Large intake of refined grains may play a role in worsening the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
This study evaluated high dietary ingestion of refined grains and its association with the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Researchers recruited 269 patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, obtained dietary information from them through validated food frequency questionnaires, and assessed their sleeping patterns with a polysomnography.
Researchers noted that committed consumers of refined grains had increased tendency to suffer from severe obstructive sleep apnea. This study pointed out that sticking a diet rich in refined grains may hasten the onset of distressing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.