If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), there are lots of options for treatment. Along with sleep apnea treatment from Dr. Jessica Singh at Burbank Dental & Sleep, making lifestyle changes can go a long way toward relieving the symptoms of OSA. Things like quitting smoking, losing weight, or even avoiding certain foods may help you treat the symptoms of sleep apnea, or eliminate it altogether. So, what should you avoid eating if you have sleep apnea? Here are six of the top foods you should avoid for a more restful, healthy night of sleep.
1. Dairy Products That Are High In Fat
High-fat dairy products like sour cream, whole milk, and some types of cheese are thought to thicken mucus. This doesn’t happen to everyone, but if you notice that your throat seems thicker after consuming high-fat dairy, you may want to cut back on your intake of dairy. High-fat dairy products also contain lots of calories, and weight gain is associated with a higher risk of sleep apnea, so cutting down on calories is always a good thing.
2. Bananas
In some people, bananas act as a “histamine liberator.” In other words, bananas can lead to a sort of allergic reaction that may cause inflammation of the airway and congestion. This is, of course, a bad thing if you have sleep apnea, since a congested airway leads to a higher risk of apnea.
3. Foods High In Saturated Fat
Many foods high in saturated fat, particularly red or fatty meats, can lead to inflammation throughout the body. Some examples of these foods include hamburgers, hot dogs, steak, lamb, pork, bacon, and sausage.
Eating lots of these foods could cause inflammation and contribute to sleep apnea. Like all other high-fat foods, they also could contribute to weight gain, heart disease, and other similar health conditions, so they should always be consumed in moderation.
4. Foods That Causes Heartburn Or Acid Reflux
Everyone is different, and has different triggers for acid reflux and heartburn. Some people can handle spicy and acidic foods, while others can’t. If you do have heartburn or acid reflux, avoiding “trigger foods” can also help with your sleep apnea.
Acid reflux and sleep apnea are closely linked. Improper breathing at night can lead to increased pressure, which makes the contents of the stomach more likely to go back up the esophagus, causing heartburn.
5. Soda And Drinks That Contain Caffeine
In general, sugary soda is very bad for your overall health and oral health. It’s full of empty calories and is highly acidic. Lots of soda also contains caffeine, which may make it harder to get a restful night of sleep.
We recommend cutting out soda completely if you have sleep apnea. And if you drink other caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea, it’s best to stop drinking them at least six hours before you go to bed.
6. Alcohol
Excessive alcohol use is associated with a higher risk of sleep apnea. Alcohol can negatively influence your normal breathing patterns, lead to shallow breathing, and relax the muscles and tissue in your airway, leading to sleep apnea. Cutting back on alcohol use or completely quitting alcohol use may help you get relief from the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Get Professional Help For Sleep Apnea – Visit Burbank Dental & Sleep
At Burbank Dental & Sleep, Dr. Jessica Singh is an expert in sleep apnea treatment. With treatment like orthodontics, oral surgery, or oral appliance therapy (OAT), you can treat your apnea, get restful sleep, and protect your long-term health. Don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (818) 842-0709 to schedule a consultation for sleep apnea treatment in Burbank, CA today.
