Precautions for Diet and Exercise in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease that mainly invades the spine and can involve sacroiliac joints and peripheral joints to varying degrees. For patients, the reasonable arrangement of diet and exercise plays a vital role in disease control and rehabilitation. Dietary precautions Balanced nutrition is the basis for patients with ankylosing spondylitis to ensure the intake of various nutrients. Protein is the key to repairing and maintaining muscle strength. Eat more foods rich in high-quality protein, such as chicken breast, fish, shrimp, eggs, milk and beans. These foods can provide essential amino acids for the body, help repair damaged tissues and maintain muscles, and reduce the risk of muscle atrophy caused by diseases. Increase the intake of anti-inflammatory foods Many foods have anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial in relieving the inflammatory response in ankylosing spondylitis. For example, citrus fruits, strawberries and kiwifruit are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which can neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation. There are also foods rich in vitamin D, such as deep-sea fish, mushrooms, egg yolks, etc. Vitamin D not only helps to absorb calcium, but also has a positive effect on the regulation of the immune system and the reduction of inflammation. In addition, the monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil, the healthy fats in nuts and dietary fiber all contribute to the body’s anti-inflammatory response. Avoid foods that aggravate inflammation. Foods high in fat and sugar should be eaten as little as possible. They may increase weight, increase the burden on joints, and promote the body to produce more inflammatory mediators. Spicy food, alcohol and other stimulating foods may also stimulate the intestinal tract, causing intestinal inflammation, and intestinal inflammation is closely related to the development of ankylosing spondylitis, so avoid eating. Exercise Precautions Choose the Right Type of Exercise Swimming is one of the best exercises for patients with ankylosing spondylitis. In water, the weight of the body is supported by buoyancy, which can effectively reduce the pressure on the spine and joints, while exercising the muscles of the whole body, including the muscles beside the spine, to enhance the stability and flexibility of the spine. Yoga is also a good choice, such as spinal torsion and stretching, which can help maintain the range of motion of the spine, but it should be carried out under the guidance of professional coaches to avoid injury caused by excessive bending and torsion. To maintain the regularity and moderation of exercise, patients should insist on regular exercise, such as at least 3-5 times a week, about 30 minutes each time. Exercise intensity should be moderate, so as not to feel excessive fatigue and pain after exercise. If pain and joint swelling occur during exercise, they should stop exercising immediately and seek medical treatment in time. Focus on joint range of motion training in addition to systemic exercise, joint range of motion training is also essential. For example, regular flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation of the neck, as well as flexion and extension of the hip and knee joints, can prevent joint stiffness and maintain the normal function of the joints. In a word, patients with ankylosing spondylitis can better control their condition, improve their quality of life and reduce complications through reasonable diet and scientific exercise.