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Essay / Diet and Nutrition for Ankylosing Spondylitis - 638
A healthy diet is an important part of taking control of not only your health but also your life. You need to be aware that the food you put into your body can improve or worsen your overall health. For people suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, a healthy diet can go a long way in not only relieving symptoms like pain and stiffness, but also slowing the progression of the disease. Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of chronic arthritis that affects parts of the spine, including the muscles, ligaments and bones. Symptoms can vary, but most people experience back pain and stiffness; in severe cases, it could also lead to long-term disability. The disease usually develops gradually and sometimes symptoms are not present. Chest pain may also be felt, especially when breathing, due to the joints connecting the ribs to the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis is common in Canada, the United States, Europe and Australia because most people consume meat and milk as part of their daily diet, unlike Africa and Asia which consume more vegetables and fruits. Diet and Nutrition Although there is no specific diet for people with ankylosing spondylitis, it is important to be at a healthy weight to reduce stress on painful joints. A healthy diet and exercise are strongly recommended to maintain a healthy weight. Proper foods keep the digestive system strong and the immune system in a healthy and fighting state, thereby reducing the risk of contracting other diseases and slowing the progression of ankylosing spondylitis. Choose foods that help fight inflammation, keep your bones strong and your digestive and immune systems healthy. It is also recommended to keep a food diary in order to...... middle of paper...... n. Limit alcohol intake – alcoholic beverages can weaken bones, so if you can't remove it from your diet, limit it. your consumption as much as possible. Low in saturated fat – the diet should also be low in saturated fats such as commercial pastries and chocolates, as this can make inflammation worse. Foods Rich in Silicon – Silicon is essential for the formation of collagen which is vital for bone health. , cartilage and connective tissues. Sources of silica include whole grains, alfalfa, peppers and seaweed. Multivitamins – multivitamins help strengthen the body's natural immune system, thereby reducing the risk of contracting other diseases. Foods rich in proteoglycans – proteoglycans help restore and nourish cartilage. They are found in tripe, mussels, oats and Irish moss. Drink plenty of fluids – it is highly recommended to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day..