Dr. Maziar Badii, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC
Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint pain and stiffness in some people.
Good sources include: Ankylosing Spondylitis Nutrition
Salmon
Sardines
Trout
Mackerel
Chia seeds
Flaxseed
Walnuts
Nutrition cannot cure ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but it can play a meaningful role in managing inflammation, supporting bone health, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing the risk of related conditions such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
Here are the key nutrition recommendations for people with AS: Ankylosing Spondylitis Nutrition
1. Follow an anti-inflammatory eating pattern
A diet rich in whole, minimally processed foods is associated with better overall health and may help reduce chronic inflammation.
Focus on:
- Colorful vegetables and fruits (berries, leafy greens, broccoli, peppers)
- Whole grains (if well tolerated)
- Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
- Nuts and seeds
- Healthy fats, especially extra-virgin olive oil
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) 2–3 times per week
- Herbs and spices such as turmeric and ginger
Featuring Dr. Stefanie Wade, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC
Maintain a healthy weight Ankylosing Spondylitis Nutrition
Excess body weight can increase stress on joints and may worsen symptoms.
Choose:
- High-fiber foods
- Lean protein
- Healthy fats
- Appropriate portion sizes
Limit foods that may promote inflammation
Try to reduce:
- Sugary drinks
- Highly processed snacks
- Excess sweets
- Processed meats
- Excess alcohol
- Foods high in trans fats
Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint pain and stiffness in some people.
Good sources include: Ankylosing Spondylitis Nutrition
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Trout
- Mackerel
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseed
- Walnuts
Dr. Maziar Badii, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC
Featuring Dr. Stefanie Wade, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC
Featuring Dr. Stefanie Wade, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC
Maintain a healthy weight Ankylosing Spondylitis Nutrition
Excess body weight can increase stress on joints and may worsen symptoms.
Choose:
- High-fiber foods
- Lean protein
- Healthy fats
- Appropriate portion sizes
Limit foods that may promote inflammation Ankylosing Spondylitis Nutrition
Try to reduce:
- Sugary drinks
- Highly processed snacks
- Excess sweets
- Processed meats
- Excess alcohol
- Foods high in trans fats
Dr. Maziar Badii, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC
Maintain a healthy weight Ankylosing Spondylitis Nutrition
Excess body weight can increase stress on joints and may worsen symptoms.
Choose:
- High-fiber foods
- Lean protein
- Healthy fats
- Appropriate portion sizes
Limit foods that may promote inflammation
Try to reduce:
- Sugary drinks
- Highly processed snacks
- Excess sweets
- Processed meats
- Excess alcohol
- Foods high in trans fats
Mental health and ankylosing spondylitis
Living with chronic pain, stiffness, fatigue, and reduced mobility can affect emotional well-being. People with AS are more likely than the general population to experience:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress related to chronic illness
- Sleep disturbances
Mental health and pain can influence each other. Poor sleep or depression can make pain feel more intense, while uncontrolled pain can worsen mood.
Strategies that may help include:
- Regular physical activity appropriate for your condition (stretching, swimming, walking, strength training)
- Good sleep habits
- Mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation techniques
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of counseling
- Staying socially connected through friends, family, or support groups
- Discussing persistent mood changes with your healthcare provider
- Mediterranean-style diets have been linked with a lower risk of depression and better overall well-being.
- Omega-3 fatty acids may have modest benefits for mood in some people.
- B vitamins (especially folate and B12), magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D are important for brain function. Deficiencies may contribute to low mood in some individuals.
- Regular meals and adequate hydration can also support energy levels and concentration.