Diet for ankylosing spondylitis: features of nutrition and drinking regime

If the lower back hurts, osteochondrosis is usually suspected. But there are exceptions to any rule. Ankylosing spondylitis is such an exception. This disease begins very similar to osteochondrosis, and therefore they are often confused. However, a qualified doctor can distinguish ankylosing spondylitis from osteochondrosis based on some symptoms.

Ankylosing spondylitis, or ankylosing spondylitis, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the spine and joints. The reason is a genetic predisposition in people who are carriers of a certain antigen (HLA-B27). The immune system of such people mistakenly perceives some body tissues as foreign, which causes inflammation.

General rules

Ankylosing ( ankylosing spondylitis ) belongs to a group of chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system, mainly the joints and ligaments of the spine (costosternal, sacroiliac, sternoclavicular joints), as well as small intervertebral joints, leading to fusion and ossification (ankylosis) of the spine, stiffness or irreversible loss of mobility.
To date, no pathogenetic therapy exists, and therapeutic measures are aimed primarily at reducing the activity of the inflammatory process and pain. For this purpose, drug therapy is carried out (glucocorticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, methotrexate , sulfasalazine ), physical therapy is prescribed and lifestyle is adjusted. Nutrition for ankylosing spondylitis also requires some correction.

The diet for ankylosing spondylitis is aimed at reducing the activity of the inflammatory process, optimizing body weight, and providing the body with all the necessary nutritional nutrients.

The basic principles of dietary nutrition for ankylosing spondylitis are:

• A balanced diet, taking into account deviations in body weight from the norm - with a reduced calorie content in the presence of excess weight by limiting simple carbohydrates and, to a lesser extent, animal fats, which is due to the need to reduce the load on the spine and joints.
• An increase in protein-containing foods in the diet, since an intense inflammatory process causes increased protein breakdown.
• Reduced salt consumption, which causes fluid retention in the body and promotes activation of the inflammatory process.
• Increased fluid intake (2-2.5 l/day).
• Proper culinary processing of products - mainly boiling/steaming, baking.
• Fractional meals in small portions.

The diet for ankylosing spondylitis during an exacerbation period involves the exclusion from the diet of table salt, spicy and salty foods, dishes containing extractive substances (strong broths, fried foods, canned food), alcohol-containing drinks, strong coffee and tea, as well as foods containing easily digestible carbohydrates . During this period, it is necessary to exclude marinades, smoked meats, hot spices/seasonings from the diet, with the exception of ginger and turmeric, which reduce the inflammatory process in the joints. Red meat, sausages, refractory animal fats, margarine, semi-finished products, and fast food are subject to restrictions.

During the period of exacerbation, in most patients the disease occurs with severe pain and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relieve it. To reduce the activity of the inflammatory process, it is recommended to include in the diet foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids - Omega 3 . Large amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as fish oil, salmon, salmon, herring, trout, cod, flaxseed/linseed oil, and unrefined olive oil .

The inflammatory process in the joints can be negatively affected by plants of the nightshade family - eggplants, tomatoes, sweet peppers, potatoes, and if you then notice a deterioration in your health after consuming them, exclude these products from your diet. For spinal joints, it is recommended to include in the diet foods containing large quantities of mucopolysaccharides - gelatin-containing dishes (jelly, aspic, fruit jelly, as well as cartilage, chicken/pork legs), which improve joint function and normalize the composition of synovial fluid.

Since in autoimmune diseases (including ankylosing spondylitis the immune system malfunctions and the growth of prostaglandins increases the inflammatory process. Therefore, to reduce the concentration of free radicals in the diet, it is necessary to include strong antioxidants and catalysts of redox processes ( vitamin C , E , flavonoids , polyphenols ), which contain large quantities of broccoli, citrus fruits, tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, garden vegetables greens, wild garlic, kiwi, strawberries, currants, sea buckthorn, blueberries, viburnum, cherries, rosehips, plums, freshly prepared juices from apples, citrus fruits, pomegranates and carrots. It is brightly colored vegetables/fruits that contain polyphenols and flavonoids , which have a pronounced antioxidant effect. Therefore, it is important to include a large amount of fresh vegetables, fruits and berries in your diet.

In addition, vitamin C enhances the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and procollagen , which are the main components of the structure of the organic matrix of intervertebral discs.

Vitamin E is also a highly active antioxidant , the supply of which to the body will be provided by such products as red fish of various types, virgin vegetable oils, cod liver, cereals, sprouted wheat grains, dried apricots, prunes, nuts (hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds). In addition, the combined intake of the main antioxidants - vitamin C and E - helps reduce pain and increase muscle mass.

It is extremely important to include in the diet foods rich in macro/microelements and especially those containing calcium and boron, since with ankylosing spondylitis there is a sharp decrease in the absorption of calcium, and there is a need to replenish its deficiency. The optimal sources of calcium are low-fat dairy products (fermented milk products, soft cheeses, skim milk). At the same time, it is important to have sufficient boron in the body, which improves the absorption of calcium and magnesium, stimulates the synthesis of the organic matrix of connective tissue and cartilage cells, reduces inflammation (reduces the level of C-reactive protein ).

Outside the period of exacerbation, the diet should contain sufficient amounts of protein-containing foods: chicken, turkey, rabbit, nuts, chicken protein, soy products. It is important to monitor the caloric content of the diet and its compliance with the patient’s energy expenditure. If you are overweight, it is recommended to reduce the calorie intake to 2000-2500 Kcal/day and regularly practice vegetable/fruit fasting days. The body should receive at least 2 liters of fluid per day.

What is ankylosing spondylitis?

When pain occurs in the lumbar region, people usually think of osteochondrosis, but this may indicate another pathology known as ankylosing spondylitis or ankylosing spondylitis. This is inflammation of the joints, and the disease is chronic.

The cause is considered to be a genetic predisposition. If a person has the HLA-B 27 antigen in his body , then his immune system mistakenly perceives joint tissue as a foreign formation, and this causes the development of inflammation.

With ankylosing spondylitis, tendons, ligaments and joints are affected. The synovial membrane of bone tissue also undergoes changes. The inflammation first begins in the joints of the sacrum and joints, and then spreads to the entire spine.

With ankylosing spondylitis, inflammation of the joints of the spine occurs

Usually medications control the inflammation, but sometimes ossification of the ligaments and joints occurs. Because of this, the vertebrae grow together and deprive the spine of mobility. If there is no treatment, then over time a common bone structure of all vertebrae forms, that is, ankylosis.

Complications also occur with ankylosing spondylitis . Heart problems appear and amyloidosis develops, that is, kidney degeneration, which causes kidney failure. Pulmonary diseases and even tuberculosis may occur, as the mobility of the chest has decreased.

By the way, ankylosing spondylitis most often affects men, and signs appear at 15-30 years of age.

Video: “What is ankylosing spondylitis?”

Authorized Products

Dietary nutrition for ankylosing spondylitis involves the inclusion in the diet of weak meat/fish broths and first courses based on them with the addition of a small amount of vegetables and cereals. To prepare second courses, it is recommended to use mainly white/red sea fish (salmon, salmon, herring, trout, cod), less often (2-3 times a week) - dietary poultry, boiled/baked rabbit.

Black and whole grain bread and crackers are allowed. Dishes made from cereals, preferably whole grains, are not limited, but it is recommended to boil them well. Fats are introduced into the diet in the form of flaxseed/olive oils and unsalted butter. The diet should include various low-fat fermented milk products, cottage cheese and dishes made from it, soy products, low-fat (diluted) milk, unsalted types of cheese, soft-boiled chicken eggs or in the form of a steam omelet.

A large share in the diet is given to vegetables and fruits (broccoli, citrus fruits, tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, garden greens, wild garlic, kiwi, strawberries, currants, sea buckthorn, blueberries, viburnum, cherries, rose hips, plums), as in cheese, in the form of vinaigrette/salads, and boiled/baked, seasoned with olive oil. Sprouted wheat grains, prunes, ginger, turmeric, dried apricots, and various types of nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts) are useful.

