{"id":47721,"date":"2021-12-17T09:30:35","date_gmt":"2021-12-17T14:30:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=47721"},"modified":"2021-12-20T13:53:31","modified_gmt":"2021-12-20T18:53:31","slug":"ankylosing-spondylitis-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ankylosing-spondylitis-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"The best diet for ankylosing spondylitis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)\u2014a form of arthritis\u2014is an autoimmune systemic disease that causes pain and swelling in the spine. It routinely affects the sacroiliac joint, which connects the bottom of the spine to the pelvis. According to the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niams.nih.gov\/health-topics\/ankylosing-spondylitis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (NIAMS), the inflammation caused by ankylosing spondylitis leads to stiffness and mild episodes of back pain that come and go. In severe cases, back pain and stiffness are constant.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but several treatments such as medication and movement can reduce symptoms and help improve the overall quality of life. Another area of interest is diet. Although experts don\u2019t recommend a specific ankylosing spondylitis diet, people living with this condition may benefit from eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of omega-3 fatty acids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the best diet for ankylosing spondylitis?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The research is limited on the connection between diet and ankylosing spondylitis symptoms. According to a<\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5895151\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2018 study review,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> there is little evidence that diet influences the severity of ankylosing spondylitis. However, anecdotal data from this study review found that many ankylosing spondylitis patients believe that diet affects their symptoms and have adjusted their eating to try and improve symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cTypically, an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/anti-inflammatory-diet\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anti-inflammatory diet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is going to help fight inflammation and prevent other chronic diseases from occurring,\u201d says<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/mary-wirtz-1b524a160\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mary Wirtz,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a clinical registered dietician. So, if an individual with any inflammatory condition including ankylosing spondylitis is interested in making dietary changes, a dietary pattern aimed at reducing inflammation is a good place to start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More specifically, ankylosing spondylitis can be supported with a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low-inflammation diet like the Mediterranean or DASH<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> diet, which prioritizes high fiber, low-fat eating, with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, explains<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/einsteinmed.edu\/faculty\/15510\/jacob-hascalovici\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jacob Hascalovici<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, the chief medical officer at Clearing and a clinical assistant professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. If changing the diet leads to weight loss, then the spine needs to hold less weight which, in itself, can decrease pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with ankylosing spondylitis may also be at a greater risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to data from a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6526158\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2019 study review<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. With that in mind, eating a diet that is<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ibs-diet\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IBD-friendly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help manage additional gastrointestinal symptoms. Some common diets recommended for IBD include the low FODMAP diet, a gluten-free diet, or a high fiber diet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There haven&#8217;t been many studies on a low-starch diet for ankylosing spondylitis, but <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/ankylosing-spondylitis\/guide\/low-starch-diet-for-ankylosing-spondylitis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some people have reported<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> an improvement in symptoms. The theory is that gut bacteria called Klebsiella feed on starchy foods and multiply. The immune system produces antibodies to fight this bacteria, putting the body at risk for inflammation. The low-starch diet includes cutting starch by 40% (starchy foods include bread, pasta, grains, rice, peas, potatoes, and even bananas) for an extended period of time (at least six weeks).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are various<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-diets-by-health-condition\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">types of diets<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can help you reduce inflammation and maintain overall health. What\u2019s more, certain foods may either improve or worsen symptoms differently for each person.To track the impact diet has on your symptoms keep a food diary for a few weeks. Record what you eat, along with any observations about how you feel after a meal. Look for patterns and foods that provide a positive or negative response.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7 foods to eat<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to recommending specific foods for ankylosing spondylitis, one of the best ways to approach a healthier way of eating is to follow a Mediterranean style diet. This eating plan, which is touted for its anti-inflammatory benefits, is a high fiber, nutrient, and antioxidant-rich diet, also low in added sugars and saturated fats, according to Wirtz. More specifically, Wirtz says to focus on fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils, whole grains (oats, barley, quinoa, etc.), lean protein sources, including fish and skinless poultry, and omega-3 fatty acid-rich fat sources such as nuts, seeds, and plant-based oils.