The London AS Diet
Ankylosing Spondylitis Research Clinic (Professor Alan Ebringer), Department of Rheumatology, The Middlesex Hospital UCH School of Medicine and Infection & Immunity Group, Division of Life Sciences, Kings College, London, UK
THE LONDON "AS" DIET
Low starch/high protein diet for ankylosing spondylitis patients.
It is thought that in some cases a diet low in starches found in flour products and potatoes, and high in proteins and vegetables is of benefit for AS patients.
Ankylosing spondylitis is considered to be a form of "reactive arthritis" following an infection of the terminal ileum and ascending colon by the bowel microbe Klebsiella. Specific anti- Klebsiella antibodies in AS patients have now been reported from 17 different countries: England, Finland, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, Belgium, Slovakia, Japan, China, Australia, Canada, USA, Mexico, Argentina, and Turkey.
Over 95% of AS patients possess the HLA-B27 antigen whilst it is present only in 8% of the general population. The Klebsiella microbe has molecules which resemble HLA-B27 and this is the reason why AS patients generally belong to the HLA-B27 group.
In addition, the pullulanase molecule of the Klebsiella microbe crossreacts with type I collagen found in tendons and bone and also with type IV collagen found in basement membranes of retina and uvea, thereby explaining the pathological sites of AS.
When one eats large amounts of starchy foods (bread, potatoes, cakes and pasta), the Klebsiella bacteria feed on it, multiply and then the immune system of the patient makes antibodies against the microbe and some of those antibodies will also have activity against HLA-B27 and against collagens in the spine and uvea, thereby acting as tissue damaging autoantibodies - hence the need to ABSTAIN from these foods.
Since the mesentery of the bowel is attached to the front of the lumbar spine, it is inevitable that BACKACHE in the lumbar area will be a feature of AS.
One simple way of reducing this inflammation is to reduce the daily intake of STARCHY FOODS. However, consult your doctor before going on the diet.
The higher the intake of starchy foods, the higher the inflammatory activity.
You can eat SMALL amounts of starchy foods but it the AS is very active, it is best to eat a lot more protein and vegetables.
However, if the AS is inactive, the diet can be less rigidly followed.
Essentially, it means REDUCE BREAD, POTATOES, CAKES and PASTA and INCREASE the intake of MEAT, FISH, FRUITS and VEGETABLES.
References:
1. Ebringer and Wilson C. The use of a low starch diet in the treatment of patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis. Clinical Rheumatology 1996; 15 Suppl. 1, 61-65.
2. Ebringer A. Ankylosing spondylitis is caused by Klebsiella. Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, 1992 1/105-121
REDUCE THE FOLLOWING
Chips, baked, boiled, roasted or mashed potatoes, and potato crisps to be avoided.
INCREASE THE FOLLOWING: EAT PLENTY OF PROTEINS, VEGEATABLES, AND FRUITS:
All kinds of fruits.
NORMAL INTAKE ONLY: FATS AND SUGARS.
NO RESTRICTIONS ON BEVERAGES OR SPICES (Pepper, salt or herbs)
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on the KickAS website is not to be construed as medical advice.. In pregnancy, a low carbohydrate diet is potentially harmful to fetal development. Only your personal physician or specialist can make the best suggestions about your health and treatment.Everyone needs a diet that meets their nutritional needs, if in doubt consult a qualified dietician. KickAS and its members are not legally liable for the content, information or opinions expressed therein.
