Eating a healthy diet is an important part of taking control not only of your health but also of your life. Be aware that whatever food you are putting into your body can improve or worsen your overall health. For those suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, a healthy diet can help immensely to not only relieve symptoms such as pain and stiffness, but also slow the progression of the disease. Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of chronic arthritis that affects parts of the spine, including muscles, ligaments, and bones. Symptoms may vary, but most people experience back pain and stiffness; in severe cases, this could even lead to long-term disability. The condition usually develops gradually where there are times when symptoms are not present. Chest pain can also occur when breathing, due to the joints that connect the ribs to the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis has been found to be common in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia as most people consume meat and milk as part of their daily diet, unlike Africa and Asia which consume more fruits and vegetables. Diet and Nutrition Although there is no specific diet for people with ankylosing spondylitis, being at a healthy weight is important to reduce stress on painful joints. A healthy diet and exercise are highly recommended to maintain a healthy weight. The right foods keep your digestive system strong and your immune system in healthy, fighting condition, reducing the risk of other diseases and slowing the progression of ankylosing spondylitis. Choose foods that help fight inflammation, keep your bones strong, and your digestive and immune systems healthy. It is also advisable to keep a food diary so that... half of a sheet of paper... n. Limit alcohol intake: Alcoholic drinks can weaken your bones, so if you can't eliminate them from your diet, limit them as much as possible. Low in saturated fat: The diet should also be low in saturated fats such as commercial pastries and chocolates as this can aggravate inflammation. Silicon-rich foods: Silicon is essential in the formation of collagen, which is vital for bone health. , cartilage and connective tissues. Sources of silica include whole grains, alfalfa, peppers, and algae. Multivitamin: Multivitamins help strengthen the body's natural immune system by reducing the risk of contracting other diseases. Proteoglycan-rich foods: Proteoglycans help restore and nourish cartilage. These can be found in tripe, mussels, oats and Irish moss. Drink plenty of fluids: It is highly recommended to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.