Obstructive sleep apnea can wreak havoc on your life, especially when the condition goes left untreated and unchecked. However, there are a variety of factors that can play into the severity of your sleep apnea. One that many patients aren’t aware of is the foods that they eat. Knowing what foods to avoid and which ones can help minimize your snoring and cessation of breathing as you rest could help boost your health and energy. Read on to learn how your diet and sleep apnea symptoms are connected.
Minimizing Symptoms with Small Diet Changes
While there isn’t a specific type of diet that is best for those with sleep apnea, there has been some research that shows including and excluding certain types of food can help manage your symptoms. While the little amount of research on this topic does show a correlation, it’s important to understand that adjusting your diet alone won’t treat your condition. That being said, here are some foods and beverages that you may want to avoid to boost your quality of rest:
- Red & Processed Meats: A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2020 investigated how diets could impact sleep apnea. What they found from their small sample of participants was that higher intake of red and unprocessed meat were associated with worsening sleep apnea symptoms.
- Alcohol: Alcohol is known to relax the muscles in the upper airway, causing obstruction to occur and limiting the adequate intake of oxygen as you sleep. For this reason, it’s best to avoid consuming alcohol before bed.
- Bananas: Many people are surprised to hear that bananas have any association whatsoever with sleep apnea. Because they increase mucus production within the mouth and throat, it can lead to worsening breathing issues as you sleep.
Foods That Can Boost Your Quality of Rest
There are countless foods out there that can also benefit you in your search for better rest, like the ones below:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Seafood like salmon and sardines are known for their omega-3 and vitamin D levels, which are both associated with inflammation reduction and improved sleep apnea symptoms.
- Fruits & Vegetables: Many fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally high in vitamins C and E, and some even contain melatonin, like cherries, corn, asparagus, and cucumbers. These can help enhance your quality of rest.
- Whole Grains: Many whole-grain products contain folic acid, which plays an important role in mental and emotional health, as well as brain function. A study published in 2022 in PLoS One also found that folic acid may be able to help improve OSA severity.
It’s important to remember that altering your diet to include an exclude these foods isn’t the same as seeking treatment. When left untreated, OSA can result in serious health concerns by affecting your body’s oxygen flow as you sleep. Fortunately, when you combine treatment alongside other more holistic approaches, like diet alterations, you may be able to drastically improve your quality of rest.
About the Practice
At Star Sleep & Wellness in Plano, our team is comprised of several experienced and passionate sleep specialists who are determined to help their patients reclaim their lives through treating their sleep apnea. We offer a comprehensive approach to treatment, including oral appliance and CPAP therapy, weight loss guidance, and sleep testing. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 214-750-7776.