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Low Starch Diet & Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a painful disease that, if left untreated, could result in essentially permanent physical impairment. Although medical treatment can help with ankylosing spondylitis through the prescription of anti-inflammatory medications, the side effects can be increased by combining medication with a specific diet. Adherence to a low-starch diet can help curb the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, helping you to win the battle against the chronic disease.

  1. Ankylosing Spondylitis

    • Ankylosing spondylitis is essentially nothing more than arthritis affecting the spine. Age and genetics are frequent factors increasing your risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis, with the disease usually striking individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. Symptoms include neck and hip pain, limited movement in the lower back and chronic stooping to alleviate pain.

    Ankylosing Spondylitis and Starch

    • A 1996 study in the United Kingdom by Alan Ebringer, MD, discovered that individuals following a high-protein, low-starch diet could benefit individuals with ankylosing spondylitis. One potential cause for the disease is the presence of a pathogen called klebsiella pneumoniae in the digestive tract. Levels of klebsiella pneumoniae increase and decrease in proportion to starch intake in the diet. Lowering your consumption of starch can help alleviate symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.

    Low-Starch Diet

    • To follow a low-starch diet, eliminate consumption of potatoes, breads, rice, pasta and other items containing flour. A low-starch diet need not be a low-carb diet, as you can still consume ample amounts of carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables. Round out this diet with ample quantities of lean protein, such as seafood, chicken or turkey. Also include at least 30 percent of your daily calories from healthy fats like almonds, olive oil and cashews to keep your nutritional profile in balance.

    Study Details/Benefits

    • During Ebringer's study, 36 individuals who were suffering from ankylosing spondylitis were placed on a low-carb, high-protein diet. Following nine months of treatment, all the individuals had reduced markers for inflammation, with most reporting a noticeable reduction in symptoms. A handful of people in the study were able to fully discontinue all medication, as the diet wholly alleviated their ankylosing spondylitis.

    Considerations

    • In general, consume at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water daily while on a low-carb diet, as they tend to be diuretic (dehydrating) in nature. Also note that you should not discontinue taking any prescribed medication without first consulting your supervising physician. Although following a low-carb, high-protein diet might well eliminate your need for prescription medication, do not be too hasty to abandon it without adequate proof of improved symptoms.

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