Potential Dietary Advice For Sleep Apnea Patients

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can cause sudden, brief stops in an individual's breathing while they are asleep. This seems to be a common condition, particularly among individuals who snore. Many patients are likely to wake up tired, even if they were able to sleep for a full eight hours. Obstructive sleep apnea means that the patient's throat muscles relaxed too much, stopping their breathing. Central sleep apnea indicates an issue with the patient's central nervous system that may prevent brain signals that tell individuals to breathe.

There appears to be several sleep apnea treatments. CPAP for sleep apnea is likely among the most common options. However, some patients may want to treat sleep apnea with no CPAP machine. This often merits a long discussion with their doctor. Some patients may also wish to make use of sleep apnea natural remedies. For many, this can include designing a diet for sleep apnea.

Unsaturated Plant-Based Oils

It appears as if many individuals with sleep apnea are overweight. Thus, losing excess weight can be a major part of their treatment. Saturated fat seems to be a large part of many individuals' diets. These fats are considered quite unhealthy and can contribute to weight gain. Thus, sleep apnea patients may want to have unsaturated plant-based oils in their diet. They should be decent substitutes for ingredients such as butter or margarine.

These oils can add more nutrients to an individual's diet without the unhealthy saturated fats. Some possible choices for plant-based oils include flaxseed, olive, safflower, and sunflower oil. Individuals may even have one of these oils in their pantry already. The oils seem to be useful for salad dressing, stir-fries, and many other meals.

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Whole Grains

Sleep apnea patients may want to consider including more whole grains in their diet. Brown rice and whole-wheat pasta, for instance, may provide them with more energy and nutrients. Whole grains can contain a high amount of fiber. Fiber appears to keep an individual's digestive system regulated. This should keep individuals feeling full for longer, which may reduce their overall intake of calories. Over time, the lower caloric intake may help individuals with sleep apnea lose excess weight, thus improving their symptoms. Another grain, oats, contain beta-glucan. This soluble fiber seems to have more health benefits beyond regulating an individual's digestive system. Thus, it may do more for sleep apnea patients.

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Low-Fat Dairy Products

Dairy can be quite healthy for many individuals it seems, especially if they do not eat significant amounts of meat. This appears to be because they are a good source of protein, among other nutrients. However, many dairy products can also be very high in fat. Sleep apnea patients may find that this is an issue for them, especially if they need to try losing some weight. The fat content may also result in cholesterol problems, which will not help them either.

However, low-fat dairy products appear to be great choices for individuals with sleep apnea. This can help patients get the necessary nutrients, such as protein, vitamin D, and calcium, without the extra fat. Individuals who switch from two percent milk to skim, for instance, may see decent weight loss. The weight loss may trigger an improvement in their sleep apnea symptoms.

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Fruits And Vegetables

Most fruits and vegetables appear to contain many nutrients, including fiber. They also seem to be quite low in calories per serving. Thus, this should make them a great addition to the diet of individuals with sleep apnea. Patients may be able to get most of the nutrients their body needs by eating them regularly. Also, the fiber in vegetables and fruit should keep individuals satiated for longer. Thus, they are not likely to overeat as much as others.

It can often take time, but patients should lose excess weight and improve their sleep apnea this way. Individuals who are not used to consuming fiber-rich foods may want to try soft fruits and cooking vegetables first. These choices can be easier on their digestive system. Thus, they can transition to eating more fiber slowly.

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Seafood

Seafood, such as fish, may help sleep apnea patients. It seems as if their benefit comes from the omega-3 fatty acids that many types of fish can contain. These fatty acids appear to benefit sleep. They are not likely to treat an individual's sleep apnea itself. However, some research seems to show that omega-3 fatty acids can help individuals feel more refreshed when they wake up.

Individuals should be consuming omega-3s from their diet, since it does not seem that their body can make it. Omega-3 fatty acids also appear to have anti-inflammatory benefits. These benefits may help individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. Evidence also appears to show that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids can worsen a patient's sleep apnea. However, many individuals claim that more research is likely needed on this, especially as it applies to the onset of the condition.