Can Changing Your Diet Help Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can seriously affect not only your sleep but your quality of life, leaving you mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. It is hard to enjoy life if you are tired all the time! If left untreated, it can lead to even more serious health problems. There are a few things you can do to try to help manage your sleep apnea, and one of these is changing your diet.
Sleep Apnea and Diet
Some studies have shown that following a Mediterranean diet can help obese patients who have sleep apnea. The Mediterranean diet includes olive oil, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, and legumes.
If you are not ready to commit to a full-fledged diet, you can try cutting out some foods while eating more of others. Replacing fatty meats such as bacon, sausage, and pork with fish may not only help with sleep apnea – it may also prevent other health problems. Eliminating fried and junk foods is also a good idea to improve your general health as well as sleep apnea issues. Dairy products should be limited, as they can increase your body’s mucous production, which can contribute to snoring and sleep apnea. Too much dairy can also lead to weight gain, a risk factor for sleep apnea. And of course, you should stay away from caffeinated drinks that will keep you awake, and limit alcohol, which can interfere with deep sleep.
Enough of the foods you should stay away from. What are some foods you can eat more of for better sleep? Foods such as cherries, pomegranates, grapes, walnuts, oats, rice, barley, and peanuts are rich in melatonin, which helps to ensure your body sleeps well. Tryptophan is used by the body to make melatonin, and it can be found in apples, spinach, broccoli, chicken, and seafood. Calcium can also help with melatonin production, and it can be found in leafy greens, soybeans, and sardines.
A good diet is important for good health, but it is only a part of sleep apnea care. eos dental sleep in Philadelphia can help treat your sleep apnea. We specialize in CPAP alternatives and can help find a solution for your sleep problems that is right for you. Call (215) 241-0700 for an appointment today!