Living with Sjögren’s Syndrome can be a long, dry road—literally and figuratively. Between the constant thirst, dry eyes, fatigue, and that frustrating feeling of being misunderstood, people with this autoimmune disorder often face more than just physical symptoms. And because it’s often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, many spend years chasing answers. But for those seeking gentle, supportive care that fits alongside their existing treatments, natural remedies can bring a surprising amount of relief. The key is knowing where to begin and how to connect the dots between the body’s signals and daily habits.
While there’s no known cure, a more natural path to comfort, energy, and balance is entirely possible. Here’s a closer look at supportive options that go beyond prescriptions, aimed at helping the body feel better cared for—from the inside out.
Stay Hydrated and Nourish from Within
When moisture is constantly being drained away, either from the eyes, mouth, or deeper systems in the body, hydration can feel like a moving target. It’s more than just sipping water throughout the day—though that’s essential too. With Sjögren’s, hydration has to work harder and smarter.
Some people find that drinking water with a small pinch of unrefined sea salt helps their body absorb it better, especially when dehydration is more about cellular dryness than just thirst. Herbal teas made with marshmallow root, slippery elm, or licorice root can coat the throat and ease dry mouth symptoms. These aren’t quick fixes, but regular use has been associated with better comfort levels throughout the day. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and processed salty snacks can also prevent extra fluid loss, which is something the body just can’t afford with this condition.
Food matters too. Omega-3 fatty acids—naturally found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, and fatty fish—can support tear production and reduce inflammation. Some studies have even connected higher omega-3 intake with less eye dryness. Smoothies with anti-inflammatory ingredients like berries, leafy greens, turmeric, and ginger can give the immune system a nudge in the right direction while also being easier to swallow for those struggling with dry mouth or sore gums.
Support the Immune System with Gentle Detox and Targeted Nutrition
Because Sjögren’s Syndrome is autoimmune in nature, it means the body is fighting itself, mistaking healthy tissues for threats. The goal isn’t to “shut down” the immune system—it’s to help it recalibrate and regulate. That’s where natural approaches really shine.
Daily movement like walking, stretching, or gentle yoga helps stimulate lymph flow, which supports the immune system’s clean-up processes. Even just swinging the arms or bouncing on a mini trampoline for a few minutes a day can help clear sluggish energy and reduce inflammation signals. Dry brushing before a shower is another way to support lymphatic flow and boost circulation, which is often compromised in autoimmune issues.
Nutrient-rich whole foods, especially those high in vitamins A, C, and E, along with zinc and selenium, are worth focusing on. These nutrients can be naturally obtained through colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and properly sourced meats or legumes. Foods high in antioxidants may help reduce the free radical damage that worsens autoimmune activity. Some individuals also benefit from temporarily eliminating inflammatory triggers like gluten or dairy to see if symptoms calm down.
Natural therapies like IV therapy in San Diego—available through Avena Natural Health—can offer targeted hydration and nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gut. This can be particularly helpful when digestive absorption is compromised, which is common with chronic illness. These sessions are often tailored based on individual nutrient needs and may support better energy, immune balance, and cellular hydration.
Balance Hormones and Manage Stress for Long-Term Relief
Many people don’t realize how tightly linked hormonal shifts and autoimmune flares can be. Women, especially, often see symptoms worsen during perimenopause, pregnancy, or other major hormonal events. That’s because the immune system and endocrine system are deeply interconnected. Cortisol, estrogen, thyroid hormones—they all influence how the immune system behaves.
Stress, both physical and emotional, plays a major role in how symptoms develop and linger. That means stress management isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Natural options like acupuncture, meditation, and breathing exercises can help retrain the nervous system to stay out of fight-or-flight mode. This, in turn, allows the body to focus on repair instead of always reacting.
Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola may also help regulate cortisol and support adrenal function, which is often compromised in people with autoimmune disorders. But because herbs can interact with medications, it’s always wise to get guidance from experts before jumping in. That’s why many turn to naturopathic doctors in San Diego, like those at Avena Natural Health, who are trained to look at the whole body and recommend individualized plans based on lab work, symptoms, and lifestyle.
Sleep also needs to be taken seriously. Many with Sjögren’s struggle with poor quality rest, sometimes due to pain or dryness. Natural sleep aids like magnesium, tart cherry juice, or calming bedtime teas can help set the tone for a better night. Evening rituals—like warm baths, gentle stretching, or listening to soft music—can train the brain to wind down, which improves how the immune system performs overnight.
Explore Naturopathic Therapies That Complement Traditional Care
One of the most overlooked things in managing Sjögren’s naturally is the importance of working with someone who understands both conventional medicine and holistic options. That’s where naturopathic consultations in San Diego can make a big difference, especially when guided by clinics like Avena Natural Health. These consultations often focus on root causes instead of just chasing symptoms, and they aim to create balance in the body using nutrition, botanical medicine, gentle detox, and physical medicine.
Some therapies used by naturopaths include infrared sauna therapy to promote circulation and reduce joint discomfort, homeopathy for individual symptom relief, and biofeedback for learning how to regulate stress responses. Each person is different, so treatments vary, but the focus is always on helping the body restore its natural rhythm and reduce inflammation gently over time.
IV nutrient therapy may be offered alongside these approaches to support hydration, immune health, and overall energy, particularly during times of flare-ups or fatigue. These sessions are often well-tolerated and deeply replenishing, especially for people who’ve dealt with chronic dryness, joint pain, or nutritional gaps.
A big part of what makes natural care work long-term is consistency. It’s not about a magic cure or one-size-fits-all plan—it’s about gradually shifting daily habits, calming the nervous system, and giving the immune system the support it needs to stop attacking healthy tissue. The beauty of working with experienced practitioners is that the path becomes clearer, and hope tends to return right alongside better days.
The Takeaway
Sjögren’s Syndrome can feel isolating and frustrating, but it doesn’t have to define every moment of life. Natural remedies can support the body gently and meaningfully when chosen with care and consistency. Whether it’s hydrating smarter, eating more mindfully, lowering stress, or exploring options like IV therapy, the road to relief is often about small, steady shifts.
Avena Natural Health offers supportive care designed to work with your body, not against it. With guidance from compassionate providers and tools rooted in nature, those with Sjögren’s don’t have to walk the path alone.
Media Credit: All photos licensed from Adobe.
Dr. Laura Kostrzewski, a San Diego native, completed her undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University, earning a BS in animal science with minors in Spanish and Psychology. She then earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and taught fifth grade in the central coast of California for two years. After being extremely involved in her grandfather’s journey with Parkinson’s disease and end-of-life care, Dr. Kostrzewski decided to move back to San Diego and enroll at Bastyr University California. Dr. Kostrzewski received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University California in June of 2019, and then went on to complete her residency at Bastyr. Before AVENA Wellness, DR. K started her own private practice, focusing on management of neurodegenerative conditions, and continued teaching at Bastyr as adjunct faculty, until founding Avena Health.