It is a known fact that olive oil is useful, not only for adding flavour to the food but also for its positive effects on our overall health. Have you ever thought that it could be the solution to your snoring problem too? Snoring is a common problem that disrupts the sleep of both the snorer and their sleeping partner. Snoring occurs when the airway is blocked during sleep, causing the surrounding tissues to vibrate and create noise. But is there any truth to this claim that olive oil can help treat snoring? Dr Shivakumar K, MD and senior respiratory medicine consultant at Birds Clinic explains, “Scientifically, the likelihood of olive oil being effective in preventing or reducing snoring is minimal. While olive oil is often touted for its health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and support for heart health, there is no solid evidence that it can reduce snoring.”
Dr Murarji Ghadge, consultant ENT surgeon and sleep disorders specialist at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, agrees with Dr Shivakumar and says that olive oil’s potential to reduce snoring by acting specifically on the airways remains uncertain. “Snoring usually arises due to physical obstructions to the airways, such as relaxation of the throat muscles, excess throat tissue or stuffy noses. The primary action of olive oil – lubricating the throat tissue – does not address the underlying anatomical or physiological issues that lead to snoring,” explains Dr Shivakumar.
Dr Shivakumar adds that controlling snoring comes down to making an effort to change your lifestyle or taking medication after consulting a doctor.
Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, a pulmonologist at Fortis, says there is no strong scientific evidence highlighting olive oil specifically as an airway lubricant. “While it is known for its health-promoting and possible anti-inflammatory properties, its direct effects on the airways in terms of lubrication have not been studied in depth,” he explains.
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