What foods can be eaten for ankylosing spondylitis?
Sep 11, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, patients with ankylosing spondylitis can benefit from eating foods such as salmon, broccoli, black beans, kiwi fruit, and oats. Additionally, patients may moderately consume spinach, eggs, and milk to supplement nutrition. They should avoid spicy, stimulating foods, as well as those high in sugar and fat, to prevent exacerbating inflammation or increasing metabolic burden on the body.
Generally, patients with ankylosing spondylitis are advised to eat foods such as salmon, broccoli, black beans, kiwifruit, and oats. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, which can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors in the body, reduce joint inflammation, and alleviate joint pain and stiffness caused by the disease. Meanwhile, the high-quality protein in salmon helps repair damaged tissues, enhances muscle strength, and provides nutritional support for maintaining normal physical activities.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli contains abundant vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that protect joint cartilage and reduce inflammation-induced joint damage; vitamin K promotes calcium absorption, maintains bone density, prevents osteoporosis possibly caused by the disease, and supports the stability of the spine and joints.
3. Black Beans
Black beans are high in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and plant-based protein. Calcium and phosphorus are essential components of bones, which strengthen bones and reduce the risk of bone damage; magnesium participates in muscle contraction and nerve conduction, relieves muscle spasms, and alleviates discomfort caused by muscle tension around the joints. Plant protein also provides sustained energy for the body.
4. Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit is a fruit with extremely high vitamin C content. Vitamin C not only enhances immune resistance, reducing the possibility of inflammation caused by infections, but also promotes collagen synthesis. Collagen is a key component of joint cartilage, helping maintain its elasticity and resilience, and delaying joint degeneration.
5. Oats
Oats are rich in dietary fiber and B vitamins. Dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility, aiding in the elimination of metabolic waste and reducing irritation from harmful substances. B vitamins participate in energy metabolism and can help alleviate fatigue caused by the disease. Additionally, the low glycemic characteristic of oats avoids significant blood sugar fluctuations that may affect the body's inflammatory response.
In addition, ankylosing spondylitis patients can appropriately consume foods such as spinach, eggs, and milk to supplement nutrition. Patients should avoid spicy, stimulating, high-sugar, and high-fat foods to prevent exacerbating inflammation or increasing metabolic burden. Moreover, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding picky eating, and combining regular exercise in daily life are beneficial for disease management and physical recovery.
