Diet for Bechterew's disease (Spondylitis) | Hello

Ankylosing spondylitis is a pathology of the musculoskeletal system that cannot be completely cured. As a rule, patients with this diagnosis are forced to take medications throughout their lives and ensure that their diet does not contain junk food. You cannot do without a diet, as it allows you not only to reduce the effectiveness of unpleasant symptoms, but also to achieve sustainable remission.

Nutrition for ankylosing spondylitis

Main features of ankylosing spondylitis

The pathology has another name - ankylosing spondylitis. It can develop in both sexes, but, according to statistics, men suffer from it five times more often. Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic disease of the rheumatoid type. It affects all joint tissues, but the spine suffers the most. Small parts grow together, the cartilage lying at the joints ossifies. After this, the previous mobility is gradually impaired, and the person begins to experience characteristic symptoms of the disease, which include:

• poor posture;
• body tilt forward;
• back pain;
• sacral stiffness;
• difficulty breathing;
• sleep disturbance.

The intensity of symptoms varies depending on the stage and form of the disease. Thus, patients with damage to all large joints in the final stages of pathology complain of unbearable pain and loss of motor activity.

Condition of the spine in ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis can be suspected by the intensity of the increase in pain. In the early stages, discomfort is possible after a long stay in one position, for example after sleep. This often provokes insomnia. Later, the pain begins to appear during the day, intensifying with deep breaths, coughing, and sneezing.

Methods for diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis

• 
  Blood diagnostics during the activity of the inflammatory process can reveal an acceleration of ESR and an increase in the concentration of CRP, and in half of the cases of long-term illnesses it is possible to detect normochromic anemia. If an increase in creatinine is observed in the blood serum, then the presence of developing chronic renal failure is assumed. At the same time, it should be remembered that the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen is an indirect and nonspecific sign of ankylosing spondylitis. The presence of fibrin, sialic acids, protein fractions, seromucoid, etc. is also determined.

• Examination of urine when nephropathy occurs helps to detect protein (proteinuria) and microhematuria - a small number of red blood cells as a manifestation of IgA nephropathy.
• Polypositional (in direct, lateral, oblique projections and with functional tests) radiography or computed tomography of the sacroiliac joints and overlying parts of the spine reveals limitation of mobility and specific radiographic changes (sacroiliitis, spondyloarthritis, sooner or later leading to the formation of ankylosis, deformation of the spinal column according to the “bamboo stick” type, as well as its kyphotic curvatures of varying degrees, up to the formation of a small hump.
• X-ray of peripheral joints allows us to see degenerative-dystrophic anomalies in them, which also lead to dysfunction, the development of osteoporosis, cystic restructuring, the formation of marginal osteophytes, etc.
• Ultrasound has a higher sensitivity in detecting enthesitis. Ultrasound of the hip joints - to detect inflammatory lesions and the presence of effusion.
• Osteoscintigraphy (scanning) – for diagnosing the skeletal system of the spine.
• ECG and EchoCG help determine signs of conduction disturbances, the formation of valvular insufficiency and other changes.
• Consultations with “narrow” specialists (cardiologist, ophthalmologist, neurosurgeon, rheumatologist, nephrologist) are carried out according to indications.

The main causes of ankylosing spondylitis

Pathology develops against the background of immune disorders. Your own leukocytes, which normally protect the body from foreign agents, begin to perceive cartilage tissue as a substance coming from the outside. Gradually it is rejected and destroyed. The cartilage becomes fragile and thin, and the bones begin to fit more tightly together. This provokes curvature of the spine and pain.

If you want to learn in more detail how to treat ankylosing spondylitis in women, as well as consider symptoms and alternative treatment methods, you can read an article about this on our portal.

Doctors name three main reasons that can trigger the development of ankylosing spondylitis.

1. Heredity . It is believed that the pathology may have a genetic predisposition. The risk of getting the disease is higher if one of the parents is diagnosed with this condition. A special gene, HLA B27, is responsible for the development of the disease, which is practically never found in healthy people.
2. Immune system disorders . The higher the concentration of immunoglobulins in a person’s blood, the higher the risk that leukocytes will reject their own cartilage tissue.
3. Diseases of an infectious nature . Doctors suggest that there is a connection between such pathologies and ankylosing spondylitis. According to statistics, joints are more often affected in people who have had infectious diseases of the genitourinary system.