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With that in mind, here are six foods, nutrients, and food groups that may benefit ankylosing spondylitis and potentially reduce disease activity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Calcium-rich food and beverages<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calcium can help keep bones strong and healthy, something that is critical for people with ankylosing spondylitis. Consuming enough dairy can decrease risk of osteoporosis. Low-fat dairy products like yogurt and cheese, tofu, dark leafy greens, broccoli, and canned salmon are a few examples of calcium-rich foods to consider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Vitamin D-rich foods and beverages\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like calcium, vitamin D plays a significant role in keeping bones healthy and strong. A natural source of vitamin D (aka the sun!) is ideal, but not always possible. To boost your vitamin D intake, aim to include food and drinks rich in this essential, fat-soluble nutrient. Some good examples include fatty fish, vitamin D fortified milk, egg yolks, vitamin D fortified cereals (just make sure they\u2019re low in sugar!), and low-fat, low-sugar yogurt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Omega-3 fatty acids<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are a critical part of an ankylosing spondylitis diet, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/spondylitis.org\/about-spondylitis\/treatment-information\/diet-nutrition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spondylitis Association of America<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Optimizing omega-3 fatty acid intake can help reduce inflammation and offset other chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Good examples of omega-3 rich foods include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Plus, flax seeds, walnuts, and chia seeds. If you\u2019re unable to get enough omega-3s from your diet, the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> says a supplement may help prevent deficiencies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Fresh fruit<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brightly colored fruits like raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are a top pick for any healthy diet, especially for an ankylosing spondylitis diet. Berries are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and an anti-inflammatory antioxidant called anthocyanin. Other key fruits to include are cherries, which have<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5872786\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anti-inflammatory benefits<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and avocados (yes, they are a fruit!). Plus, any other fruit you enjoy snacking on or adding to a meal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Green leafy vegetables and other veggies<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vegetables, specifically, dark green leafy veggies like kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and collards, are packed with antioxidants, lutein, folate, magnesium, and other nutrients that boost overall health. Broccoli, which contains sulforaphane, an<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25705128\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is another vegetable to include in an ankylosing spondylitis diet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Whole grains<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating whole grains like oat bran, lentils, brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa boosts your fiber intake, which can help lower blood levels of C-reactive protein, and, consequently, reduce inflammation, according to the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arthritis.org\/health-wellness\/healthy-living\/nutrition\/anti-inflammatory\/the-ultimate-arthritis-diet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arthritis Foundation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Whole grains can also help digestion and may decrease gastrointestinal symptoms of bloating and constipation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Lean proteins<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aim for a healthy dose of beans and legumes, which contain antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, iron, potassium, and other anti-inflammatory compounds. And, whenever possible, swap out protein sources high in saturated fat for leaner protein sources like turkey and chicken. They cause less inflammation in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 foods and drinks to avoid<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The studies and research on the connection between food and ankylosing spondylitis symptoms are limited, making it difficult to recommend avoiding any specific food or drinks. That said, steering clear of foods that increase inflammation can lead to better health, and hopefully, help you feel better. Additionally, Dr. Hascalovici says people with ankylosing spondylitis would be well-served to avoid too many high-fat foods or sweets (which can lead to weight gain). Extra weight can exacerbate joint pain and raise inflammation levels. Here are four things to avoid.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Added sugars<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cFoods that cause inflammation and may worsen ankylosing spondylitis symptoms are high in added sugars,\u201d Wirtz says. This includes cookies, sweets, desserts, sodas, pastries, and many packaged cereals, among others. Many of these items contain high-fructose corn syrup and other added sugars, which, according to<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fnut.2017.00052\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, can cause inflammation in the body when consumed in excessive amounts. Avoiding these foods can also help you maintain a healthy weight.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Saturated and trans fat<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wirtz says foods high in saturated fat like beef, pork, cheese, full-fat milk, and butter, among others, can trigger symptoms. Additionally, high-fat foods contribute to weight gain and increase inflammation. Trans fats like margarine, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and shortening are other items to eliminate or reduce. Data from a<\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hindawi.com\/journals\/jnme\/2017\/3848201\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2017 study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that trans-fatty acids increase your inflammatory profile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/low-cholesterol-diet\/\"><b>The best diet for high cholesterol<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Red meat<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red meat, is a food group you should consider eliminating or at least reducing. According to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-021-85035-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2021 cross-sectional study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a high intake of red meat is associated with early onset of rheumatoid arthritis. This is in addition to evidence that higher red meat consumption is also associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and other autoimmune diseases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Alcohol<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bones.nih.gov\/health-info\/bone\/osteoporosis\/conditions-behaviors\/alcoholism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, regularly consuming alcohol can interfere with the balance of calcium and the production of vitamin D, both crucial nutrients for bone health and people with ankylosing spondylitis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is fasting good for ankylosing spondylitis?