What triggers Sjogren’s syndrome?

Introduction: Why Sjögren’s Syndrome Needs a Whole-Body Approach

Sjögren’s Syndrome is a complex autoimmune disease that affects far more than just dry eyes and mouth. It often comes with debilitating fatigue, joint pain, and systemic inflammation—yet is frequently underdiagnosed or misunderstood.

At Patients Medical in NYC, our integrative approach goes beyond symptom suppression. We focus on identifying the root causes of immune dysfunction—from gut health and infections to toxins and hormonal imbalances—to restore balance and help you live fully again.

What Is Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Sjögren’s Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks moisture-producing glands, especially the salivary and tear glands.

It can occur alone (primary Sjögren’s) or alongside other autoimmune diseases like lupus, Hashimoto’s, or rheumatoid arthritis (secondary Sjögren’s).

Beyond Dryness: Systemic Symptoms

Root Causes: What Triggers Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Functional medicine seeks to uncover what activates autoimmune processes and why your immune system is confused. Common triggers include:

  1. Gut Imbalance (Leaky Gut & Dysbiosis): A damaged gut lining allows inflammatory molecules to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune dysregulation.

  2. Viral or Bacterial Infections: Past infections—like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), H. pylori, or Lyme disease—can trigger immune responses that become chronic.

  3. Toxin Exposure: Mold, heavy metals (mercury, lead), and pesticides overwhelm detox pathways and ignite inflammation.

  4. Hormonal Shifts: Estrogen and progesterone imbalances, especially in women post-menopause, may play a role in Sjögren’s development.

  5. Genetic Susceptibility: While genetics may load the gun, it’s often environmental factors and lifestyle that pull the trigger.

  6. Stress & HPA Axis Dysfunction: Chronic stress can dysregulate cortisol and immune function, acting as a powerful autoimmune trigger.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we perform advanced diagnostics to uncover the underlying causes of your Sjögren’s:

Early Sjögren’s Panel (anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La)

Inflammatory Markers (ESR, CRP, cytokines)

Gut Health Analysis (zonulin, microbiome testing)

Environmental Toxin Screening (mycotoxins, heavy metals)

Vitamin/Mineral Testing (B12, D, selenium)

Salivary Gland Ultrasound (assesses gland damage)

Integrative Sjögren’s Treatments

Nutritional Therapy

We tailor your diet to reduce inflammation, heal the gut, and support immune balance. This often includes:

  • Gluten-free and dairy-free protocols
  • Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) or Mediterranean diet
  • Bone broth, omega-3s, and gut-healing foods
  • Elimination diets to identify food sensitivities

IV Vitamin Therapy

Customized infusions help replenish depleted nutrients, improve hydration, and support detox pathways. We may use:

  • B-complex
  • Vitamin C
  • Magnesium
  • Glutathione

Zinc and trace minerals

Targeted Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

We recommend physician-guided supplementation with:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Curcumin (anti-inflammatory)
  • Vitamin D3
  • Probiotics and digestive enzymes
  • L-glutamine and quercetin (gut healing)
  • Adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola)

Stress Management & Nervous System Support

Autoimmunity and stress are closely linked. We provide tools to calm the immune response:

  • Acupuncture
  • Meditation and guided breathwork
  • Herbal adrenal tonics
  • Counseling and mind-body therapies

Hormone Balancing

Using bioidentical hormones when appropriate, we support thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormone balance to improve symptoms and immune resilience.

Real Case Study: Reclaiming Life with Sjögren’s

Elaine, 49, came to us with constant dry eyes, joint pain, fatigue, and mood swings. After years of misdiagnoses, she was finally diagnosed with Sjögren’s.

Our tests showed:

  • Elevated antibodies to Ro/SSA and La/SSB
  • Leaky gut and candida overgrowth
  • Low estrogen and vitamin D
  • Evidence of past EBV reactivation

Her custom 4-month integrative plan included:

  • Gut healing protocol
  • IV vitamin therapy and omega-3s
  • Adaptogenic herbs and hormone balancing
  • Anti-inflammatory nutrition and detox support

By the end of the program, Elaine’s energy had returned, her eye and joint symptoms were manageable without steroids, and she reported “finally feeling in control of her health again.”

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

 While autoimmunity cannot be “cured,” symptoms can be significantly reduced—and even put into remission—with root-cause care.

 Yes. Anti-inflammatory, gut-friendly diets are foundational to calming autoimmune activity.

 Our functional medicine testing often uncovers hidden triggers missed by standard labs.

 Yes, we offer natural alternatives and can work in tandem with your rheumatologist if medications are necessary.

Our therapies are backed by peer-reviewed research in nutrition, immunology, and functional medicine.

 No—many patients also experience fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, rashes, and neurological symptoms.

 Yes, chronic viral infections are a known trigger and are part of our testing process.

 Absolutely. Estrogen and thyroid dysfunction can worsen symptoms.

Most patients see improvements within 1–3 months, though full immune rebalancing can take longer

 We are out-of-network but provide superbills for reimbursement. Some labs may be partially covered.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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