Dr. Aly Cohen was recently featured in an article on ankylosing spondylitis. Dr. Cohen emphasizes the importance of stress management and a balanced diet. She highlights the connection between stress and worsening symptoms, suggesting techniques like exercise, mindfulness, and deep-breathing exercises to reduce stress levels. Dr. Cohen also discusses the role of diet in managing inflammation and gut health, recommending a focus on whole foods while limiting processed items. Some featured quotes include:
It may also be a good idea to limit highly processed foods because they can disrupt your gut microbiome (the ecosystem of natural microbes living in your gut that play a role in your overall health), says Cohen. The reason: When the microbes in your gut are out of balance, your immune system can’t function well, which can disrupt the already compromised immune system in people with AS.
Research shows many people with AS find it difficult to get the sleep they need due to their condition.
But not getting enough sleep can make certain AS symptoms worse. “When people don’t have enough sleep, they tend to have higher perceptions of pain,” says Cohen. This can become a difficult cycle to break.