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting is a way of eating that involves abstaining from food for hours or days. In general, you will eat during a specified time based on the plan you\u2019re following. For example, alternate-day fasting recommends rotating days of eating with days of fasting. Time-restricted or intermittent fasting limits your calories to an eight to 12-hour window. Currently, no guidelines exist to recommend fasting for ankylosing spondylitis. However, some<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6471071\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> supports fasting for other inflammatory conditions such as psoriatic arthritis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, a<\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cell.com\/cell\/fulltext\/S0092-8674(19)30850-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2019 study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that fasting reduces inflammation and improves chronic inflammatory diseases. Fasting is a drastic diet change. If you\u2019re considering this way of eating, talk to your healthcare provider before giving it a go.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other ways to treat ankylosing spondylitis\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, Dr. Hascalovici says people with ankylosing spondylitis should keep their overall stress levels low, exercise regularly, and try to maintain a healthy weight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis typically include physical therapy, medication, and exercise, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/ankylosing-spondylitis\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20354813\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mayo Clinic.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Overall, the goal of any treatment plan for ankylosing spondylitis is to reduce pain and stiffness and improve quality of life. Also, many treatment plans emphasize preventing or delaying spinal deformity and other complications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are common treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/nsaids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/naproxen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ibuprofen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are the first line of defense to help relieve pain and stiffness and reduce inflammation. However, NSAIDs can result in gastrointestinal side effects like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/medications-that-cause-constipation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Fortunately, fiber is a good food for ankylosing spondylitis and it can also prevent constipation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If OTC meds are not enough, your physician may recommend prescription medications. According to the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/ankylosing-spondylitis\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20354813\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mayo Clinic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, some of the more common treatments for ankylosing spondylitis include biologics like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/humira\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humira (adalimumab)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/enbrel\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enbrel (etanercept)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Simponi (golimumab), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/remicade\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remicade (infliximab)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cosentyx\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cosentyx (secukinumab)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and Taltz (ixekizumab).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical and occupational therapy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your provider may recommend working with a physical or occupational therapist to improve joint function and learn new ways to protect joints, minimize pain, and conserve energy while performing daily tasks, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niams.nih.gov\/health-topics\/ankylosing-spondylitis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NIAMS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay active<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise is one of the top ways to manage ankylosing spondylitis symptoms. It helps with joint motion and function\u2014along with managing weight. Consider adding posture training to an overall fitness routine. The<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2019-09\/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recommend that adults get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise each week. The guidelines also suggest two days of resistance training. People with ankylosing spondylitis should focus on low-impact activities like swimming, walking, yoga, and stretching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Join a support group<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding strength by leaning on others is another way to manage the ups and downs of living with ankylosing spondylitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supplements<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re not getting enough omega-3s, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/vitamin-d3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vitamin D<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or calcium in your diet, you may want to consider adding a supplement. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/fish-oil\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fish oil supplements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects, according to the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/news\/2019\/12\/12\/could-fish-oil-fight-inflammation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Heart Association<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Vitamin D is another supplement that can be beneficial for ankylosing spondylitis. Research from a<\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0141770\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2015 study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that supplementing with vitamin D consistently displays anti-inflammatory effects in human cell lines.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to see your doctor<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ankylosing spondylitis is a medical condition that is best managed by a treatment team consisting of physicians, physical therapists, registered dietitians, and other healthcare experts. If you notice worsening symptoms or find that the pain and stiffness are interfering more with your daily life and preventing you from doing the things you used to enjoy, make an appointment with your doctor. If you are under the care of a specialist, like a rheumatologist or gastroenterologist, bring your concerns to them so they can provide professional medical advice specific to your condition and symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)\u2014a form of arthritis\u2014is an autoimmune systemic disease that causes pain and swelling in the spine. It routinely affects the sacroiliac joint, which connects the bottom of the spine to the pelvis. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the inflammation caused by ankylosing spondylitis leads to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":94,"featured_media":47680,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[12164,790,8905],"coauthors":[20330],"class_list":["post-47721","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellness","tag-arthritis","tag-chronic-disease","tag-seasonal","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The best ankylosing spondylitis diet<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Fruit, leafy greens, whole grains, and lean protein are part of an ankylosing spondylitis diet. 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