Sarcoidosis Treatments: Diet, Herbs and Immune Support

Healthylife Pharmacy9 December 2017|3 min read

Sarcoidosis is a condition distinguished by abnormal nodules called sarcoid granulomas. These nodules typically appear in the lungs and lymph nodes — however, many other tissues may become involved, including the eyes, skin, liver, muscles, spleen, joints and more. 

Sarcoidosis can develop at any age but mostly affects people in their late 20s to early 40s. Most people get better within one to three years, and in Australia complications are rare.

Sarcoidosis symptoms

The symptoms can vary depending on what body parts are affected. Most people are unaware that they have the condition, and it can be detected by chance during a medical test for unrelated health problems.

When symptoms do occur, they can include:

  • General symptoms—fatigue, fever, swollen lymph nodes and weight loss
  • Lung symptoms –dry cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain or discomfort
  • Skin signs—painful red bumps on the ankles or shins, disfiguring sores on the face and growths under the skin (nodules)
  • Eye symptoms—blurred vision, eye pain, severe redness and sensitivity to light
  • Cardiovascular symptoms—chest pain, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, swelling caused by excess fluid and fainting

Causes of sarcoidosis

Some researchers believe sarcoidosis may be caused by infections. Genetically predisposed people are believed to have triggers such as bacteria and viruses. This prompts an overreaction of the immune system to collect in granuloma formation at the disease site.

Risk factors of sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis has been associated with coeliac disease and is more common in people with familial and/or personal history of autoimmunity conditions. When the onset is acute and includes enlargement of lymph nodes in the lungs, nodes under the skin, fever, and joint symptoms, it is termed Lofgren’s syndrome. 

Sarcoidosis often occurs between the ages of 20 and 40, and women are slightly more likely to develop the disease.

How to treat sarcoidosis naturally

There are a number of potential natural remedies for sarcoidosis that may assist in treating this illness. Speak with your healthcare professional about these options.

Diet

Diet and digestive health are linked to immune system health. Processed food, simple sugars, gluten, casein in dairy products, and food additives/chemicals have been shown to negatively impact digestive health and, therefore, may dysregulate the immune system. A diet of unprocessed foods, with adequate protein and essential fatty acids, helps to support digestive and immune function and manage inflammation.

Fish oil

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are shown to offer systemic protection from inflammation. Eating fresh, wild-caught fish two to three times per week is a great way to obtain natural sources of essential fatty acids and other important nutrients. 

Considering a fish oil supplement may also be beneficial. It is always important to talk to your healthcare professional before commencing any supplementation. 

Quercetin

Quercetin is a natural antioxidant compound that is found in a range of foods, including onions, blueberries, leafy greens and tomatoes.

In sarcoidosis, oral quercetin supplementation resulted in increased total plasma antioxidant capacity and reduced markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, according to one study. Quercetin could be combined with bromelain to further reduce inflammation and swelling.

Probiotics

The correct balance of good bacteria within the gut is important for digestive and immune system health, assisting in the absorption of nutrients, supporting the gut lining, reducing inflammation, and more. Two probiotic strains that may help support  immunity include: 

  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG and Lactobacillus paracasei LP- 33. These strains assist immune regulation by supporting Treg cell function and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10.
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG has proven efficacy in reducing airflow inflammation in allergic airway diseases such as asthma and may be helpful in sarcoidosis.

Other ways to naturally improve the gut microbiome is by eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and pickled vegetables.

Resolving chronic infection as a sarcoidosis treatment 

One underlying mechanism involved in sarcoidosis is chronic infection. Herbs that may help support the immune system and reduce infection are:

  • Echinacea
  • Andrographis
  • Astragalus
  • Cat’s claw
  • Siberian ginseng
  • Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, turkey tail, cordyceps and shiitake provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits, including supporting the immune system

Zinc and vitamin C are amongst the most important nutrients for a healthy immune system, as both are involved in wound healing, immune balance and boosting resistance to infection. They are also antioxidants and help to reduce damage to organs and tissues in the body.

Other suggestions include:

  • Avoid pollution and lung irritants such as chemicals and dust
  • Regular exercise 
  • A healthy body weight
  • Avoid smoking and avoid second-hand smoke 
  • Reduce stress levels

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References

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