Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, Fourth Edition (157 page)

The same group gave rectal challenges of dried milk powder to 21 people (2 males, 19 females) with Sjögren’s syndrome and 18 healthy controls. Eight of the 21 people with Sjögren’s had a reaction two standard deviations above the mean of the controls, although IgG and IgA antibodies to casein, beta-lactoglobulin, and alpha-lactalbumin were similar in patients and controls. All people were also tested with a rectal challenge to soybean; none had any adverse reaction. Those with Sjögren’s were also tested for the genetics for celiac. No association was seen between reaction to cow’s milk and their genotypes. In fact, the two people who had the most inflammation had no reaction to gluten and were negative for the DQ2 and DQ8 genes associated with celiac. The researchers report that 2 out of 21 reacted to gluten only (one was subsequently diagnosed with celiac disease); 5 out of 21 were reactive to cow’s milk; and 3 out of 21 reacted to both gluten and cow’s milk. These patients also reported other allergies: 13 of 21 reported allergies to avocado, apple, peanut, strawberry, shellfish, pollen, dust, animals, or mold. GI symptoms were reported by 16 of 21 (76 percent), and 10 of 21 (48 percent) attributed their GI issues to food reactions from dairy products and wheat. Thirteen out of 21 (62 percent) met the criteria for irritable bowel syndrome.

Celiac testing

Breath test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Comprehensive digestive stool analysis

Organic acid test

Food sensitivity and allergy testing

Fatty acid testing

DHEA and cortisol testing

Vitamins D, E, K, and A levels

Discover dysbiosis.
Do testing for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, stool testing, and/or organic acid testing to discover whether these issues play a role in your illness.

Try an elimination diet.
I have seen an elimination diet work wonders in women with scleroderma. Also rule out celiac disease. See
Chapter 15
.

Increase good-quality omega-6 fats in your diet.
In a couple of studies, evening primrose oil was used at levels between 1,000 mg and 6,000 mg daily. Changes were seen in pain reduction, healing of ulcers, improved skin texture, and fewer attacks of Raynaud’s. High omega-6 fats can also be found in nuts and seeds, borage oil, and black currant seed oil.

Check for HCl.
In six women who were tested for gastric acid sufficiency, four were deficient. Take the HCl self-test or Heidelberg capsule test or ask a gastroenterologist to test you for this.