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Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Sep 23 9:43pm | Replies (35)
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My wife has been diagnosed with lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome for about two years now. Her body pain and tiredness keep her bedbound most of the time during the flare-ups. The inside of her mouth also inflames. This makes eating solid food difficult. Protein shakes sustain her and help maintain her immune system during these times. However, everything has its trade-offs. The high protein causes her constipation. I am hoping that adding this Biotics Research Methylfolate Plus and a B12 supplement will provide added relief. We will contact her rheumatologist.
Replies to "My wife has been diagnosed with lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome for about two years now. Her..."
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Hi davidvictordavid,
I have been away from this support group for a few weeks and am checking back in.
For constipation on a liquid diet, consider slippery elm inner bark powder. It supports the gut mucosa and helps stool slide along. I helps me a lot. I add 1/8 teaspoon to almost everything I consume. If stool gets too lose, use less often.
If she can tolerate some chia seed powder (I can only take 1/2 teaspoon a day) that could also help with constipation. Spinach powder and other vegetable powders could help with her immune system and provide fiber. You'll have to experiment and see what could help.
Lastly, if she can eat/drink thin hot cereal, try LiveKuna Green Plantain Flour. It is easy to digest (green, so no sugar) and has some fiber. You could try some organic stevia (100%) drops for sweetener (if sugar is off limits) or the sweetness/flavor of any milk can be enough.
LiveKuna is the best brand. Others brands I have tried were icky. I also add some liquid egg whites to thicken it up and add protein. I don't know if that would work for your wife. Protein is good for healing the gut and egg white protein is easy to digest.
By the way, the B12 is take is Pure encapsulations Adenosyl/Hydroxy B12. It is gentle and I just take 2 drops in a bit of water a day with the Methlyfolate mentioned in my earlier post.
If you Google Folate (or MethylFolate, I cannot remember), there is some supposition in the research literature that it could help with lupus.
As far as Sjogrens goes, I do not have much to add other than I may be inching toward it with dry eyes and dry mouth and my eyes increasing sensitivity to lights. For the first two symptoms a specialist said to drink water (just liquid, not enough). And I wear sunglasses more often for the light sensitivity.
Hang in there. You are a loving husband looking after her as well as you are doing and I wish your wife better times ahead.