Routine Test Reveals Sleep Apnea Risk
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 16, 2024
There’s no shortage of jokes about snoring sounds keeping the whole house awake.
But for millions of folks, nighttime breathing troubles are no laughing matter.
Obstructive sleep apnea can leave you exhausted during the day, destroy your mood, and even increase your risk of serious health problems, like heart disease.
The tricky part? Many folks don’t know have sleep apnea, or even if they’re at a higher risk developing it.
But that could all be about to change…
Exciting new research reveals that a simple, common blood test might be the key to predicting your sleep apnea risk before those sleepless nights take their toll.
And the best part? You may have already had this test without even realizing it.
It turns out the secret lies in the compound homocysteine, an amino acid that’s been hiding in plain sight in your bloodstream all along.
Researchers discovered that elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood are strongly linked to an increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
This is a game-changer because measuring homocysteine is quick, easy, and already a routine part of many health check-ups.
Doctors often order this test to assess the following:
- Heart disease risk
- Cognitive health and dementia risk
- B-vitamin deficiencies
- Overall vascular health
Now, we can add “sleep apnea risk predictor” to that impressive list. But it gets even MORE interesting.
If your homocysteine levels are high, you’re not automatically doomed to a future of fitful sleep. Several proven, natural ways exist to lower those numbers and reduce your sleep apnea risk.
- Boost your B vitamins (folate, B6, and B12)
- Add more leafy greens to your diet
- Consider omega-3 fatty acid supplements
- Cut back on coffee and alcohol
- Get regular exercise
- Quit smoking
The bottom line? That simple blood test might be your ticket to better sleep and improved health.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
“Mediterranean Miracle” Fights Obesity and Diabetes
Research reveals that a staple of Mediterranean cuisine could be the key to naturally losing weight and improving blood sugar control.
Drop This Habit to SLASH Dementia Risk
Scientists recently identified a single bad habit that could be THE most important factor in deciding whether a senior will develop dementia.
What Your Walk Reveals About Your Health
Discover how your walking style could be a window into your overall health and aging process. Learn the surprising signs to watch for in yourself and loved ones.
Shedding Light on a Hidden Depression Trigger
An enlightening sleep study suggests nighttime light exposure can trigger depression. Discover why it happens and the surprisingly simple fix.
Mailbag: Supplement Solutions for Arthritis and Tissue Support
Some supplements perform BETTER than drugs, but not all are created equal. Discover the best for arthritis and connective tissue disease.
Ancient Hack Helps Parkinson’s Patients Sleep Better
Sleep disturbances are a common Parkinson’s symptom. But new research has revealed an ancient healing practice could send sleep quality soaring.
P.S. The deadly truth about sleep apnea is REVEALED!
Source:
Cavalcante-Silva V, Morelhão PK, Fernandes GL, D’Almeida V, Tufik S, Andersen ML. Homocysteine as a predictor of apnea-hypopnea index in obstructive sleep apnea: a longitudinal epidemiological study (EPISONO). Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2024 Jun;281(6):3237-3243. doi: 10.1007/s00405-024-08614-z. Epub 2024 Apr 3. PMID: 38568296.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Evaluate Your Health with Five “Living Room” Tests
You don’t need a medical degree or expensive equipment to get a snapshot of your health. In fact, there are five simple tests you can do right now from the comfort of your own living room (or neighborhood) that will give you valuable insights into your overall fitness and well-being. Let’s take a look at...
How the War on Fat Is Harming Your Health
For decades, we’ve been taught to fear fat. Low-fat and fat-free products have been practically shoved down our throats. It’s been drilled into our heads that fat is enemy no. 1. But what if I told you that this fat phobia is likely doing far more harm than good? In fact, a “forgotten fat” could...
Mailbag: Diabetes Busting Solutions that WORK
“How do you eliminate diabetes and can supplements help?” – Seeking Solutions ***** Dear Seeking, Let’s first be sure we’re talking about the same thing: type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body can no longer produce insulin. It can be a challenging condition to manage. But if you...
Health Risks of Plant-Based Eating EXPOSED (Study)
You’ve seen the headlines. “Go vegan for your health!” “Plant-based is the way forward!” But before you ditch that steak for a veggie burger, there’s something you need to know… A shocking new study has uncovered a dirty little secret in the world of plant-based eating. And it might just make you think twice about...
Potent Extract Boosts Immune Function
Remember when CBD products were suddenly popping up everywhere, from trendy cafes to your local gas station? Well, while the initial craze has settled, this powerful compound is still making waves in the health world. And its latest trick could be a godsend for folks who need to beef up their immune system… A new...
Don’t Ignore This Weight Loss Drug WARNING
By now, you’ve heard the buzz about GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. They’re being hailed as game-changers in the fight against obesity, with everyone from celebrities to everyday folks singing their praises. But what if I told you these miracle medications might be hiding a dark secret? Or that ignoring this potential side...
Tiny Allies Could Revolutionize Weight Loss
We usually think of bacteria as the bad guys, right? Well, plot twist! Some of those bugs are actually GOOD for us. I’m talking about the friendly bacteria probiotics, of course. They hang out in your gut and help keep things running smoothly down there. Now, in the ongoing battle against obesity, scientists are exploring...
Bring Home the Magic of Outdoor Sleeping (No Backpack Required!)
I’m an avid backpacker and love sleeping outdoors. In fact, I dream of spending more nights sleeping under the stars than under a roof. There are many benefits to breathing outdoor air. (More on those in a moment.) But you don’t have to strap on a backpack to get the benefits of outdoor sleeping… A...
Fruit Bowl Secret to a Healthier Heart
We often think that improving our health requires drastic changes or complicated regimens. But that’s simply NOT the case. In fact, new research reveals eating more of a simple, tasty fruit could significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Keep reading to discover the delicious fruit-bowl secret to a healthier heart… New research suggests that...
Mailbag: The Sip, Swish, Smile Fix for Dry Mouth
“Had dry mouth for a while. Which are the best mouth rinses that don’t taste bad?” – Dry As a Desert Dear Dry, Dry mouth isn’t just annoying. It can also lead to dental problems if left unchecked. I’ll share the name of an effective mouth rinse in just a moment. But before relying on...