Etiology of ankylosing spondylitis

Signs of the disease most often appear between the ages of 15 and 40, but sometimes doctors diagnose the pathology already in childhood. The earlier it is identified, the higher the chances of success of supportive treatment.

Rules of therapy for ankylosing spondylitis

An approved diagnosis requires lifelong treatment in order to stop the destruction of cartilage tissue and maintain joint mobility. A positive effect is achieved only with an integrated approach, which includes:

• drug treatment;
• physiotherapy;
• physical therapy;
• massage;
• diet.

Pathogenesis of the disease

All elements of the treatment regimen are equally important, so they cannot be abandoned. Only with their successful combination can doctors manage to stop the rapid rate of progression of the pathology and relieve the patient from excruciating pain and other unpleasant symptoms.

If ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed, you cannot do without medications. Medicines can solve several problems at once. They are discussed in more detail in the table.

Diet goals

Proper nutrition for ankylosing spondylitis and other joint pathologies can increase the effectiveness of other therapy. So, the diet is designed to solve several problems at once.

1. Maintaining body weight within normal limits. Doctors explain that excess weight itself cannot cause pathology, but it negatively affects the course of the disease. Joints experience greater stress, and discs made of cartilage tissue deform and collapse faster, since they are constantly exposed to mechanical stress.
2. Saturation with useful substances. Ankylosing spondylitis significantly weakens the entire body, so it is necessary to regularly replenish the lack of vitamins and minerals. The body will also need additional building material - protein, which begins to rapidly deteriorate if the periarticular tissues are subject to inflammation.
3. Reducing the intensity of inflammation. Proper nutrition will allow you to partially stop these processes, which will lead to a decrease in the severity of pain in the joints.

Stages of spinal deformity in ankylosing spondylitis

On a note! The reasons listed are enough to understand that diet is really important. This means that the diet should be adjusted immediately after the diagnosis is confirmed.

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Basic principles of diet

The diet for ankylosing spondylitis is followed throughout life, and not just during periods of exacerbation. This is an insidious pathology that is constantly progressing. As soon as the patient deviates from dietary recommendations, the likelihood of relapse increases. In this case, the symptoms may be more pronounced than before.

The diet should be based on a number of principles, from which one cannot deviate.

1. You need to eat fractionally, in small portions, reducing the interval between them. Overeating should not be allowed, especially in the afternoon.
2. The diet must include protein foods that the body especially needs.
3. If you are overweight, you should take measures to reduce it. First of all, remove all fats and simple carbohydrates from the diet, which can negatively affect weight.
4. It is important to drink plenty of fluids. Clean water is best, but tea, fruit drink, and juice are also allowed. This will allow you to maintain normal blood circulation and metabolism.
5. You should be wary of salt retention inside the body. It is better to use a minimum of sodium chloride in dishes. An excess of the substance will negatively affect the condition of the joints, causing swelling, which will later increase the intensity of inflammation.

With ankylosing spondylitis it is important to drink plenty of fluids

The diet for ankylosing spondylitis is based on these principles.

Early treatment benefits both patients and the state

— Is there an effective treatment for this disease?

— New genetically engineered drugs for the treatment of spondyloarthritis appeared about 15 years ago. Today there are already 6 names, and 5 of them are included in the List of Vital and Essential Drugs. These medications are very expensive (the cost of annual treatment is 700 thousand rubles per year, and the therapy is lifelong). But these drugs, fortunately, are not required by all patients, but only by those whose disease is advanced or aggressive. The rest are helped by conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (subject to disciplined daily use). Unfortunately, the later treatment begins, the higher doses of expensive medications it requires. But there is good news: such treatment allows the patient to lead a normal life - work, start a family, play sports. True, you need to take these medications constantly. While a person is taking them, he is in remission, that is, in fact, he is completely healthy, but if he misses it for a month or two, all treatment goes down the drain and an exacerbation inevitably occurs.

Article on the topic

Rheumatologist Sandor Erdes: “We should treat not only disabled people for free!”

