Almost everyone snores at times. We don't' even realise making those loud, rattling noises in our deep sleep. Other that being irritable for people sleeping next to you, snoring seems completely normal. But, it's not! If you or somebody you know snores regularly, it should concern you. Constant and loud snoring requires immediate attention. Snoring is usually caused by congested nose and throat, when they block the free passage for air that we breathe. The airway is usually open wide when we are awake and active but not so much while our mind shuts out. The disrupted and bumpy airway leads to vibration of the tissue walls, which creates the grunting sound during sleep. People with more of nasal and throat tissues are likely to snore more.
Deficient sleep poses worrying health risks like fatigue and thyroid, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia. Obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, allergies, sinus - are some of the ruling factors that may lead to snoring. People snore for different reasons. It is imperative to spot the exact cause of the problem to treat it effectively. Whatever may be the reason, some diet adjustments will help anybody, distressed with this problem.
(Also Read: 5 Natural Ways To Stop Snoring)
Here are some foods that can help you stop snoring, if eaten regularly:
1. Honey
Honey is a strong antimicrobic, which is often used to treat common infections like cold. Honey soothes and opens nasal pathway, allowing the air to pass through freely.
Honey is a strong antimicrobic
2. Peppermint
This herbal leaf is replete with antispasmodic properties that reduce swelling inside the nose and throat. Drink peppermint tea before bedtime or inhale steam of boiling water with infused peppermint leaves or essential oil.
Peppermint leaf is replete with antispasmodic properties
3. Garlic
Garlic possesses some inordinate anti-inflammatory properties. That's the reason people pop raw garlic cloves in the morning to steer clear from common infections. Some people also consume raw garlic at night to quash their habit of snoring.
Garlic possesses some inordinate anti-inflammatory properties
4. Turmeric Milk
Turmeric is an indispensable part of our daily diet. The herb plays a great role in preventing inflammation of nasal and throat tissues. Add a teaspoon of turmeric to boiling milk and drink it warm before hitting the bed.
Add a teaspoon of turmeric to boiling milk and drink it warm
5. Fish
The high content of protein and fatty acids like omega 3 in fish combats the production of phlegm that blocks the nasal passage.
There is high content of protein and fatty acids like omega 3 in fish
6. Onions
Onions are stashed with antioxidants, which fight off infection-causing bacteria, keeping the nose and throat clear of congestion.
Onions are stashed with antioxidants
7. Soy Milk
Soy milk should replace other kinds of dairy milk as they produce mucus and can also cause allergy to people with lactose intolerance.
Soy milk should replace other kinds of dairy milk
8. Pineapple
This fruit is a natural decongestant and stops the nose and throat to flare up. Pineapple is also easy to digest, so can be fearlessly eaten at night after dinner.
Pineapple is a natural decongestant
9. Tea
A nice, warm cup of tea will help you relax while it will work its way to open blocked nose and throat. But make sure you don't drink too much or too strong tea at night, as the caffeine present in it may hamper your sleep.
A nice, warm cup of tea will help you relax
(Also Read: 3 Simple Exercises To Stop Snoring)
Making some changes in your lifestyle and diet will go a long way in thwarting that bugging snoring problem for good. But, if your problem persists with severity, it is best to seek a specialist's intervention.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.