Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), sometimes called "poker spine" or "bamboo spine," is a long-term rheumatic disorder that affects the joints of the spine and is characterized by pain and inflammation. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are affected with AS, with millions of others suffering from related symptoms. Often, early sufferers of AS self-diagnose their symptoms as nothing more than nagging back pain or early arthritis.

The first symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis usually begin with inflamed joints of the spine that eventually stiffen, then progress to an ankylosis (joining together) of the vertebrae. The damage is caused by a gradual encroachment of each vertebrae to the ones above and below it. The spine may become fused into a bent position, often to such a degree that the individual cannot look forward without extreme difficulty. The bones of the pelvis may also join together, resulting in pain and great difficulty in sitting. If the joints between the spine and ribs are affected, the chest wall’s ability to expand will be limited and may cause breathing difficulty and heart problems.

Medical treatment for AS includes drugs to relieve pain, physical therapy to keep the spine as erect as possible, and, in advanced cases, surgery to straighten a spine that has become badly bent.

Human tissues are scientifically typed according to their biochemical and cellular characteristics. One tissue type, designated B27, is present in almost 100 percent of people suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis. The research of Dr. Alan Ebringer of King’s College Hospital in London, shows why this is important.

Dr. Ebringer theorized that the body’s immune system could make a mistake in its efforts to get rid of an undesirable bacteria and be fooled into attacking its own tissues instead. To confirm his theory, Dr. Erbinger and his research team typed different bacteria taken from the intestinal tract of AS patients in order to identify the one bacteria that most closely matched B27 tissue type characteristics. The bacterial culprit was Klebsiella. The researchers showed that the immune system could easily mistake B27 tissue cells for Klebsiella. Once the similarity between Klebsiella and B27 tissues was established, the researchers next examined the feces of AS patients to test their theory.

They discovered that in the active stages of the disease, when inflammation was at its highest peak, Klebsiella levels in the stool, and antibody levels of Klebsiella in the blood, were much higher than in the periods when the disease was relatively calm. Those antibodies, designed to rid the body of Klebsiella, also attacked B27 tissue cells. In other words, as the immune system mounted an attack to rid the body of the Klebsiella bacteria, it became confused and attacked the body’s own B27 cells instead.

The correct type of Probiotic strains can play an important preventive role in AS. By successfully competing with Klebsiella for attachment sites on the intestinal wall, L. acidophilus, B. bifidum, and L. bulgaricus can prevent or curb an overgrowth of this harmful bacteria. Daily supplementation with the recommended levels of Probiotic super strains and a proper diet will produce positive results

Klebsiella loves starch and sugar, including FOS; therefore, it is important to eliminate bread, pasta, cereals, rice, and potatoes, as well as all sugary foods from your diet. You should consume vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheese, fish, and meat in amounts necessary to maintain your ideal weight.

RECOMMENDED PROBIOTIC REGIMEN

Take 1 capsule each of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum (or 1/2 teaspoon each powder), along with 1/2 teaspoon L. bulgaricus powder mixed in 6 to 8 ounces unchilled filtered water, three times daily.

Instead of the above regimen, take 1 combination capsule that contains all three super strains in an oil-matrix carrier, once daily.

NOTE: The information contained on this site is based on the training, personal experiences and research of the author, Natasha Trenev. It is intended for educational purposes, and is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or replace medical care. Mention of any research organization or individual researcher should in no way be construed as an endorsement of this site or of any of the techniques therein. Because each person and situation are unique, the author urges the reader to check with a qualified health professional before using any procedure in which there is any question of appropriateness. It is a sign of wisdom, not cowardice, to seek a second or third opinion.