For many years, sleep apnea sufferers didn’t have many remedies for their condition other than CPAP machines and mouth guards. Now, several studies have revealed that simple lifestyle solutions that can help alleviate sleep apnea severity, such as losing some weight, quitting smoking, and drinking alcohol a little less. Finally, after continued research, there’s proof that certain foods—typically ones loaded with unhealthy fats—also contribute to your sleep apnea symptoms. Your Livonia dentist, Dr. Stewart, recommends consuming less of these items for a sound night’s sleep.
Eat Better, Sleep Better
Though smoking, drinking, and certain medications worsen your sleep apnea symptoms, watching what you eat can improve you quality of sleep. You should limit your intake of the following foods to increase your restful sleep throughout the night.
1. Bananas: This seemingly innocent fruit can increase your mucus production and intensify your breathing problems. Though overly-ripe bananas may cause more problems than less-ripe ones, it’s best to test if they’re affecting your sleep. To see if bananas have been partly to blame for your sleep apnea symptoms, cut them out of your diet for a couple of weeks. If your condition improves, eliminate bananas altogether.
2. High-Fat Dairy: Fattier dairy products such as whole milk, heavy creams, and high-fat cheeses could also increase your mucus production. Furthermore, eating processed, high-fat dairy-based foods, like cheesecake, ice cream, and butter is also a contributing factor.
3. High-Fat Meats: These won’t increase your mucus production, however, high-fat meats do increase inflammation in your body, including the tissues in your throat that block your airways. Instead of choosing bacon and fried chicken, opt for salmon or tuna. Not only will this help control the inflammation in your body, it promotes hearth-health.
4. Refined Carbohydrates: Sugar, corn syrup, and enriched flour don’t offer many benefits to your daily dietary needs, yet they certainly add calories galore. Try eating more complex carbohydrates, like whole grains and fibrous veggies. This helps maintain that satiated feeling longer, which lowers your chances of weight gain.
Your Livonia Dentist Helps Relieve Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Small changes in your diet can do wonders for your sleep apnea symptoms, and your overall health. Take control of your sleep apnea by selecting better-for-you foods and beverages and talking to your Livonia dentist for sleep apnea solutions. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. You can also visit our website to view a full listing of our services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas