Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rare autoimmune arthritis which many people don’t know much about. This condition is also known as Bechterew disease. It affects the joints on the back causing chronic low back pain that starts before the age of 45. Although there is no known cure for this disease, the condition can be well controlled leading to improved quality of life. There are multiple medications that help control this disease, but there are also important lifestyle changes that could help alleviate the suffering of many of the symptoms. One lifestyle change that has gained traction in recent years is dietary change. Here are some of the ways you can change your diet and lifestyle to help you cope with AS.
What To Eat
The available scientific evidence has been controversial on the role of diet on the causation of AS. Vitamin D is thought to help immune function, so it has gained attention in various autoimmune diseases. In the case of AS, higher levels of Vitamin D are associated with a decreased risk of AS as well as decreased disease severity. Patients with AS need to make sure their diets are rich in vitamin D. One of the common sources of vitamin D is exposure to sunlight (10-20 minutes per day without sunscreen). However, many of us do not get enough vitamin D from the sun, so we require various supplements that contain vitamin D and calcium. Some common sources of vitamin D include dairy products, various forms of fish, and mushrooms. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and decreases the risk of fractures. There has been some indication that a high starch diet is associated with an increased risk of developing AS. In females, a high fat diet was found to be weakly linked with an increased risk of developing AS. In another study, intake of a high dose of fish oil has shown decrease in the disease severity.
What to Avoid or Reduce
The most important lifestyle change that could help patients with AS is avoiding excess alcohol and smoking, both of which are known to weaken the bone causing osteoporosis. Patients with AS need to take non steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam, etc.) to control their pain, but these medications increase the risk of bleeding ulcers in the stomach. Consumption of alcohol and smoking could further increase such a risk, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking and alcohol. Diets that could cause excess weight gain need to be avoided.
Other Lifestyle Changes
Regular exercise of the back and other joints is a key component in the treatment of AS. Regular stretching of the back, maintenance of proper back posture, and muscle strengthening exercises are the common techniques that help to reduce pain. Patients also benefit from a referral to a physical therapist who could teach proper exercise techniques.
Conclusion
AS is a chronic arthritis causing chronic low back pain. It is not curable, but with adequate treatment and lifestyle changes, patients can improve quality of life. A diet containing an adequate amount of vitamin D keeps the bones healthy and prevents fractures. Avoidance of alcohol and smoking along with regular exercise will reduce pain.
Written by Shlomo Witty
