Ankylosing Spondylitis

According to studies on the gut-spondyl joint axis, asymptomatic intestinal mucosal inflammation is found in about 60% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Since there is an immune pathway (IL-23/IL-17) shared with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome can exacerbate spinal inflammation. Evidence is accumulating that the consumption of gluten, refined carbohydrates, and processed meats increases intestinal permeability, and there are also studies linking the Mediterranean diet to a reduction in BASDAI.

Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic

In Korean medicine, the digestive system (spleen and stomach) is the source that generates Qi and blood after birth; if digestive function declines, muscles and ligaments become deprived of nutrients, and sticky waste accumulates, blocking the passages through which Qi and blood flow. Flour-based foods, cold foods, and greasy foods are representative foods that impair digestive function and promote the accumulation of such waste. Dongjedang Internal Medicine places a detoxifying approach that strengthens the digestive system and removes intestinal waste as a key pillar of treatment, creating synergy with dietary improvement. Additionally, fermented traditional Korean foods (such as Doenjang and Cheonggukjang) are strongly recommended as they have the function of increasing beneficial gut bacteria.