What is the best diet for Sjogren's syndrome?

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

While no single 'best' diet exists for everyone with Sjögren's syndrome, a personalized, anti-inflammatory eating pattern focusing on whole foods can significantly help manage symptoms. Understanding what is the best diet for Sjogren's syndrome involves identifying trigger foods and embracing nutrient-dense options to combat inflammation and improve quality of life.

Quick Summary

An optimal diet for Sjogren's syndrome centers on anti-inflammatory whole foods, similar to the Mediterranean diet, to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms like dryness. Patients often benefit from limiting processed foods, added sugars, and potential triggers like gluten and dairy. Focus on moist foods and proper hydration to combat dry mouth. Dietary choices should be tailored to individual tolerance and always discussed with a healthcare provider.

Key Points

Embrace an Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like the Mediterranean diet to reduce systemic inflammation.
Prioritize Soft, Moist Foods: Manage dry mouth by consuming soft, creamy foods and adding sauces or gravies to meals.
Identify and Avoid Trigger Foods: Common inflammatory culprits to limit or eliminate include processed foods, red meat, added sugars, and potentially gluten and dairy.
Stay Hydrated Constantly: Sip water or other sugarless drinks throughout the day to combat dryness and aid in swallowing.
Consider Supportive Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and probiotics may offer benefits, but consult with a healthcare provider before adding them to your regimen.

A diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome can be a challenging journey, with symptoms like chronic dry eyes, dry mouth, and fatigue significantly impacting daily life. While medication is a cornerstone of treatment, adopting a supportive nutritional plan can be a powerful tool for managing symptoms and reducing systemic inflammation. The core of a Sjögren's-friendly diet revolves around anti-inflammatory principles, often mirroring the widely recognized Mediterranean diet pattern.

The Role of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing glands. This process is driven by inflammation. A primary goal of dietary intervention is to reduce this inflammation, which in turn can lessen the severity of symptoms. An anti-inflammatory diet emphasizes nutrient-dense, whole foods while restricting or eliminating known inflammatory culprits.

This approach helps address the root cause of many of the syndrome's distressing manifestations. By focusing on foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, such as omega-3s, patients can actively support their immune system and cellular health.

Recommended Foods for Sjögren's Syndrome

Fruits and vegetables: A wide array of colorful fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that combat cellular damage. Aim for leafy greens, berries, bell peppers, and avocado. For those with severe dry mouth, opt for softer, moister fruits like peaches, melons, and pears, and well-cooked or pureed vegetables.
Omega-3 rich foods: Omega-3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Incorporate fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel into your diet 2-3 times per week. Other sources include walnuts, flaxseeds, and olive oil.
Lean protein: Good protein sources include fish, poultry, tofu, and legumes. These provide necessary building blocks for the body without contributing to the inflammatory load associated with high consumption of red and processed meats.
Healthy fats: Extra virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that aid in reducing inflammation.
Herbs and spices: Many herbs and spices, such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic, have natural anti-inflammatory properties. These can add flavor to dishes without relying on salt or sugar.
Gut-friendly foods: Probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut, kombucha, and yogurt (if tolerated) can help balance gut bacteria, which is particularly relevant for the high percentage of Sjögren's patients with gastrointestinal issues.

Foods and Substances to Limit or Avoid

To minimize inflammation and irritation, patients should consider limiting or eliminating the following from their diet:

Processed and fried foods: These are often high in unhealthy fats, additives, and preservatives that promote inflammation.
Added sugars and sweets: High sugar intake can increase inflammation and may worsen symptoms. Look out for hidden sugars in beverages and processed snacks.
Red and processed meats: These contain arachidonic acid, which can promote inflammation.
Alcohol and caffeine: Both are dehydrating and can exacerbate dry mouth and overall dryness.
Acidic, spicy, and salty foods: These can irritate the sensitive mucous membranes of a dry mouth. Examples include citrus fruits, vinegar-based dressings, and salty snacks.
Gluten: Many Sjögren's patients have a higher incidence of gluten intolerance and celiac disease. Some individuals report significant relief from joint pain and fatigue on a gluten-free diet. This elimination should be done under professional guidance to ensure adequate nutrition.
Dairy: Lactose and saturated fats in dairy can trigger inflammatory responses in some people with autoimmune disorders. Some patients find improvement in symptoms by eliminating or reducing dairy, though this varies by individual.

