What Should You Eat and Not Eat If You Have Sleep Apnea?

There is growing awareness that oral hygiene and sleep apnea have much to do with each other. However, many people would be surprised if the dentist asked about their sleeping patterns. The truth is the cavity has a direct role in the cause of sleep apnea. Where sleep apnea is a disorder caused by inhibited breathing pathways. How we eat, what we eat, and how our mouths allow air passage is associated with dental health.

Your dentist will tell you to avoid traditional sugar treats to improve oral health. We will offer some great tips for sleep and dental health. If you have sleep apnea, there are foods that you should eat and some that you should avoid. Keep reading to know some of the best foods for sleep apnea and what you should avoid for good nights of counting sheep.

Foods that Help

Dr. Mitul Patel, DMD, will advise you to check these foods if you suffer from sleep apnea:

Foods Rich in Melatonin

Many vegetables and fruits contain melatonin which is a natural sleep enhancer. Also, fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber and nutrients, are low in calories, and are ideal substitutes for candy and cookies.

Also, fiber helps you have a more prolonged feeling of fullness, and the longer you feel full, the less you will overeat. Vegetables and fruits such as corn, grapes, cherries, cucumbers, asparagus, and broccoli all contain a sleepy hormone. Many dentists recommend tart cherry juice as the best natural source of melatonin. Just ensure to brush your teeth after drinking the juice, especially before bed.

Omega-3 Foods

Omega three fatty acids help your body produce melatonin. Seafood is the best place to get omega-3 fatty acids, so you should reach for salmon, tuna, and shrimp during the holiday season.

Tryptophan-Infused Foods

Tryptophan is an amino acid that always turns into melatonin when you consume it. You can find it in beans, chicken, fish, nuts, and a variety of veggies.

Low-Fat Dairy Products

These products are full of vitamin D, calcium, and protein; they also help one feel fuller for longer. Our general dentist in Newport Richey will advise you to swap out heavy cream whole milk, low-fat milk, and part-skim mozzarella cheese. Also, these foods helps promotes healthy weight management, which aids in your sleep apnea management.

Plant-Based Oils

If one is overweight and has sleep apnea, they’ll benefit from unsaturated fats from plant-based oils. This is an excellent substitute for saturated fats in margarine and butter. Oils from olives, sunflowers, canola, flaxseeds, and safflowers will help you with sleep apnea.

Foods that Hurt

Your dentist in Newport Richey will advise you to avoid these foods:

Fatty Meats

Lamb, steak, burgers, Sausage bacon, and pork are all meats high in saturated fats. Overeating these fatty meats can cause inflammation, leading to cardiovascular problems. In addition, if you suffer from sleep apnea, this becomes a significant risk factor, so you should avoid consuming these products.

Bananas 

While most fruits are great in helping to improve sleep apnea symptoms, bananas are an exception. A dentist in a dental office near you will tell you that bananas increase mucus production, which makes breathing problems worse while you sleep. The riper and softer they are, the more likely these bananas can contribute to your problem.

High Fat Dairy Items

Dairy products with a high-fat content increase your body mucus production. Also, when you gain weight, this leads to sleep apnea caused by overeating high-fat dairy. Obesity and sleep apnea have a direct relationship, and cutting out whole milk, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese will benefit you.

Also, you should avoid alcohol because it causes your throat muscles to relax more easily and block the airway during sleep.

You should talk to your health provider about sleep apnea therapy if you have trouble with your sleep disorder to get your good night’s sleep back.

Meet the Dentist

Our dentists at Dental Arts New Port Richey have been providing quality care to our patients ever since. They also enjoy giving patients the gift of a better night’s sleep using sleep apnea treatment. Visit our dental offices or contact us for any questions.