The Impact of Diet on Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rare kind of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and stiffness in the joints and ligaments of the spine. Ankylosis means fused bones and spondylitis means inflammation in the spinal bones or vertebrae. Ankylosing spondylitis may also affect other parts of the body like the knees, ankles, and hips, which can be a lifelong condition, also called Bechterew disease. The joints and ligaments in the spine help in easy movement and allow bending the neck. In case of ankylosing spondylitis, the joints and tissues of the spine get inflamed and can cause stiffness. In severe cases, the vertebrae may fuse together leading to a rigid and inflexible spine.

There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis but it can be managed to help control symptoms. Treatment options may include exercise, physical, or occupational therapy to improve the posture and mobility, and medications and diet changes to help reduce pain, control inflammation, improve body position and posture, and slow the disease progression. With treatment, most people with ankylosing spondylitis can have productive lives.

What Are the Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis starts as an inflammation in the sacroiliac joints, it is a joint where the spine connects to the pelvis. Initial symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis is mostly pain and stiffness of the lower back and hips, especially during early hours and after prolonged periods of being inactive. Eventually, symptoms might improve, worsen, or stop at irregular intervals. Other symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis

• Neck pain or stiffness.

• Pain and stiffness in the ribcage.

• Shoulder pain.

• Pain in the hips or thighs.

• Foot, heel, or hand pain.

• Rigid spine that curves forward.

• Fatigue.

• Swelling at the joints.

How Does Diet Impact on the Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis occurring in the joints and ligaments of the spine. Inflammatory disorder is a condition where the body’s immune system, instead of protecting the body by fighting against foreign invaders, mistakenly attacks one's own body, which can result in damage to the body. In the case of ankylosing spondylitis, the joints are attacked by the immune system causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

According to the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA), reducing inflammation in the body can aid in easing the symptoms of Ankylosing spondylitis. A main way to reduce body’s inflammation is by incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into the diet and eliminating foods that cause or increase inflammation in the body. And for patients with genetic predisposition, diet can be extremely important in alleviating the symptoms in autoimmune diseases.

The Spondylitis Association of America has found that maintaining a moderate body weight is very important, as excess body weight can exert stress on the bones and joints, making the symptoms worse. Few studies have found that excess body weight can lead to increased inflammation, leading to more severe symptoms, and a greater risk for structural damage in ankylosing spondylitis patients. It is also noted that when the Body Mass Index (BMI) increases, the levels of C-reactive protein, a blood marker of inflammation in the blood, increases.

What Are the Foods That Help to Reduce Inflammation?

The following foods are rich in anti-inflammatory properties, hence incorporating them into the diet of ankylosing spondylitis patients will be beneficial in reducing the symptoms.

• Leafy Greens - Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard contain magnesium and polyphenols, and have rich anti-inflammatory properties which are beneficial in reducing inflammation. These can be consumed raw or cooked. Adding little garlic and olive oil can be delicious and provide maximum benefit, as garlic also contains magnesium.

• Cruciferous Vegetables - Cruciferous vegetables contain sulforaphane, which is an antioxidant substance. Hence these vegetables help in reducing inflammation. Broccoli cabbage, kale, and brussels sprouts are a few examples of cruciferous vegetables. These vegetables can be consumed raw or cooked. These vegetables can be steamed, mashed, or roasted with olive oil.

• Berries - Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries are rich in antioxidants. It helps reduce inflammation as it contains anthocyanin, the antioxidant flavonoid which provides them their distinctive color. It also helps fight the effects of free radicals in the body. It can be added to the diet as fresh or frozen berries to smoothies, on top of Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or salads. For the biggest benefits it can be mixed up.

• Allium Family -Allium family includes onions, garlic, shallots, and leeks. These foods are rich in sulfur compounds called quercetin, containing anti-inflammatory properties. Shallots, and red and yellow onions contain higher amounts of anti-inflammatory compounds. Onions can be eaten raw or cooked. It can be added to salads, sandwiches, or stir-fries.

• Fatty Fishes - Fatty fish has rich anti-inflammatory properties due to the omega-3 content. Omega-3s help reduce chemicals that create inflammation in the body. Wild salmon, Atlantic cod, rainbow trout, mackerel, and sardines are a few types of fatty fishes. It can be baked, grilled or broiled with adding seasoning such as garlic and herbs.

• Nuts and Seeds - Nut and seeds are rich in alpha linoleic acid, a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. Examples include Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pistachios, ground flaxseeds, and chia seeds are some examples. It can be munched as a snack, or add it to the salads, plain yogurt or oatmeal, or mix them into side dishes.

• Coffee - Coffee contains polyphenols and few anti-inflammatory compounds. A small dose of latte, unsweetened cappuccino, or black coffee is beneficial.

What Are the Foods to Avoid in People With Ankylosing Spondylitis?

The following foods should be avoided as it triggers inflammation and may worsen ankylosing spondylitis symptoms.

• Sugar - Sugar and refined foods can lead to inflammation in the body. So it is advised to avoid desserts, candy, pastries, sodas, and juices in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

• Salt - Food with high salt content can lead to production of inflammatory cells that have been associated with autoimmune conditions.

• High Fat Foods - Consuming saturated fatty and Omega-6 fatty acids may trigger pro-inflammatory chemicals productions. So, the Arthritis Foundation recommends limiting foods containing saturated fatty and Omega-6 fatty acids.

• Red Meat - Red meat can aggravate inflammation. Avoiding red meat may help reduce the ankylosing spondylitis symptoms.

• Alcohol - It is advised to avoid or limit alcohol usage. As alcohol can affect the bone mineral density and increase osteoporosis risk.

Conclusion

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition, causing stiffness and pain in the joints and ligaments of the spine. Certain dietary patterns may contribute to inflammation and exacerbate the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. So it is recommended to adopt an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, and other nutrient-dense foods that may support overall health and potentially reduce some aspects of the condition.