— Are such medicines available?

— Often, in the fight for the therapy prescribed to him by law, the patient, unfortunately, turns out to be powerless. Few patients know that in order to receive free medicines it is not necessary to have the status of a disabled person - this is stated in the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 890 of August 27, 1994. And our society was created, among other things, to help patients resolve legal issues and achieve respect for their rights. After all, early and adequate treatment at stages 1-2 of the disease is beneficial not only to the patient himself, but also to the state. Specialists from the Higher School of Economics have calculated that the reduction in production losses associated with a decrease in the level of disability as a result of the implementation of a program for early diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis could amount to 1.7 billion rubles. At the same time, according to official data, in Russia, unfortunately, only 10% of registered patients receive adequate therapy with modern drugs.

- Why is this happening?

“As our experience has shown, 99.5% of patients who were faced with a refusal to issue medications were not ready to solve this problem officially. Out of 500 people, only two decided to complain to higher authorities, in particular, to the Ministry of Health and Roszdravnadzor. The rest were afraid of some kind of sanctions from the healthcare system. Nevertheless, all 100% of patients who decided to seek the medications they were prescribed received them. Therefore, we consider changing the psychology of patients to be one of the important tasks of our society. People should be aware of the potential severity of their illness and take a stake in their own health. And they must be able to fight for themselves.

Orphan diseases: why patients cannot get medications Read more

Prohibited products for joint pathologies

The list of potentially dangerous dishes and products for ankylosing spondylitis includes:

• smoked meats;
• sausages;
• liver;
• marinades;
• mayonnaise;
• hot sauces;
• flour;
• pasta;
• soy or beans;
• mushrooms;
• cranberry;
• chocolate;
• jam;
• sour cream;
• cream;
• mussels;
• shrimps;
• squid.

The most useful and most harmful foods for the human body

Attention! Particular attention should be paid to drinks. So, in case of ankylosing spondylitis, coffee (can be replaced with chicory), sweet carbonated drinks, and strong black tea are prohibited. Don't get carried away with alcohol. All strong drinks, white wines, beer, and sweet liqueurs are strictly prohibited.

Mediterranean diet

If a patient has difficulty creating a diet, then it is worth paying attention to already prepared programs. So, in the case of ankylosing spondylitis, it is recommended to consider the Mediterranean diet , the construction of a menu in which is based on several principles.

1. ¾ of the table is vegetables and fruits. They serve as a source of healthy fiber and vitamins.
2. The source of fat should be olive oil, which is considered the most healthy among all vegetable fats.
3. Only white meat can be used as a source of protein, but in limited quantities - no more than three times a week. This can be dietary poultry (breast) or fish.
4. No additional salt is needed. Therefore, to enhance the taste, it is allowed to add seasonings and fresh herbs.

Balanced nutrition pyramid for the Mediterranean diet

On a note! The Mediterranean diet is an excellent option for patients with ankylosing spondylitis. People with normal and overweight can build their menu on its basis.

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.

Folk remedies as an effective addition to the diet

Proper nutrition is the key to good health in case of joint pathologies, but diet alone is not enough. The patient must understand that treatment must be approached comprehensively. In addition to medications, some proven folk remedies are allowed for use.

Baths are considered popular and effective. To prepare a medicinal solution, dried plants are used, such as:

• alder;
• cinquefoil;
• wild rosemary;
• take off;
• elm;
• birch;
• rue;
• currant;
• veronica;
• sweet clover;
• dandelion;
• strawberries;
• Kirkazon;
• rue.

Joints most often affected by ankylosing spondylitis

All listed ingredients are mixed in equal proportions. Next, about 300 grams of the resulting dry mixture is placed in a cotton bag and immersed in a pan of water. The liquid is heated for 20 minutes, and then left for another 2 hours. Then take a bath with a medicinal decoction. It is important to remember that this method is used only during periods of remission. For acute pain, baths can provoke additional inflammation.

Useful for illness and rubbing for external use. To prepare the product, take 100 ml of alcohol, 50 g of camphor and 50 g of mustard. After mixing, add 50 g of whipped protein. Next, the mixture is rubbed into the skin near the affected vessels overnight.

Video - Nutrition for joint diseases

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.