Klebsiella and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Understanding the Connection
Discover how Klebsiella, a common gut bacteria, may contribute to ankylosing spondylitis and learn effective strategies to manage this connection for improved health.
What is Klebsiella?

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Gut Microbiome Resident
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a type of bacteria commonly found in the gut microbiome.

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Potentially Problematic
Normally harmless in small amounts, but can become problematic when it overgrows or the gut lining is compromised.

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Dysbiosis Contributor
Overgrowth can contribute to dysbiosis (gut imbalance) and trigger autoimmune responses.
Klebsiella and Ankylosing Spondylitis Link
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Molecular Mimicry
Klebsiella proteins resemble HLA-B27, a genetic marker linked to ankylosing spondylitis. Immune system attacks may mistakenly target HLA-B27 proteins in the body.
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Gut Inflammation
Klebsiella overgrowth increases gut permeability (leaky gut), allowing bacterial fragments and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation.
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Immune Response
Elevated Klebsiella levels can overstimulate the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation and contributing to ankylosing spondylitis development or worsening.
Symptoms of Klebsiella-Related Ankylosing Spondylitis
Back Pain
Chronic lower back pain, worse in the morning
Joint Issues
Stiffness, limited mobility, hip and buttock pain, joint swelling
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness and lack of energy
Eye Inflammation
Uveitis and other eye-related issues
Managing Klebsiella to Improve Ankylosing Spondylitis
Dietary Changes
Adopt a low-starch, lectin-free diet to starve Klebsiella. Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like chicken, leafy greens, and healthy fats.
Fasting
Extended fasting (e.g., 14-day fast) can help significantly reduce Klebsiella levels.
Gut Healing
Support gut health with probiotics, bone broth, and supplements like vitamin D and garlic.
Symptom Tracking
Regularly monitor symptoms (pain, stiffness, fatigue) to gauge progress.
Initial Phase: Anti-Inflammatory, Lectin-Free Diet
Proteins
  • Chicken (pasture-raised)
  • Eggs (pasture-raised)
Vegetables
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli (steamed or sautéed)
  • Cauliflower (steamed or roasted)
  • Zucchini
  • Bamboo Shoots (cooked thoroughly)
Healthy Fats
  • Coconut Oil
  • Olive Oil
  • Avocado Oil
Initial Phase: Fruits, Seeds, and Beverages
Fruits (Low-Sugar)
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Pomegranate
Seeds
  • Chia Seeds
  • Hemp Seeds
  • Flaxseeds
Beverages
  • Black Coffee
  • Herbal Teas
Initial Phase: Supplements
Garlic
Fresh or supplement form
Vitamin D
1,000-2,000 IU daily
Electrolytes
Sodium, potassium, magnesium
14-Day Fast: Allowed Items

Water
Plenty of hydration is crucial during the fast.

Electrolytes
Sodium (sea salt), Potassium (potassium chloride/"NoSalt"), Magnesium (citrate or glycinate)

Healthy Fats (for modified fast)
Coconut Oil, Olive Oil

Beverages
Black Coffee
14-Day Fast: Monitoring
Blood Pressure
Regular monitoring
Heart Rate
Track changes
Hydration Status
Stay well-hydrated
Weight
Daily weigh-ins
Breaking the Fast: Refeeding Protocol

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Day 1
Start with bone broth to gently reintroduce nutrients and support gut healing.

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Day 2
Introduce steamed vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower to add fiber and nutrients.

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Day 3
Gradually reintroduce chicken and eggs as protein sources.
Post-Fast Maintenance Diet
Proteins
  • Chicken
  • Eggs
Vegetables
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Zucchini
  • Bamboo shoots (cooked)
Healthy Fats
  • Coconut oil
  • Olive oil
  • Avocado oil
Post-Fast Maintenance Diet: Fruits and Seeds
Weekly Symptom Tracker
Access Here
Physical Symptoms
  • Pain (Location & Level)
  • Stiffness
  • Fatigue
  • Joint Swelling
Other Symptoms
  • Eye Symptoms
  • Digestive Issues
  • Sleep Quality
Overall Health
  • Breathing (Chest-Wall Expansion)
  • Mood
Key Takeaways

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1

Prep Phase
Eat Yes Foods to reduce inflammation and lectins

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Fasting Phase
14-day fast with water, electrolytes, and optional oils

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Refeeding Phase
Break the fast with broth and steamed veggies. Notice any symptoms as they arise to note your sensitivities and allergies.

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Maintenance Phase
Return to the low-starch anti-inflammatory diet, avoiding known allergies and sensitivities.