Obstructive sleep apnea may be avoided with a plant-based diet: study

An important connection between nutrition and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been shown by a new research that was published in ERJ Open Research. Under the direction of Dr. Yohannes Melaku of Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, 14,210 individuals in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were examined to see how various dietary patterns affected the risk of OSA.
He stated:

“Diet, as well as genetics and behavior, may be risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. Prior studies have mostly focused on the effects of calorie restriction, certain dietary components, and weight reduction. Our understanding of how general dietary habits impact the risk of OSA is lacking. Our goal in doing this research was to close that knowledge gap and investigate the relationship between various plant-based diets and OSA risk.”

The results show a strong correlation between the risk of OSA and plant-based diets. A healthy plant-based diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, tea, and coffee reduced the incidence of OSA by 19% as compared to diets low in plant-based foods. On the other hand, it was shown that those who ate poor plant-based diets that included refined grains, potatoes, sugary beverages, sweets, desserts, and salty meals had a 22% increased chance of developing OSA.

In addition to stressing the necessity for individualized therapies, Dr. Melaku highlights the significance of food quality in controlling the risk of OSA. The research also showed that there are sex-related variations in OSA risk, with males being more affected by plant-based diets and women being more at risk from poor plant-based diets.

“These results underscore the significance of diet quality in reducing the risk of OSA,” he said. These sex variations are significant because they highlight the necessity for individualized dietary therapy for individuals with OSA.

Although the purpose of the study is not clear, it’s possible that eating a plant-based, healthful diet lowers inflammation and obesity. These are the main contributors of OSA risk. Diets low in toxic dietary components and high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components may affect muscle tone, fat mass, and inflammation—all of which are related to the risk of OSA.”

It is hypothesized that a healthy plant-based diet’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities are crucial in lowering inflammation and obesity, two major contributors in the development of OSA, even if the exact processes behind these effects are yet unknown. This emphasizes how important diet changes are for managing and preventing OSA.

In the future, scientists want to look into the connection between ultra-processed foods and the risk of OSA and the long-term association between diet and OSA. Professor Sophia Schiza of the University of Crete in Greece emphasizes the need of educating people about OSA and the possible advantages of making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and keeping a healthy weight.

“Despite the associated risks, a considerable proportion of people with obstructive sleep apnea are still unaware that they have the condition,” the speaker said. For OSA, there are therapies available, and individuals may also adopt certain actions to help their condition. This entails giving up smoking, keeping a healthy weight, and continuing with regular exercise.”

The research emphasizes how important nutrition is for managing and preventing OSA. Individuals may lower their risk of OSA and enhance their general health by adopting plant-based diets high in nutritious foods and decreasing the consumption of bad choices.