Ankylosing Spondylitis Diet

Eating a healthy diet can help control your symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. A healthy diet includes foods that keep your heart healthy, your bones strong and foods that help fight inflammation. Your body has a unique response to what you eat, so take your approach one step further by tracking your response to what you eat. The Spondylitis Association of America recommends people with ankylosing spondylitis should keep a diary of what they eat to find out which foods make their symptoms worse and if any help makes them feel better.

It’s been proven so many times that proper eating habits and following a healthy diet can help relieve symptoms which are associated with ankylosing spondylitis.

Although a healthy diet plan for ankylosing spondylitis can keep the condition at bay, it will also help maintain and/or reduce our weight.

A healthy diet for ankylosing spondylitis revolves around some fundamentals. People with ankylosing spondylitis need to maintain a healthy weight, eat foods that are high in Vitamin D and Calcium, as well as foods can reduce inflammation in the body.

Healthy Foods

To be as healthy as possible with ankylosing spondylitis, you should eat:

Fruits and vegetables: Plenty of vegetables and fruits. These are high in antioxidants, especially the brightly colored varieties. Research has shown that antioxidants may help with symptoms of arthritis and conditions like ankylosing spondylitis by protecting the cells from dangerous “free radicals.” These toxic substances contribute to the inflammation of ankylosing spondylitis.  

Whole grains: Research has also shown that whole grains, unlike white grains which are processed, are good for your heart. In addition to affecting your joints, ankylosing spondylitis inflammation can also affect your heart. Whole grains like buckwheat, quinoa and brown rice are an excellent addition to a heart-healthy diet. 

Fluids: Everyone needs at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily and alcohol should be limited to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks daily for men. This is especially important for those with ankylosing spondylitis and other bone disorders as alcohol has been shown to contribute to bone weakening.

Omega-3 fatty acids: These are fats that can help reduce inflammation. They are found in cold-water fish and also in fish oil supplements. In one study, people with a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis who took a higher dose of omega-3 supplements were found to have a greater decrease in symptoms than those who took a lower dose. Include at least one of the following omega-3 rich foods in your daily diet if you have ankylosing spondylitis:

• Cold-water fish like tuna or salmon,
• Walnuts,
• Flax seeds,
• Brussels sprouts, spinach, salad greens or kale,
• Soybean, flaxseed or canola oil.

Dietary supplements: Consider taking a supplement that contains calcium and vitamin D if you have ankylosing spondylitis. Any condition that decreases mobility can eventually lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones fragile and more likely to fracture. Fortified cereals and dairy foods are a good source of calcium. If you have ankylosing spondylitis, ask your physician if you could benefit from vitamin D supplements.

Foods To Avoid

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• Flexibility tests,
• Laboratory tests.