Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition and a type of arthritis. It usually causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the spine. However, it can also affect other joints. Some people may find symptom relief by making dietary changes, though evidence supporting this is limited. There is currently no cure for ankylosing spondylitis. However, getting an early diagnosis and using appropriate management techniques can help a person cope with the symptoms and reduce their risk of complications. This article discusses how dietary choices can impact ankylosing spondylitis, which foods to eat and avoid, and the complications that this condition can trigger.

Ankylosing spondylitis and diet Share on Pinterest Research into whether the diet affects ankylosing spondylitis is limited. Although there is no specific diet for people with ankylosing spondylitis, consuming certain foods may help people cope with the condition. Different foods can affect a person’s body weight, for example, and they might also play a role in inflammation. The sections below cover diet’s role in ankylosing spondylitis in more detail. Ankylosing spondylitis and weight management Maintaining a healthy weight is important for people with ankylosing spondylitis, as excess weight places stress on the bones and joints of the body. This can make the symptoms worse. Having overweight is also a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis. Diet and inflammation Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce inflammation in the body. The foods in this type of diet are similar to those of the Mediterranean diet. The Arthritis Foundation recommend that people with rheumatoid arthritis follow an anti-inflammatory diet. These foods may also benefit those with ankylosing spondylitis, which is a similar inflammatory condition.

Foods and diets to avoid Foods that trigger inflammation may make the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis worse. These foods include: Sugar According to one 2018 systematic review, sugar and refined foods can lead to inflammation in the body. As a result, those with ankylosing spondylitis may wish to reduce the amount of sugary foods and beverages they consume, including desserts, candy, pastries, sodas, and juices. Salt and high-sodium foods In 2013, researchers found that adding salt to the diet of animals caused the body to produce an inflammatory cell that has links to autoimmune conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis. Although a low sodium diet cannot reverse ankylosing spondylitis, reducing salt intake is a good idea to help manage the condition. Red meat Red meat contains certain compounds that can aggravate inflammation. Eating less or no red meat may help reduce the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. High fat foods The Arthritis Foundation recommend limiting types of fat that cause inflammation, including saturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids. Foods that contain saturated fats include: pizza

red meat

cheese and full fat dairy products

processed foods Omega-6 fatty acids, though essential in small quantities, are much too prevalent in people’s diets throughout the United States. Foods that contain omega-6 fatty acids include: vegetable oils, including corn, safflower, sunflower, and soy mayonnaise

salad dressings

pastries

processed foods People should try to avoid trans fats, which are usually present in processed foods. However, manufacturers are phasing trans fats out of food due to FDA regulations. Starch A low starch diet called the “London AS Diet” claims to benefit people with ankylosing spondylitis. The theory goes that some types of gut bacteria can trigger the condition, and starch feeds these bacteria. The evidence supporting the London AS Diet is anecdotal, meaning that although it may work for some people, the Spondylitis Association of America cannot endorse the diet due to a lack of solid research. Proponents of the diet recommend limiting or excluding specific foods, including: bread and pastries

rice

potatoes

pasta The diet also suggests eating more: fruit

vegetables

nuts and seeds

eggs

fish

lean meat

low fat dairy Wheat and gluten Gluten-containing grains — such as wheat, rye, and barley — may contribute to inflammation in some people. A gluten-free diet is helpful for some individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, and it may also be beneficial for those with ankylosing spondylitis. Alcohol The relationship between alcohol and rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis is not always clear. However, people with ankylosing spondylitis should try to limit their alcohol intake or completely avoid it. Heavy alcohol use can affect bone mineral density and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Alcohol may also interact with ankylosing spondylitis medications and reduce nutrient absorption. Other food triggers Foods that trigger pain and other symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis vary from person to person. Keeping a food diary for a month can help a person pinpoint any foods that seem to make their symptoms worse. Low calorie, low fat, and low protein diets may not provide enough nutrients to support the immune systems of people with ankylosing spondylitis.

Supplements The packaging of some dietary supplements may suggest that they could help people with ankylosing spondylitis. However, some supplements are of poor quality, and the body may not readily absorb them. Others may not have the effects that they claim to. Some of the supplements that manufacturers suggest for ankylosing spondylitis demonstrate no proven benefits for the condition. However, consuming probiotics may be helpful for people with ankylosing spondylitis, since Klebsiella bacteria have associations with the condition.