Fact 10: Snoring and Diet: The Gut-Sound Connection
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” said Hippocrates. But could food also be the script for your nightly sound show? In fact, what you eat before bedtime can influence how melodious—or not—you are when asleep.
Spicy foods and dairy products can contribute to snoring. Why? Both can cause mucus production to increase, making the airways more restricted. Imagine trying to breathe through a straw; it’s the same principle. The narrower the airway, the more dramatic the snore.
On the flip side, certain foods might alleviate snoring to some extent. Honey, fish, and whole grains can potentially ease the inflammation in your throat, making it easier to breathe. No, it’s not a miracle cure, but it could lower the volume a notch or two.
Now, it’s not just what you eat, but when you eat. Eating large meals close to bedtime causes your metabolism to speed up, and guess what else speeds up? Your breathing. Faster breathing can lead to more turbulent airflow, hence louder and more consistent snoring.
Could the path to a quieter night lie in your kitchen? Maybe. It’s certainly a delicious avenue to explore, and who knows—you might find that a small diet adjustment leads to quieter nights. Or at the very least, a new culinary adventure. (10)
