Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Terry, “Tennis star Venus Williams recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with Sjögren’s Syndrome. What exactly is Sjögren’s Syndrome and are there any natural treatment options available? Thanks!” — Tracy W., Melbourne, FL A. Dear Tracy, Sjögren’s Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s white blood cells attack their mucous membranes. Mucous membranes cover the digestive, respiratory and urogenital tracts and inner surfaces of the eyes. Although the hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth, individuals may also experience extreme fatigue, joint pain and have a higher risk of developing lymphoma. Sjögren’s may also cause dysfunction of other areas such as the kidneys, blood vessels, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. Approximately 90% of individuals with Sjögren’s Syndrome are female. When it comes to natural treatment options, I would recommend sea buckthorn oil. The fruit of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) has been called a “nutrient bomb” because it is so rich in flavonoids, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds. The seeds contain exceptionally high omega fatty acids, including the rare Omega-7 fatty acid (palmitoleic acid). Sea buckthorn grows in Western Europe and Asia in areas where other plants can’t survive – near the ocean coastline where they are exposed to salty sea spray, and semi-arid areas that are too dry for most plants. This challenging environment may account for the richness of its nutrients. There have been positive clinical studies that indicate sea buckthorn oil can be extremely effective in improving the symptoms of Sjögrens Syndrome. In a placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study, 24 female Sjögren’s Syndrome patients were randomly assigned to take either sea buckthorn oil or a placebo for three months. The conditions of mucosa of the eyes, mouth, genital tract, and the skin were evaluated before and after each of the supplementation periods. The use of sea buckthorn oil led to better improvement in symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome suggesting beneficial effects of sea buckthorn oil on the overall condition of the mucous membranes. I recommend taking the clinical dosage of a 1,000 mg twice daily. Please keep in mind that individuals with Sjögren’s syndrome should consult with their physicians to determine whether or not sea buckthorn oil can fit into their overall treatment plan. Healthy Regards! Terry . . . Naturally