Sleep apnea can do more than just make you snore. It can strain your relationship or make you feel exhausted in the morning, but what can you do to manage it? Your dentist can offer you a reliable treatment with an oral appliance, but changing your diet can also be helpful! Some foods can worsen your symptoms while others can be more beneficial, so keep reading to learn what you should stock up on.
What Foods Can Make Sleep Apnea Worse?
According to recent studies, having an unhealthy diet can worsen your sleep apnea. While you may frequently indulge yourself with them, here is what you should avoid:
- Processed and red meats were found to correlate with a higher severity of this condition when an individual ate more of them.
- Sugary foods, such as soda, can lead to weight gain. This is a worry because obesity and excess body fat are common risk factors.
- Foods that are high in fats are often high in calories. Like the bullet point above, you may be more likely to develop sleep apnea if you have a lot of these in your diet.
- Alcohol can be a nice way to unwind with friends, but it can also relax the muscles in your throat. This can already happen with sleep apnea, so you may have a higher likelihood of experiencing episodes of your breathing stopping.
Are There Any Better Alternatives?
While there are a variety of foods you should avoid, there are plenty of more choices that you can dig into instead! For instance, seafood is a tasty option that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids! These help reduce inflammation and support your heart health, which can often be affected by sleep apnea.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients and vitamins you need to fully support your body. In particular, vitamins C and E can help improve your sleep quality. This diverse food group is also filled with fiber, which can help you feel full and help you with weight loss.
Although there are plenty of foods that can help with your sleep apnea, they are no substitute for treatment by an expert. They can aid in lowering your symptoms, but talking to your dentist can get you the undisturbed nights you deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Jay Nelson earned his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He has since completed over 500 hours of continuing education regarding dental sleep medicine and has treated countless patients. Dr. Nelson is here to help you treat your sleep apnea by first confirming a diagnosis and then giving you an oral appliance, if it’s beneficial for your unique case. If you or your loved one tends to snore through the night, schedule an appointment or call his office at (813) 733-4169.