Comparison of Sjogren's Friendly vs. Triggering Foods


Food Group	Sjogren's-Friendly Options	Potentially Triggering/Irritating Options
Carbohydrates	Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice), sweet potatoes, millet	Refined grains (white bread, pasta), sugary cereals, crackers
Protein	Fatty fish (salmon), chicken, turkey, tofu, beans	Red meat, processed meats (sausage, deli meat)
Fats	Extra virgin olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds	Fried foods, highly processed vegetable oils
Dairy	Yogurt and cheese (if tolerated), goat's milk products	Cow's milk, ice cream, many cheeses (especially if intolerant)
Fruits/Veggies	Colorful fruits, leafy greens, cooked vegetables	Highly acidic fruits (citrus), spicy peppers
Drinks	Water, herbal teas, infused water	Alcohol, coffee, sugary sodas

Managing Specific Symptoms Through Diet

Dry Mouth and Swallowing Difficulties

Moisten foods: Add sauces, gravies, or broth to meals.
Soft foods: Focus on soups, stews, casseroles, and pureed dishes.
Hydrate frequently: Sip water throughout the day and with meals to aid chewing and swallowing.
Flavor stimulation: Sucking on sugarless candies or chewing sugarless gum can help stimulate saliva flow.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a common comorbidity for Sjögren's patients. Dietary strategies include:

Smaller, more frequent meals to prevent stomach overfilling.
Avoiding trigger foods: Common culprits include chocolate, peppermint, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
Healthy protein choices: Lean proteins like poultry, fish, and tofu are less likely to exacerbate GERD than fatty meats.

A Note on Supplements

While a nutrient-rich diet is key, some patients may need supplementation. Common considerations include:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Shown to improve dry eye and dry mouth symptoms in some studies. Doses vary, so consult a doctor.
Vitamin D: Patients with Sjögren's often have lower levels, and supplementation may help regulate immune function and inflammation.
Probiotics: Supporting a healthy gut microbiome can help with overall inflammation and digestive issues.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what is the best diet for Sjogren's syndrome, as individual triggers and tolerances vary. However, a general framework built on an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and antioxidants, offers a strong foundation for managing symptoms. By prioritizing soft, moist foods to combat dryness, minimizing processed and sugary items, and addressing potential sensitivities like gluten and dairy, individuals can significantly improve their comfort and quality of life. Always work with your healthcare provider to personalize your nutritional plan. For more information, visit the Sjögren's Foundation.

Additional Considerations

Beyond diet, lifestyle factors such as hydration and stress management also play a crucial role in overall wellness for those with Sjögren's syndrome. Choosing a nutrient-rich diet is a proactive step toward feeling better and supporting long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, research suggests that adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet can be beneficial for Sjogren's syndrome patients. It is rich in anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and fish, which can help reduce overall inflammation and potentially lessen symptoms.

Many people with Sjogren's find relief from symptoms like joint pain and fatigue by eliminating or reducing gluten and dairy. Gluten intolerance and Celiac disease are more prevalent in Sjogren's patients. However, this varies by individual and should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure adequate nutrition.

To manage dry mouth, focus on moist and soft foods such as soups, stews, casseroles, and tender meats. Using sauces, gravies, and sipping water frequently during meals can also make chewing and swallowing easier.

While not a replacement for medication, supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) have shown promise in improving dry eye and dry mouth symptoms. Vitamin D and probiotics are also sometimes recommended to help with inflammation and gut health. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement.

You should limit or avoid dehydrating beverages like alcohol and caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea). Highly acidic drinks such as sodas and some fruit juices can also irritate a dry mouth.

Dietary changes can help manage GERD by avoiding trigger foods like chocolate, peppermint, spicy foods, and caffeine. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and opting for lean protein sources can also reduce symptoms.

Processed foods often contain high amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives that can promote systemic inflammation. Reducing your intake of these foods, along with fried foods, can help lessen the inflammatory response that drives many Sjögren's symptoms.