Brenda Khan
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition and a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. While there is currently no cure or specific diet for AS, certain foods may help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms like joint pain and stiffness. For instance, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can be beneficial. On the other hand, foods high in added sugars, saturated fats, and processed ingredients may increase inflammation and worsen symptoms. Some people with AS may also benefit from dietary adjustments such as the Mediterranean diet, vegan or vegetarian diets, or intermittent fasting, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes.
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What You'll Learn
The keto diet
Additionally, the keto diet can promote weight loss, which can be advantageous for AS sufferers. Being overweight or obese can increase the strain on joints and exacerbate the symptoms of AS. By losing weight through the keto diet, individuals may experience a reduction in joint pain and improved mobility.
To follow the keto diet, individuals with AS should focus on consuming healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish like salmon. A significant reduction in carbohydrate intake is also necessary, limiting grains, starchy vegetables, and sugars. Maintaining a sufficient protein intake is crucial for muscle health, with good sources including lean meats, poultry, and fish.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or dietician before starting the keto diet, especially for those with AS. They can provide guidance on safely implementing the diet and ensure it aligns with individual needs and medical considerations. Regular monitoring and adjustments may be required to ensure optimal results and manage any potential side effects over time.
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The Mediterranean diet
Keegan, a patient with AS, was recommended by his dietician to try the Mediterranean diet to reduce his overall inflammation. He reported having more energy, less inflammation and pain, and an overall healthier feeling. Keegan's joint aches were reduced, and he experienced improved alertness and memory.
Some Mediterranean diet dinner ideas include sheet pan fish with roasted potatoes and broccoli, Mediterranean bowls with quinoa and chickpeas, and corn tacos with ground turkey, beans, vegetables, and salsa. Breakfast options can include cottage cheese, fruit, and whole-grain toast or overnight oats with chia seeds, oat milk, yogurt, honey, and caramelized apples.
In addition to the Mediterranean diet, other dietary approaches that may help manage AS symptoms include incorporating more plant-based foods while limiting processed foods and animal products. A low-starch diet may also be beneficial, as the theory suggests that certain gut bacteria triggered by starch can contribute to the condition.
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The paleo diet
The paleo autoimmune protocol (AIP) is a tailored version of the paleo diet designed to address autoimmune conditions. It focuses on increasing anti-inflammatory and probiotic foods to heal the gut lining and reduce inflammation. This version of the paleo diet eliminates offending foods such as eggs, grains, alcohol, nightshades, nuts, seeds, legumes, and dairy.
Some individuals with AS have reported significant improvements in their symptoms after adopting a no-starch version of the paleo diet. For example, one individual named Charles experienced a reduction in pain and a complete healing of his heart condition after following a no-starch paleo diet for two weeks.
It is important to note that dietary choices may vary for each person with AS, and keeping a food diary can help identify any specific triggers. Consulting with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes is always recommended.
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Fasting
If you are considering fasting, it is a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider first. People with ankylosing spondylitis should generally aim to keep their stress levels low, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight. Standard treatment options, such as physical therapy, medication, and exercise, are often recommended to reduce pain, stiffness, and improve quality of life.
When it comes to diet, there is no cure-all for ankylosing spondylitis, but certain foods can help reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. The Spondylitis Association of America recommends an anti-inflammatory diet, similar to the Mediterranean diet, which includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, lean protein sources, and omega-3 fatty acids. Calcium-rich foods are also important for maintaining bone health.
It is important to note that dietary changes should be safe for most people with ankylosing spondylitis, unless there are specific food intolerances or allergies. Keeping a food diary can help track which foods make you feel better or worse.
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Supplements
Some supplements may help reduce inflammation. Recently, more research has been dedicated to testing the effectiveness of these nutritional supplements for people with chronic conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. The Spondylitis Association of America warns that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider supplements a treatment or cure for medical conditions. Some supplements may interact negatively with certain prescription medications.
One study reviewed the role of vitamin D in people with ankylosing spondylitis and found that vitamin D lowered spondylitis risk and disease activity. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher disease activity for people with spondylitis. Taking supplemental vitamin D could help with symptoms. The recommended daily dose for vitamin D is 600 International Units (IU) for people ages 1 to 70. Talk with your rheumatologist before adding vitamin D to your diet. While vitamin D is essential for overall health, too much vitamin D can create health issues.
A few studies have looked at whether people with ankylosing spondylitis could benefit from taking high doses of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. Ask your doctor about whether omega-3 supplements are a good idea for you. One small study found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation led to reduced disease activity for people with ankylosing spondylitis. However, because of its small sample size, the researchers could not tell what doses of supplements were most effective.
People with ankylosing spondylitis who have osteoporosis or known risk factors for bone demineralization may benefit from calcium supplements.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no specific diet to treat or cure ankylosing spondylitis, but an overall healthy diet may positively impact inflammatory conditions like AS. A healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids is recommended. Diets like the Mediterranean or DASH, which are low in inflammation, can help manage AS symptoms.
Some examples of anti-inflammatory foods that may help with ankylosing spondylitis include fatty fish, fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
Yes, it is recommended to avoid foods that are high in added sugars, saturated and trans fats, red meat, alcohol, and processed foods as they can increase inflammation and worsen AS symptoms.
Some people with ankylosing spondylitis may benefit from incorporating plant-based foods and limiting processed foods and animal products. The keto diet, which is low in carbohydrates and high in fat, has also gained popularity for reducing inflammation. However, it is important to choose healthy fats and lean proteins when following this diet.
Keeping a food diary for a few weeks to record what you eat and any observations about how you feel after a meal can help identify patterns and specific foods that trigger your symptoms.
