet, which is recommended for managing Sjögren's symptoms, but they are not a cure.
Easy to Consume: For patients with dry mouth, blueberries can be easily incorporated into soft, moist foods like smoothies or compotes, avoiding the irritation of dry, crunchy foods.
Personalized Approach: Dietary needs and triggers vary for each individual with Sjögren's. A personalized approach, guided by a healthcare professional, is always recommended.

Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome and Inflammation

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva, leading to the hallmark symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth. It can also cause systemic inflammation, affecting other organs and tissues throughout the body and leading to symptoms like joint pain and fatigue. For many patients, managing this underlying inflammation is a key part of symptom control, and diet plays a significant role. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in nutrient-dense whole foods, can help mitigate some of the inflammation that drives the disease process.

The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Blueberries

Blueberries are well-regarded for their health benefits, stemming from a high concentration of phytochemicals, particularly a class of flavonoids called anthocyanins. These compounds are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

Rich in Anthocyanins: These pigments give blueberries their deep blue color and are responsible for much of their anti-inflammatory activity. Studies on berries, including blueberries, show their effectiveness in helping to prevent anti-inflammatory diseases.
Combat Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them, is implicated in autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's. The powerful antioxidants in blueberries help combat this stress, potentially reducing cellular damage.

Insights from Sjögren's Research

While direct human studies focusing on the consumption of blueberry fruit for Sjögren's syndrome are limited, animal studies provide valuable insight into the mechanisms involved. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food investigated the effect of a hot water extract from blueberry leaves (BLEx) on a Sjögren's-like mouse model.

Improved Tear Secretion in Mice: The study found that BLEx, rich in polyphenols like proanthocyanidins, significantly increased tear secretion in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, a model for Sjögren's syndrome.
Reduced Inflammatory Cytokines: The extract was also shown to reduce levels of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in the lacrimal glands of these mice, indicating a potential to modulate the immune response.
Caution on Extrapolation: While promising, it is crucial to remember that these results are from a mouse model using a leaf extract, not the fruit itself, and are not direct evidence for human consumption. However, the findings support the anti-inflammatory potential of blueberry compounds and their relevance to managing Sjögren's symptoms.

Integrating Blueberries into an Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Sjögren's

Incorporating blueberries and other nutrient-dense foods is part of a broader dietary strategy to manage Sjögren's symptoms. The focus should be on minimizing inflammatory triggers while maximizing beneficial, anti-inflammatory foods.

Foods to Include

Other Fruits and Vegetables: Prioritize a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, which are loaded with anti-inflammatory nutrients and antioxidants.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish (like salmon), walnuts, and flaxseeds, these are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the glands.
Lean Proteins: Sources like poultry, tofu, and beans are beneficial, especially for those with GERD, a common Sjögren's comorbidity.
High Fiber Foods: Lentils, quinoa, and oats can help ease symptoms of inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory Spices: Turmeric and ginger have long been recognized for their anti-inflammatory benefits.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Sugary and Processed Foods: These can lead to blood sugar spikes and increase inflammation throughout the body.
High-Sodium Foods: Excessive salt intake can pull moisture from tissues, worsening dry mouth and eye symptoms.
Acidic and Spicy Foods: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and spicy dishes can irritate the already sensitive oral tissues.
Caffeine and Alcohol: These are dehydrating and can exacerbate dryness symptoms.

Blueberries vs. Other Anti-Inflammatory Foods


Feature	Blueberries	Fatty Fish (Salmon)	Turmeric	Leafy Greens (Spinach)
Primary Anti-Inflammatory Component	Anthocyanins, Polyphenols	Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)	Curcumin	Antioxidants, Vitamins A, C, K
Sjögren's Benefit	Antioxidant defense, potential for dry eye management (based on animal studies)	Reduces systemic inflammation, helps with dry eye symptoms	Potent anti-inflammatory, modulates immune response	Broad antioxidant and vitamin support, rich in fiber
Best for Dry Mouth	Can be pureed into smoothies, which are easy to consume	High in healthy fats, good with sauces	Can be added to moist dishes or milks	Easily blended into smoothies or soups
Potential Irritant	Generally well-tolerated; very acidic fruits (e.g., citrus) are more problematic	Generally safe; check for allergies	Generally safe; too much can cause digestive upset	Generally safe; some may need to be cooked if digestion is an issue

Practical Ways to Incorporate Blueberries

Smoothies: Blend frozen blueberries with a non-dairy milk, a spoonful of chia seeds for fiber, and some spinach for a nutrient-dense, easy-to-swallow beverage.
Sauces and Toppings: Create a blueberry compote to serve over moist, soft foods like oatmeal, yogurt (if tolerated), or tender-cooked meats.
Soft Baked Goods: Incorporate blueberries into moist muffins or bread recipes. Using alternative flours or moistening agents can make them easier to chew and swallow.
Frozen Treats: Freeze blueberries and blend them with a non-dairy yogurt or banana for a refreshing, soothing sorbet-like treat.

Conclusion: Blueberries as a Beneficial Dietary Tool

While no single food can cure Sjögren's syndrome, incorporating blueberries into a comprehensive, anti-inflammatory nutrition plan offers significant benefits. Their rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help combat the oxidative stress and inflammation that drive symptoms like dry eyes and joint pain. Though promising, research specifically on blueberry fruit's effects in humans with Sjögren's is still developing, and dietary approaches should always be personalized in consultation with a healthcare professional. By focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods like blueberries, alongside other anti-inflammatory choices and proper hydration, you can empower your body to better manage symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

For more detailed information on diet and autoimmune conditions, refer to resources from reputable organizations like the Sjögren's Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

While blueberries are part of an anti-inflammatory diet, they do not directly cure dry mouth. However, their high water content and soft texture can make them easier to eat and provide some moisture, especially in smoothies or sauces.

Yes, many berries, including cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries, are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Incorporating a variety of colorful berries into your diet is a great strategy to maximize these benefits.

No, a blueberry-rich diet is a complementary strategy, not a substitute for prescribed medical treatments. Diet can help manage symptoms by reducing inflammation, but it is not a cure and should not replace medication.

A mouse study showed promising results for blueberry leaf extract (BLEx) in improving tear secretion. While the fruit contains beneficial compounds, research on BLEx is more specific to Sjögren's-like symptoms, but it is not directly transferable to human fruit consumption.

For most people, eating blueberries is safe. However, some Sjögren's patients find acidic foods irritating to a dry mouth. Blueberries are mildly acidic, but generally less so than citrus fruits. If you experience irritation, opt for smoother forms like smoothies or sauces.

To make blueberries more comfortable for a dry mouth, consume them blended in a smoothie, cooked into a moist compote or sauce, or mixed into a soft food like oatmeal.

The key takeaway is that blueberries are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to a balanced, whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet aimed at managing Sjögren's symptoms.