If you’re living with Sjogren’s Syndrome, you may have heard that fasting—whether it’s water fasting, intermittent fasting, or even OMAD (one meal a day)—can help with inflammation. It’s an attractive idea. Less food means less stress on the digestive system, and many people report feeling lighter or even temporarily better after fasting.
But here’s the problem: those benefits are short-lived.
At MGI Clinics, we’ve worked with thousands of patients navigating autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s. And while fasting can provide some early symptom relief, it’s rarely a sustainable solution. In fact, for many people, it leads to a frustrating cycle of flare-ups, fatigue, and food intolerance.
Let’s break down why fasting often backfires—and what your body actually needs to manage Sjogren’s effectively.
The Gut-Immune Connection: The Real Battlefield
Roughly 80% of your immune system lives in your gut, specifically in a region known as MALT (Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue). When your gut is healthy, it helps regulate immune activity. When it’s out of balance—what we call dysbiosis—it can trigger systemic inflammation, worsening Sjogren’s symptoms like dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain, and fatigue.
So while fasting may quiet your digestive system for a while, it doesn’t address the underlying imbalance in your gut microbiome. Once you start eating again, symptoms often rebound—and sometimes even get worse.
Why Fasting Isn’t a Long-Term Fix
Fasting drives your body into a state of ketosis, using fat instead of carbs for energy, and initiates autophagy, a “cellular cleanup” process. These mechanisms can temporarily reduce inflammation. But without essential nutrients—especially phytonutrients—your immune system doesn’t get what it needs to stay regulated.
Even more concerning: prolonged fasting can lead to muscle wasting, malnutrition, hormonal imbalance, and digestive complications like nausea or reflux. If your BMI dips below 18, your body enters a catabolic state—breaking down tissue instead of healing it. We’ve seen patients with BMIs as low as 13, and at that point, fasting is no longer therapeutic—it’s dangerous.
The Power of a Phytonutrient-Rich Diet
At the core of the Mind-Gut-Immunity Method is a concept we call the phyto diet. Phytonutrients are anti-inflammatory compounds found in plants and fungi—think polyphenols from green tea, betalains from beets, herisson from mushrooms, and antioxidants in leafy greens and berries.
These nutrients regulate immune responses, repair gut lining, and fight off harmful microbes like Candida that thrive on sugar and processed starches. A phytonutrient-deficient diet—even one that seems “clean” like carnivore or keto—often misses the mark in managing autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s.
Instead of starving your body, nourish it with the right compounds to help your immune system do its job.
Macronutrient Balance Matters
Another key component? Your macros. The ideal macronutrient split for someone managing Sjogren’s often looks like this:
- 50% healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil)
- 25% protein (plant or clean animal sources)
- 25% carbohydrates, gradually introduced to avoid feeding harmful microbes
Carbohydrates aren’t the enemy—but simple sugars and processed flours are. These feed the bad bacteria and fungi, worsening inflammation and symptoms. We help patients identify carb types that support—not sabotage—their microbiome.
What to Do Instead of Fasting
If fasting isn’t the answer, what is?
Start by reducing inflammation through a personalized, nutrient-dense, microbiome-specific plan. Once your gut begins to heal, your immune system follows. That’s when you can safely reintroduce a full range of foods—without triggering flare-ups.
We’ve seen patients who once feared food finally enjoy balanced meals again, regain healthy weight, and reduce or even eliminate their medications—all within weeks of adopting the right strategy.
The key is not to avoid food, but to choose the right ones.
Taking Control of Your Health
Fasting might sound like a quick fix for Sjogren’s Syndrome, but it doesn’t offer sustainable results. The better path? A phytonutrient-rich diet paired with microbiome recalibration and tailored macronutrient intake. When you heal your gut, you can truly begin to calm your immune system and reclaim your quality of life.
For personalized guidance and support, schedule a discovery call with Dr. Chanu Dasari at MGI Clinics. Our Case Studies page features stories of patients who have successfully managed their conditions through the Mind-Gut-Immunity Method.
Start Your Journey to Better Health Today
Discover the transformative power of the Mind-Gut-Immunity Method! Over the past decade, Dr. Dasari has helped countless clients reduce inflammation and find relief from autoimmune issues, often in just 3-6 weeks. Now, you can start your journey to better health with our free training. Click the link below, choose your condition, and learn how our proven approach can help you feel better fast.
About the Author
Dr. Chanu Dasari, a distinguished clinician with a career spanning renowned institutions like Vanderbilt University, Oxford University, and the University of California, has made significant contributions to medical research and practice. His work, published in top peer-reviewed scientific journals and adopted by the US Department of Health, highlights his commitment to advancing healthcare. Dr. Dasari is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American College of Surgeons, with a specialization in hernia repair, gallbladder removal, cysts, digestive disease, and cancer. As the founder of the Mind-Gut-Immunity Clinic, he draws from personal experience with autoimmune and digestive dysfunction to lead a team dedicated to patient-centered care using evidence-based protocols.
