Treating ankylosing spondylitis: A form of spinal arthritis

Q: I have a friend with ankylosing spondylitis who has been placed on glucosamine. Any other recommendations? She has exhausted the allopathic resources. Thanks!

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Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms

A:   This form of arthritis mainly affects young men, and can cause severe pain and stiffness in the spinal joints.

The areas most commonly affected by ankylosing spondylitis are:

• The joint between the base of your spine and your pelvis
• The vertebrae in your lower back
• The places where your tendons and ligaments attach to bones, mainly in your spine, but sometimes along the back of your heel
• The cartilage between your breastbone and ribs
• Your hip and shoulder joints

Ankylosing Spondylitis Diet

Some other things I would recommend you consider (besides the glucosamine sulfate) are niacinamide, vitamin E, Vitamin C, pantholenic acid, devil’s claw, grape seed or pine bark extracts, bromelain, bioflavonoids and essential fatty acids.

Natural Sources of vitamin E, which is great for treating ankylosing spondylitis, are: alfalfa, flaxseed, green leafy vegetables, cold pressed vegetable oils, whole grains, brown rice, kelp, oatmeal, soybeans, nuts and seeds, milk, sweet potato, legumes, wheat and cornmeal.

Natural Sources of vitamin C are: tomatoes, kelp, broccoli, capsicum, papaya, kale, citrus fruit, strawberries, peas, cantaloupe, brussel sprouts, peppermint, asparagus, alfalfa, black currants, avocados, parsley, pineapple, rose hip, mango and dandelion greens.

I know one case whose condition worsened with the onset of perimenopausal symptoms. Natural progesterone provided some modest relief.

I would think that reducing or limiting animal foods that are high in arcachidonic acid would be wise as well.

The best diet in case of ankylosing spondylitis is the raw food diet, because it’s provinding a great source of minerals, vitamins and everything is needed against pain, but also in the recovery process. At least a 90% raw food diet will help her to get rid of the pain and also will start the healing process.