The Connection Between Sleep Apnea & The Mediterranean Diet

Many patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who also have a high body mass index (BMI) are asked by their doctors to lose weight through exercising and eating a more nutritional diet. This is because sleep apnea can be negatively affected by excess pounds and because sleep apnea has been tied to obesity and obesity-related heath issues including heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Studies have shown that for overweight patients, losing weight can reduce the number of apneas or, in cases of mild OSA, stop the problem entirely. But how should OSA patients go about their weight loss journey and choose a diet that works for them?

Study: A Mediterranean Diet Vs. A Prudent Diet

When it comes to losing weight and combating obstructive sleep apnea, are all diets created equal? A sleep apnea study conducted in 2011 and published by the European Respiratory Journal found that a Mediterranean diet may be more effective than a "prudent diet," defined as a a diet low in fat and calories. The study involved 40 obese patients with moderate to severe OSA. Twenty of the participants were placed on the Mediterranean diet for 6 month, while 20 followed the prudent diet. Both groups exercised. The results found that those on the Mediterranean diet had a greater reduction in their sleep apnea symptoms than the prudent diet group. In addition the Mediterranean diet group had a greater reduction of their waist circumference.

Following a Mediterranean Diet

What is a Mediterranean diet? The diet is based on the cultural foods of the Mediterranean, consisting of Greece, Southern Italy, and Spain. It originated after researchers linked the diet with smaller waistbands and better overall health. How can you follow a Mediterranean diet? Here are the loose parameters:

• Base meals on multiple servings of brightly color fruits and vegetables.
• Focus on olives and olive oil for fats instead of butter or margarine.
• Get lots of proteins from seeds, nuts, and beans.
• For another source of protein, eat small, sensible portions of fish and eggs.
• Limit red meat consumption to a few times per month and small portions.
• Limit refrained carbs and dairy products.
• Dairy products should be limited to small portions of yogurt and cheese.
• Limit alcohol to small amounts of red wine.
• Limit sodium by using larger amounts of herbs and spices.

Generally, the diet focuses on healthy fats, lots of fiber, whole grains, and low amounts of sodium and red meats. Researchers believe that the lack of saturated fats, paired with how filling the meals can be due to the large volumes of fruits and vegetables, is the reason the diet can result in weight loss and smaller stomachs. In addition to what you eat, the Mediterranean diet also examines how you eat. Proponents of the diet suggest that you eat socially, like many Mediterranean cultures, which can slow down consumption and take the focus off of your food. In addition, health experts recommend that exercise is paired with the diet for the best health results.

Other Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

According to the Mayo Clinic, the Mediterranean diet has been tied to reductions in the risk for heart disease, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Heart disease and cancer are two health issues that are also associated with sleep apnea, although scientists are still not certain of how these health problems are connected.

Treatment options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

At Surgical Sleep Solutions, we understand that finding relief from sleep apnea is vital, but that different people will find success with different treatments. Some overweight OSA sufferers with mild to moderate sleep apnea may benefit from following a Mediterranean diet, positional therapy or CPAP for example while some with more severe OSA may need to consider surgery as an alternative to CPAP. To learn more about your treatment options, or to speak with a doctor, please call our offices today: (855) 560-7378.