Say goodbye to sleep apnea.
A recent study suggests that an individual’s dietary choices can significantly impact their susceptibility to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
According to research published on February 20 in ERJ Open Research, individuals who adhere to a healthy plant-based diet characterized by ample servings of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts demonstrate a reduced likelihood of experiencing sleep apnea. Conversely, those who consume higher quantities of meat or follow unhealthy vegetarian diets rich in sugar, carbohydrates, and salt are at greater risk of developing the condition.
Lead researcher Yohannes Melaku, affiliated with Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, emphasized the pivotal role of diet quality in mitigating OSA risk. The hallmark symptoms of sleep apnea, including loud snoring and intermittent cessation of breathing during sleep leading to brief arousals, were noted by the researchers.
Sleep apnea poses significant health risks, including hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes, underscoring the importance of addressing dietary factors in its management.
The study, which drew upon data from over 14,000 participants in a routine U.S. health and nutrition survey, represents the first comprehensive investigation into the correlation between dietary patterns and sleep apnea risk. Melaku highlighted the study’s objective of bridging the knowledge gap regarding the impact of overall dietary habits on OSA risk.
Analysis revealed that individuals with diets rich in plant-based foods experienced a 19% lower likelihood of developing sleep apnea compared to those with minimal plant-based food intake. Conversely, individuals consuming unhealthy plant-based diets, characterized by refined grains, potatoes, sugary beverages, sweets, desserts, and salty snacks, exhibited a 22% increased risk of OSA.
Interestingly, the protective effects of a plant-based diet against sleep apnea were more pronounced in men, whereas women consuming unhealthy plant-based diets faced a heightened risk.
While the exact mechanisms underlying the association between a plant-based diet and reduced OSA risk remain unclear, Melaku speculated that factors such as inflammation reduction and obesity mitigation play a role. The study’s findings prompt further investigation into the impact of ultra-processed foods on sleep apnea risk and the long-term interplay between diet and the condition.
Dr. Sophia Schiza, head of the European Respiratory Society’s assembly on sleep-disordered breathing, emphasized the importance of dietary modifications in OSA management, advocating for the incorporation of diverse vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while minimizing the intake of unhealthy foods and sugary beverages to promote overall health and well-being.
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