The importance of healthy eating

Maintaining a healthy diet is an important part of protecting your overall health, managing your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol, improving your energy levels and boosting your immune system.¹

Although no diet has been proven to treat the symptoms of axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA), complementing your treatment with a healthy diet can help you feel better overall, and some foods may assist in lessening symptoms and flare ups.^2–5

Reducing inflammation

Although a solid link between diet and ax-SpA has not been proven, there is evidence to suggest that some foods may either increase or decrease inflammation in the body.⁶

For example, foods high in sugar, refined starch, processed foods, red/processed meats, some oils and possibly gluten and dairy for some, can increase inflammation. On the other hand, whole grain foods such as brown rice, whole grain bread, quinoa and barley, have the opposite effect.^6,7 Adding more fruits (no grapefruit) and vegetables to your diet may also help with possible antioxidant effects, which means they may prevent or delay some types of cell damage.^8,9

Here’s an example of what a meal high in anti-inflammatory foods could look like:^7,10

The importance of getting essential nutrients

Vitamins and minerals are called essential nutrients because our bodies need them to perform important functions and stay healthy. Most people get all the vitamins and minerals they need by eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods across the five food groups, and do not need to take a supplement. While there are vitamin and mineral supplements that may help some people, it’s important to talk to your doctor before you start taking any new medication, including vitamin or mineral supplements.¹¹

Staying hydrated

Water is an essential part of a healthy balanced diet, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Your body needs water to flush waste products out of your body, which can help fight inflammation. Being hydrated also helps to keep your joints well lubricated.^12,13

Drinking enough water may also help you eat less, which can help if you’re trying to lose weight. It is recommended that adults drink about 8 to 10 cups of fluid each day. You can get water from drinks like coffee, tea or fruit juice, but it’s a good idea to choose water, particularly over drinks that contain added sugars or alcohol.^12,13

General tips for maintaining a healthy diet

The most important way to stay healthy and manage your diet is to do your best at eating more of the good foods (fruits, vegetables and lean protein) and limiting processed foods.¹⁴

• Eat plenty of vegetables (at least 5 serves each day)
• Eat 2 serves of fruit each day (avoid grapefruit while taking RINVOQ)
• Include whole grains, beans, and lentils
• Avoid processed foods or foods with chemicals and preservatives
• Minimise your consumption of refined sugars
• Minimise your consumption of alcohol
• Enjoy a healthy variety of foods
• Choose appropriate amounts of nutritious food and drinks to meet your energy needs and balance your diet with regular and moderate exercise
• Stay well hydrated

More information

If you’re looking for more on the amounts and kind of foods to eat for health and wellbeing, you can find a lot of useful information, including the Australian Dietary Guidelines, at www.eatforhealth.gov.au.

Some people with your condition find it helpful to talk to a dietitian, who can give you individual advice and help you plan a diet that best suits you and your health needs. You can find an accredited practicing dietitian near you at member.dietitiansaustralia.org.au/faapd. 

References: 1. Eat for health. Australian dietary guidelines. Available from: eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-09/n55_australian_dietary_guidelines.pdf Accessed: August 2025. 2. Arthritis Australia. Taking control of your ankylosing spondylitis. Available from: arthritisaustralia.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Ankylosing-Spondylitis-WEB-2019.pdf Accessed: August 2025.  3. Macfarlane TV et al. Eur J Rheumatol 2018;5(1):45–52.  4. Spondylitis Association of America. Diet’s effect on spondylitis symptoms. Available from: spondylitis.org/about-spondylitis/treatment-information/diet-nutrition/ Accessed: August 2025.  5. Arthritis Australia. Healthy eating. Available from: arthritisaustralia.com.au/managing-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/healthy-eating/ Accessed: August 2025.  6. Spondylitis Association of America. Changing your diet. Available from: spondylitis.org/about-spondylitis/treatment-information/diet-nutrition/changing-your-diet/ Accessed: August 2025. 7. Khanna S et al. Front Nutr 2017;4:52. 8. Serafini M & Peluso I. Curr Pharm Des 2016;22(44):6701–6715. 9. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Antioxidant supplements: What you need to know. Available from: nccih.nih.gov/health/antioxidant-supplements-what-you-need-to-know Accessed August 2025. 10. Healthy Food Guide. The perfect plate. Available from: healthyfood.com/advice/the-perfect-plate/ Accessed: August 2025. 11. Healthdirect. Vitamins and minerals explained. Available from: healthdirect.gov.au/vitamins-and-minerals-explained Accessed: August 2025. 12. Arthritis Foundation. Best drinks for arthritis. Available from: arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/healthy-eating/best-drinks-for-arthritis Accessed: August 2025. 13. Healthdirect. Drinking water and your health. Available from: healthdirect.gov.au/drinking-water-and-your-health Accessed: August 2025. 14. Eat for health. Recommended number of serves for adults. Available from: eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/how-much-do-we-need-each-day/recommended-number-serves-adults Accessed: August 2025. AC-005092-00. AU-RNQ-250085. August 2025.