Sweets may include marmalade, marshmallows, marshmallows, and jam. As a liquid - freshly prepared vegetable/fruit juices, unsweetened green tea, compotes and fruit drinks, herbal teas, chicory, rose hip decoctions, non-carbonated slightly mineralized alkaline waters.

Table of permitted products

Healthy recipes

There are no universal recommendations or recipes; everyone cooks what they like, based on the recommended products. Here are some simple recipes for inspiration:

1. Wash the rabbit carcass thoroughly and dry. Prepare marinade – 2 tbsp. lemon juice, 2 tbsp. olive oil, a large spoon of mustard, salt to taste. Marinate the carcass. Then grease the baking sheet with a small amount of oil, put the rabbit, arrange carrots, potatoes, onions around it, and put it in the oven. Bake until done, the time depends on the selected temperature.
2. Take a chicken breast (on the bone), remove the skin. Grate with granulated garlic and salt. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 140-150 degrees for half an hour. Then remove the dish, put sour apples (Simirenko variety) on a baking sheet and bake for another 20 minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh herbs.
3. A simple and healthy dessert: dissolve a packet of gelatin in half a glass of warm water, wait until it swells, and mix with 300 ml of any freshly squeezed juice. Place any berries in a bowl or bowl, add juice and gelatin, and refrigerate for 2 hours. The result is a tasty and healthy homemade jelly.

In general, it is recommended to eat a varied diet. The diet must include broths, vegetable soups, and cereals.

Fully or partially limited products

The diet for ankylosing spondylitis during an exacerbation period involves limiting red meats (pork, lamb), table salt, offal (liver, brains, tongue), as well as products based on them - semi-finished meat products, sausages. The consumption of hydrogenated products, animal and cooking fats, margarine, and mayonnaise is not allowed. Smoked, pickled, canned and salted foods, vegetables of the nightshade family - eggplants, tomatoes and tomato products, sweet peppers, hot seasonings/spices are excluded from the diet.

It is prohibited to include sugar, canned food, products made from high-grade flour, starch-containing products, vinegar, fatty dairy products, snacks, yeast, alcohol-containing drinks, chocolate, coffee, confectionery, cocoa, and fried foods into the diet. As for fruits, it is not recommended to eat pomegranate, grapes, avocado, and fast food.

Table of prohibited products

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Reviews and results

As the practice of treating patients with ankylosing spondylitis shows, nutrition should be an obligatory component of the treatment process.

• “... I have been suffering from ankylosing spondylitis for almost 30 years with periodic exacerbations of the process. I try to lead an active lifestyle as much as possible - I walk a lot, do special exercises, and go to the resort every year. I also follow a Mediterranean diet: I eat mainly sea fish, vegetables, vegetable oils, nuts, and fruits. I practically do not consume animal fats with the exception of butter; I use only sea or pink Himalayan salt in very small quantities. I drink various juices that I prepare myself, mineral water and especially love herbal teas. I try to keep my weight normal, and when I see that I have gained a little extra weight, I go on fasting days. So far we have been able to maintain the mobility of the spine in satisfactory condition.”

About cleansing the body

A fairly popular question is how to cleanse the body of toxins. In fact, the body does not need any additional manipulations; it copes with this task perfectly. Simple products will help speed up the process:

1. Well-cooked rice is used for various gastrointestinal problems to normalize digestion. You need to thoroughly rinse the rice three times, soaking it in water and leaving for 20 minutes. Then take 1 part rice and 4 parts water, place in a saucepan and cook until the water boils away. The result is very sticky rice that coats the walls of the stomach.
2. Prunes are a simple folk remedy for removing waste and toxins. It should simply be consumed in its pure form, about half a cup per day.
3. Bran, whole grain bread, and wallpaper flour products will help cleanse the intestines.

As you can see, it is not at all necessary to take sodium salicylate or castor oil, because regular food works just as well. To avoid the problem of constipation and to keep your stomach working like a clock, you should introduce more cereals and fresh vegetables into your diet. These are natural sources of dietary fiber, which are like a sponge to cleanse the stomach and intestines.