High inflammation

[Cassiecat]

Hoping to get some suggestions on what to do as last few months have been getting flare-ups and problem lately is heartburn whenever I eat. Spoke to rheumy and blood test showed inflammation is double what it is usually and was told there was no treatment because of the heartburn as anti-inflammatory tablets could effect my stomach. Does anyone have some idea on how to lower the inflammation which would make a huge difference. Cheers and good health. Cassiecat

[AnnaMaeCat]

I personally find reducing dairy and gluten and drinking teas that have a lot of anti-inflammatory properties like green tea, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon helps. Also avoiding alcohol and coffee or greatly reducing it. Best of luck to you.

[Cassiecat in reply to AnnaMaeCat]

Thanks for that. Shall give it a go.😽

[Tally]

Look forward to hearing any feedback as my ESR is rather high

[Trekkie1958]

Hi Cassiecat, I was able to reduce my overall blood inflammation markers by cutting from my way of eating all dairy and sugar (except good, high fiber whole fruit like blueberries, strawberries, the occasional small apple, stevia), going gluten-free (I can eat flourless bread made from sprouted wheat; note: most gluten-free products are heavy on the sugar), cutting out all grains, and cutting out any kind of pre-packaged and processed foods, mixes, sauces, fast foods, or meals (too high in sugar and bad fats) of any type. I stick with eating fresh/frozen plain veggies and other whole foods. I originally decreased my blood inflammation markers (and stopped heartburn) by doing the later via the where I ate grass fed and grass finished beef, occasionally some bacon, and occasionally shellfish (shrimp). I then went strict carnivore for 18 months to reset my digestive system, and for the past year I have settled into a vegan keto way of eating.

A few other suggestions to stop heartburn—stop eating any kind of fried food (deep oil frying or even pan frying) like French fries, potato chips, fried chicken, fried fish) or fast food; stop drinking carbonated beverages, especially any kind of soda pop, including diet soda; if you take potassium pills make sure you do not lay down for at least 30 minutes; stop using NSAIDs if you can or sit upright for 30 minutes to an hour after taking a dose; and reducing alcohol and caffeine as AnnaMaeCat suggested. I would also suggest taking Alpha Lipoic Acid (also excellent for reducing inflammation and pain), and taking CoQ10, especially if you are in perimenopause, menopause, or post menopausal.

All of these strategies and the one’s AnnaMaeCat suggested will reduce heartburn. Most of them also helps with reducing inflammation. My blood inflammation markers cannot be measured at all as they are recorded as below the lowest range. I was able to see a distinct change within 3 months. It is, however, important to note that Sjogren’s patients can have normal blood inflammatory markers, but this doesn’t change the fact that you still have an inflammatory disease/autoimmune disease, and hope or nonexistent inflammatory markers does not indicate that you are “cured” or no longer have Sjogren’s.

Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Trekkie1958]

Also important to realise that what helps one person’s heartburn will do opposite to another. I tried it all - berries and AIP, no dairy, lo dairy and anti inflammatory diet for years . Inflammatory markers continued soaring went on for years thinking I could manage with an anti inflammatory diet and lifestyle. Not so for me - maybe more severely affected or my overlapping conditions though.

High inflammation in 30% of those with Sj usually means high immunoglobulins in blood. More severe end systemic autoimmune disease - prone to secondary Vasculitis.

Opposite happened to me despite healthy diet and life style - got really sicker and finally diagnosed Gastroparesis and other gastro issues inc reflux etc. Onions and garlic will literally hospitalise me. Berries and salads cause agony.

Turns out I am on low fodmap diet soft liquid only diet which seems very unhealthy no veg or berries or salads or fat. If I try to re-introduce anything lovely, healthy ie fresh and tasty looking my stomach rebels badly. But inflammatory in blood is lower with lo fodmap (Australian diet for IBS) than it was - still high but not soaring now. Also I’m immunesuppressed and use a prokenetic and PPI and rely on other invasive stuff to keep things moving.