Sleep Apnea Cure: A Vegan Diet May Be the Answer, New Study Shows
Eating Zzzucchini Can Help Prevent Sleep Apnea, Experts Suggest
An eye-opening new study has found that going vegan can help prevent sleep apnea, offering potential relief for the three in four American adults affected by sleep disorder symptoms. Sleep apnea is a condition in which the upper airway becomes blocked while sleeping, causing random cessation in breathing and repeated awakening throughout the night.
The Risk and Impact of Sleep Apnea
Approximately 39 million people in the United States currently struggle with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most dangerous form of sleep apnea. OSA is associated with sleep disruption and has been linked to increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Despite the popularity of breathing aids for OSA, new studies hint that dietary changes could provide a simpler solution.
The Effect of Plant-based Diets on Sleep Apnea
A major study conducted by researchers at Flinders University in Australia discovered that individuals on a plant-based diet were 19% less likely to experience OSA compared to individuals with less healthy eating habits. The study, which involved analyzing data from 14,000 participants, highlighted the benefits of a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts.
Difference Between Dietaing Habits
The participants of the study were categorized based on their dietary habits and categorized as either healthy herbivores or potentially less-healthy meat lovers. Vegetarians and vegans were also included in the study. Overall, the research indicated that both strict vegans and casual vegetarians demonstrated a lower risk of OSA compared to participants who primarily consumed meat.
The Importance of Dietary Patterns
Lead researcher Dr. Yohannes Melaku emphasized that previous research primarily focused on the impact of calorie restriction, specific dietary elements, and weight loss, leaving a gap in understanding the connection between overall dietary patterns and the risk of OSA. Melaku suggested that the anti-inflammatory and weight-reducing effects of a healthy plant-based diet could contribute to the lower risk of OSA observed in the study.
Further Research and Personalized Interventions
The team of researchers behind the study emphasized that their research on the impact of diet on OSA remains ongoing. They particularly highlighted the need to investigate the potential links between ultra-processed food diets and OSA risk. The findings underscore the importance of dietary interventions tailored to individual needs, as well as the potential benefits of incorporating a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in daily meals.
