To increase blood oxygen levels, it is recommended to follow a diet rich in fiber and consume fruits and vegetables rich in potassium, magnesium and vitamin C.
Experts have recommended on many occasions to modify those habits that can interfere with good sleep quality, such as eating too late, watching television before going to bed or using the cell phone. Most people do not pay enough attention to this issue and ignore that their sleep problems may be due to these bad practices that cause alterations in the biological clock.
Not sleeping properly and having sleep disorders can lead to serious consequences that can become evident in physical and mental health. In addition to this, a recent study found that lack of sleep, as well as some health difficulties, can develop brain abnormalities very similar to those experienced by dementia patients.
The finding was made by a group of researchers from the Veterans Administration in Hawaii, who took data from 167 men with an average age of 84, who were followed until they died, six years later.
Autopsies focused on studying their brains to find micro-infarctions, or changes in brain tissue, that occur more frequently in those who have poor sleep habits due to emphysema or sleep apnea.
The result determined that individuals who had changes in brain tissues also had low levels of oxygen in the blood, something related to the development of dementia.
Low blood oxygen levels associated with brain abnormalities
The results were based on brain abnormalities in people with sleep problems and low oxygen levels in their blood. In the last instance, it was found that patients who had between 77 and 99% of their sleep time with lower levels of oxygen in their blood, had up to 4 times the risk of developing brain damage. The conclusion was that people who had low oxygen levels during their sleep were more likely to suffer brain abnormalities close to dementia.
Study author Rebecca P. Gelber, of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care Systemand Pacific Health Research and Education Institute in Honolulu, Hawaii, said these findings show that low blood oxygen levels and sleep problems can contribute to brain decline and dementia.
Although the expert accepts that more research on this topic is needed to find more relationship between sleep problems and dementia, the results are very interesting, especially if you take into account that the rate of people with sleep problems has increased in recent years.
This study was published by the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, under the name ” Associations of brain lesions at autopsy with polysomnography characteristics before death” and includes important data such as the duration of sleep time, oxygen saturation and the duration of sleep apnea.
What are the causes of low blood oxygen levels?
According to experts, low blood oxygen levels can be caused by:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Anemia with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Pulmonary fibrosis.
- Congenital heart disease.
- Emphysema.
How to increase oxygen levels in the blood?
To increase oxygen levels in the blood, it is recommended to consume a diet high in fiber, with a good amount of fruits and vegetables that are rich in potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. Among the healthiest options we find:
- Bananas.
- Avocados.
- Celery and parsley.
- Cabbages.
- Spinach.
- Citrus.
- Cucumber.
- Broccoli.
- Green apple.
- Blueberries.
In addition, it is very important to reduce sodium intake, avoid the consumption of fat and sugars, avoid processed foods, among others. Likewise, it is recommended to heed the advice given by experts to avoid sleep problems, which in addition to influencing brain damage, can also have other negative effects on health such as poor mood, fatigue, difficulties concentrating, stress, among others.
Source: Better with Health
