This time of year brings all of your favorite foods, right?Whether you like sweet or savory, it seems like the holidays provide the bestdinners and desserts. However, if you have sleep apnea, you should watch whatyou eat because it could help or hurt your condition. Keep reading to discoversome of the best foods for sleep apnea as well as what you should avoid for agood night of counting sheep.
Foods That Help
Foods Rich in Melatonin
Many fruits and vegetables contain melatonin, which is anatural sleep enhancer. Asparagus, corn, cherries, grapes, broccoli, andcucumbers all contain this sleepy hormone. And, many recommend tart cherryjuice as the best natural source of melatonin. Just make sure to brush yourteeth after drinking juice, especially before bed.
Omega-3 Foods
Omega-3 fatty acids can help your body produce melatonin(the sleepy hormone described above). Seafood items are the best place to getomega-3 fatty acids, so reach for some tuna, salmon, and shrimp this holidayseason!
Tryptophan-Infused Foods
Tryptophan, famous for being found in turkey, is an aminoacid that when consumed, eventually turns into melatonin. Many people blametheir Thanksgiving Day naps on the tryptophan in turkey, but you can also findit in fish, chicken, nuts, beans, and a variety of veggies.
Foods That Hurt
Fatty Meats
Burgers, steak, pork, bacon, lamb, and sausage are all meatsthat are high in saturated fats. Eating too much of these items can causeinflammation throughout your body, which can lead to cardiovascular problems.This is a big risk factor if you have sleep apnea, so it’s best to avoidconsuming these products.
Bananas
Although bananas are known to be a great source of potassiumand fiber, they actually can increase your mucus production in your mouth andthroat. This can sometimes dramatically worsen breathing problems, and it canexacerbate your sleep apnea.
High-Fat Dairy Items
Just like bananas, unfortunately dairy products with a highfat content can increase your body’s mucus production. Also, weight gain is aleading risk factor of sleep apnea, which can be caused by eating too muchhigh-fat dairy.
In summation, watch out for fatty foods and try to avoideating bananas right before bed. Additionally, alcohol can cause your throatmuscles to relax more easily and block your airway during sleep, so try toavoid too many libations.
If you’re having trouble with your sleep disorder, talk toyour dentist about sleep apneatreatment to get your good night’s sleep back. Use these tips toenjoy the holiday season while still getting a good night’s rest.
Meet the Dentist
A graduate of LSU School of Dentistry in 1980, Dr. James A.Moreau Jr. has been providing quality care for his patients in Covington eversince. He also enjoys giving patients the gift of a better night’s sleep usingsleep apnea therapy. He currently practices at More Smiles Dental Spa, and hecan be contacted through his website or byphone at (985) 809-7645 for any questions.
