Living with ankylosing spondylitis means carrying more than just physical discomfort. It often comes with daily stiffness, achy joints, and the emotional weight of having a long-term condition. But while modern medicine can provide temporary relief, many people are looking toward natural, supportive therapies that focus on the body as a whole. That’s where a gentle, personalized approach—like what’s offered at Avena Natural Health—comes in. It’s not about quick fixes. It’s about giving the body what it needs to realign, release inflammation, and feel more at peace in daily life.
Here are several natural approaches worth exploring for those dealing with ankylosing spondylitis, whether the pain is just beginning or it’s been a long road already.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods That Work With the Body
Nutrition is one of the most overlooked tools in managing chronic inflammatory conditions, even though it plays a central role in how the body responds to pain. Ankylosing spondylitis often thrives in an inflamed environment, so choosing foods that help lower that inflammation can be a smart, gentle starting point. Think of meals built around colorful vegetables, omega-3-rich seeds like flax or chia, and herbs such as turmeric and ginger that are known for their natural soothing properties. Removing processed sugars and refined carbs can also help reduce the body’s internal stress signals.
At Avena Natural Health, whole-food nutrition plans are part of the approach used during our initial visits. They focus on how food can be medicine—not just fuel—and help guide each individual toward a more supportive routine. When the gut is happy, the rest of the body often follows.
Movement That Honors the Spine Without Overdoing It
Exercise doesn’t have to mean lifting heavy weights or pushing through pain. In fact, for someone with ankylosing spondylitis, forcing high-impact workouts can make things worse. But the right kind of movement can work like a gentle massage from the inside out. Stretching, light yoga, walking, or tai chi can all help improve flexibility and keep the spine from stiffening up over time.
Naturopathic doctors often recommend these slower movement styles to encourage circulation, ease joint tension, and reduce mental stress—all of which can flare symptoms when left unchecked. Pairing movement with therapies like acupuncture or massage, which are offered through naturopathic consultations, can create a balanced rhythm that helps the body feel more in sync and less stuck.
Herbal Support That Targets Inflammation Naturally
Herbal medicine isn’t about replacing prescriptions—it’s about reinforcing the body’s natural ability to heal. For people with ankylosing spondylitis, certain herbs may help reduce inflammation and support the immune system without harsh side effects. Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, has shown promise for joint pain. Devil’s claw, white willow bark, and turmeric are other plant-based options that are often blended into tinctures or capsules as part of a naturopathic plan.
These herbs are never chosen at random. During naturopathic consultations in San Diego, a practitioner evaluates everything from digestion to sleep to stress levels before deciding which herbal formulas may be most beneficial. This personalized touch is what makes the care at Avena feel so different—it’s not one-size-fits-all. It’s a long conversation between your body and nature, led by someone who understands both fluently.
IV Therapy As A Targeted Wellness Tool
Some days, oral supplements or food just don’t cut it—especially if digestion is impaired or nutrient absorption is low. That’s where IV nutrient therapy can offer a direct line of support. With IV therapy, high-quality vitamins and minerals go straight into the bloodstream, bypassing the gut and delivering targeted relief to cells that need it most. This can be especially useful for ankylosing spondylitis patients who struggle with chronic fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, or flares that leave them drained.
At Avena, IV therapy in San Diego is always customized. Rather than standard formulas, the team looks at bloodwork, symptoms, and lifestyle to create infusions that make sense for that person’s life. For someone with inflammation and chronic stiffness, formulas may focus on magnesium, B vitamins, or antioxidants that support recovery and energy. IV therapy doesn’t just treat symptoms—it gives the body the building blocks it needs to keep going.
The Power Of Regular, Personalized Naturopathic Visits
Ankylosing spondylitis isn’t predictable. Some days are easier than others, and flares can appear out of nowhere. That’s why having regular, ongoing support can be so meaningful. Naturopathic visits aren’t rushed or surface-level. They’re about exploring patterns, understanding triggers, and building a plan that adjusts as life changes. This may include everything from detox support and anti-inflammatory strategies to stress management and emotional wellness.
In places like Avena Natural Health, naturopathic doctors in San Diego take the time to understand what each patient’s body is really asking for. They consider the layers of a condition—not just the diagnosis—and they help people find sustainable tools to feel better without pressure or judgment. This kind of care feels like a partnership rather than a prescription.
Sometimes, healing isn’t about erasing the diagnosis. It’s about finding balance, creating space, and making peace with the process. With support from a team that listens—like the practitioners at Avena—people living with ankylosing spondylitis can find more than just symptom relief. They can find confidence in their daily routines, gentler rhythms for movement and rest, and tools that fit naturally into their lifestyle. Whether through a personalized herbal plan, IV therapy, or an ongoing connection with a trusted naturopath, it’s possible to feel more supported, more informed, and more aligned with the body’s own strength.
Media Credit: All photos licensed from Adobe.
Dr. Laura Kostrzewski, a San Diego native, completed her undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University, earning a BS in animal science with minors in Spanish and Psychology. She then earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and taught fifth grade in the central coast of California for two years. After being extremely involved in her grandfather’s journey with Parkinson’s disease and end-of-life care, Dr. Kostrzewski decided to move back to San Diego and enroll at Bastyr University California. Dr. Kostrzewski received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University California in June of 2019, and then went on to complete her residency at Bastyr. Before AVENA Wellness, DR. K started her own private practice, focusing on management of neurodegenerative conditions, and continued teaching at Bastyr as adjunct faculty, until founding Avena Health.