Sleep Apnea is a Nutritional Deficiency - Doctor Reveals Missing Nutrients

Summary

Dr. Dylan Pekus debunks the misconception that sleep apnea is solely due to airway obstruction, emphasizing its metabolic nature and the critical role of nutritional deficiencies. He explains how improper cellular function due to nutrient deficiencies exacerbates sleep apnea, leading to a cycle of inflammation and poor breathing. The video offers actionable advice on reducing high glycemic carbs to improve mitochondrial health, suggesting this as a key step in breaking the cycle and regaining energy and quality of life.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Sleep apnea is not just an obstruction issue; it's a metabolic condition deeply linked to cellular machinery and nutrient deficiencies.
• 🔍 Nutritional deficiencies play a significant role in sleep apnea, affecting how well cellular machinery functions.
• 😴 Obstructive sleep apnea involves more than just physical blockages; it's also about the body's metabolic response to oxygen levels.
• 🧠 The brain stem's breathing centers are crucial in sleep apnea, as they can develop an overactive pattern leading to continuous breathing issues.
• 🔁 The cycle of sleep apnea involves inflammation, oxidative stress, and over-breathing, which perpetuates the condition.
• 🌡️ High glycemic index carbohydrates can deplete mitochondrial nutrients and worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
• 🥦 Switching to low glycemic index foods can help improve mitochondrial function and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
• 💊 While a variety of nutrients are important, it's crucial to identify and supplement with the specific nutrients that an individual's body requires.
• 🔗 Inflammation is a key symptom of mitochondrial dysfunction, which can be addressed by improving mitochondrial health.
• 🌱 A holistic approach to treating sleep apnea involves not only physical changes but also dietary adjustments to support overall health and well-being.

Q & A

What is the biggest lie in sleep medicine according to Dr. Dylan Pekus?

The biggest lie in sleep medicine, according to Dr. Dylan Pekus, is that sleep apnea is only about obstruction and narrowing of the airway. He explains that there is much more to the condition, including nutritional deficiencies that contribute significantly.

What does Dr. Pekus consider the core issue of sleep apnea?

Dr. Pekus considers the core issue of sleep apnea to be a metabolic one. He explains that while obstructions and blockages in the airways do occur, they are part of a larger issue involving cellular machinery and nutrient deficiencies.

How does not knowing about nutrient deficiencies affect sleep apnea?

Not knowing about nutrient deficiencies can lead to a domino effect of problems that worsen sleep apnea. This can result in symptoms like waking up gasping for air or being reliant on a CPAP machine, leading to a tired, exhausted version of oneself.

What is the role of the brain stem in sleep apnea as described by Dr. Pekus?

The brain stem plays a crucial role in sleep apnea because it houses the breathing centers. If the brain stem is damaged or overactive, it can lead to hyperventilation and pauses in breathing, which are characteristic of sleep apnea.

What is the connection between hyperventilation and obstructive sleep apnea?

Hyperventilation, or breathing too fast, can create a vacuum effect that pulls the tongue back and blocks the airway, leading to obstructive sleep apnea. This happens because the body tries to compensate for anatomical or mechanical issues by breathing faster to get the same amount of air.

Why is inflammation a significant factor in sleep apnea?

Inflammation is a significant factor in sleep apnea because it can be triggered by mitochondrial dysfunction, which is caused by various insults including oxygen swings. High inflammation can stimulate the brain stem to breathe more, leading to more apneas and a continuous cycle of sleep apnea.

How does the cycle of sleep apnea, inflammation, and breathing relate to each other?

The cycle of sleep apnea involves pauses in breathing that cause inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation then stimulates the brain stem to breathe more, leading to more apneas. Breaking this cycle is essential for overcoming sleep apnea.

What is the role of nutrients in treating sleep apnea according to the transcript?

Nutrients play a critical role in treating sleep apnea because they are needed for the proper functioning of mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses that produce energy. Missing nutrients can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and over-breathing, which are all part of the sleep apnea cycle.

Why is it important to reduce high glycemic index carbohydrates in managing sleep apnea?

Reducing high glycemic index carbohydrates is important in managing sleep apnea because they can tax the mitochondria and deplete it of nutrients, perpetuating the problem. High glycemic carbs can also lower melatonin and hurt sleep.

What is the action step Dr. Pekus suggests to start managing sleep apnea?

Dr. Pekus suggests identifying one meal with high glycemic carbs and either replacing it with a lower glycemic option or cutting it out. This action step can help reduce the depletion of nutrients from the mitochondria and is a small but significant step towards managing sleep apnea.

How can someone take further action or get more information about sleep apnea according to Dr. Pekus?

For further action or information about sleep apnea, Dr. Pekus suggests visiting ow.com/Freedom for a free video series or ow.com/SLTtalk for a free 45-minute evaluation call where they can discuss individual issues and goals related to sleep apnea.