If You Have Sleep Apnea in Aledo, You Should Eat These Foods

Sleep apnea in Aledo is a serious disorder that is unfortunately growing in America, with over 18 million people suffering from the condition. Along with the common forms of treatment that may be utilized, there are some lifestyle changes that are vital to successfully recovering from the condition. As you read on, you’ll discover the effect the foods you eat can have on your recovery from sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Before discussing the types of foods you should eat when undergoing treatment for sleep apnea, let’s establish a definition of what the condition is. The term ‘sleep apnea’ refers to a reoccurring lapse in breathing while you sleep that triggers your brain to awaken you as a protective mechanism.

As a result of the continuous interruptions to your rest, you can wake-up feeling sleep-deprived, lethargic, ill-tempered and unable to focus.

The Most Common Type of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of apnea. It can be brought on by the tongue falling to the back of the throat and partially blocking the airway, which also causes loud snoring. Added neck girth from weight gain can also contribute to restricted breathing.

Some other contributors to the condition are the relaxation of the throat muscles and mucus buildup related to dietary choices.

Ways of Treating Sleep Apnea

One of the more common ways of treating sleep apnea is the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, which consists of a mask and base unit that forces air into the throat. Some patients aren’t fond of its cumbersome design, though. An alternative is to wear an oral appliance that will help to reposition the jaw.

What You Can Do

Along with the help you receive from your dentist, you can also take strides on your own. Here are some foods you should consider eating to aid in overcoming sleep apnea:

• Melatonin-rich foods – Foods like cherries, corn, asparagus, tomatoes, broccoli and cucumbers are high in melatonin, the hormone a healthy body will secrete at night to encourage sleep.
• Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids – Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are designed to improve your heart health and contribute to better sleep.
• Foods full of tryptophan – Protein-rich foods like chicken, fish and turkey contain considerable levels of tryptophan, a chemical that eventually converts to melatonin and helps to foster better sleep.

The Significance of Your Diet

It’s important to take steps that go beyond just the treatment you receive for sleep apnea. That’s because the condition can encourage weight gain and hypertension. The domino effect continues because hypertension can then leave you more vulnerable to stroke or heart attack.

When you eat healthier, you are addressing a host of problems at once by reducing the risk factors. Then, by working in concert with your dentist, you can get better sleep and enjoy improved overall health.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry where she earned a DDS degree. She has taken numerous hours of continuing education in the area of OSA therapy, which she has used to effectively treat the condition. Dr. Romack helps patients get the sleep they’re desperately in need of at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine, and she can be reached for more information through her website.