Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group AS and low starch diet questions

You've already received some very good info. I just have a couple of things to add.

When I was first diagnosed with AS, I made the choice to work with a naturopath for treatment. After doing some research, she found some studies regarding diet (I never actually saw them, but I believe they were Dr. Enbringer's work). The first thing she did was take me off cow dairy. Specifically cow dairy because while lactose is an issue in many people, her belief was that casein is as big an issue but it gets lost in the lactose media. While people who are lactose intolerant cannot take lactose in any form of dairy, casein (the protein in dairy) is a different story. The casein in cow dairy is different from that in sheep or goat dairy, so I was allowed those forms, but not cow (except in the form of organic yoghurt and Bio-K, a fermented milk product that acts extremely well as a pro-biotic). There is a difference for me, but not great enough when I consume dairy on its own periodically to cause problems.

The main area where dairy causes me problems is where it's combined with wheat. My starch sensitivity is wheat specific and the fact that my skin became more clear (eczema) than ever in my life when I went on it was a good indicator of that. I eliminated glutens last year as well when we found out that coeliac disease may run in my family, and must say that they help both with my AS and with how I felt after eating (not tummy heaviness/discomfort). Again, these are specific starches, not all starches, and it is on this basis that my dietary intake changed.

One of the things my naturopath told me was that it can take 6 - 8 weeks before dietary changes actually have an effect, as it can take that long for the old stuff to be completely eliminated and the positive effects felt. Personally, the way I see it, if you're doing dietary changes and have not experienced a positive result after a full 8 weeks, then these may not be the correct changes for you.

We are all different, with biologies and chemical make-up unique to us, so we won't all respond in exactly the same way to the same treatments. All you can do is try with an open mind and move on if it's not working to the next one.

Hugs,

Your blogspot is inspiring and impressive. Thank you for responding to my questions and for working so hard to help others with your blog.

I don't think I can fast, like some people have recommended.
My plan:
I think I'll start out by eating fresh fruits (no bananas) and fresh vegies. I am eliminating dairy/lactose and drinking Lactaid. Maybe I can find some lactose-free yogurt at Whole Foods. I'll quit taking my supplements. Hopefully, I'll get enough calcium from the Lactaid. Chocolate and pitachios help with cravings.

I know you cut out sugar, even fruits, nuts, alcohol.

I must sound like a weenie, not wanting to be as strict as you were/are. I do try, tho! I exercise at therapy pool 6x/week and don't eat any bread, rice, potatoes, or any other food that I know has starch.

Hopefully, cutting out lactose will be the trick.

Your comments to 'my plan' would be very appreciated. If you really think I should give up chocolate and pitachios, please tell me so. I obviously need some coaxing.

Grateful,
Kay

Having tried it myself, to start I cut all starch. (Some may have slipped through....).
I did notice a difference, but it was very, very slight.
I did increase the amount of starch I consumed, and kept a food diary, which helped show other food triggers. I now know what to avoid.
These days, I'm much better than I was. I'm still in pain, but I dont need to use medication everyday. I just use it when I'm in a flare.

Amber,

Are you HLA-B27 positive? What food/s do you avoid that helps you experience less pain?

K