Day 2 - James Barlow - Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among people living with Sjögren's

An astonishing 84% of people living with Sjogren's reported using some form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the past year. But what exactly are they using, why are they using it, and is it safe?In this research-focused presentation, pharmacist and Senior Lecturer James Barlow shares the results of a comprehensive survey on CAM usage among Sjogren's patients. He defines what "integrative" medicine truly means, breaks down the most popular CAM practices (from supplements like turmeric and Omega-3s to practices like acupuncture and yoga), and discusses the evidence—or lack thereof—for their effectiveness in managing Sjogren's symptoms.Watch this session to get an evidence-based perspective on CAM and learn why open communication with your healthcare team is crucial when integrating these approaches into your care plan.SESSION IN A GLANCE01:31 Understanding 'Integrative Medicine'03:55 Who Uses CAM? Patterns of Use07:04 The I-CAM Research Project and Survey Results09:54 Most Common CAM Practitioners and Treatments14:57 Deep Dive: Vitamins and Minerals16:59 Food Supplements and Omega Oils21:41 The Complexity of Herbal Medicines24:06 Turmeric: Food or Medicine?25:17 Reported Adverse Effects of CAM vs. Conventional Medicine26:45 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture29:21 Key Takeaways and the Importance of CommunicationABOUT JAMES BARLOWJames Barlow is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dublin, Ireland. He trained as a pharmacist and has a particular interest in natural products, including evidence-based complementary medicines. With 20 years of experience teaching students in courses on Pharmacognosy, CAM, and chemistry, he is an advocate of the evidence-based use of CAM approaches in an integrative context.CONNECT WITH JAMES BARLOWWebsite → https://people.rcsi.com/jambarlowSjögren's Ireland → https://sjogrensireland.ieSjögren's Synergie → https://sjogrens-synergie.euResearch Paper → https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00296-025-05802-wABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMITThe Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.