What Is the Connection between Magnesium and Asthma?

Asthma is a condition that is characterized by inflamed airways that restrict an individual's breathing. This is often caused by smoking or exposure to pollutants, but other people may suffer from this disease regardless of these factors. A lack of magnesium is thought to increase a person's risk of developing asthma, especially when there are no other contributing factors. One of the connections between magnesium and asthma is the fact that many people show a decrease in symptoms whenever they are given intravenous magnesium sulfate or oral magnesium supplements regularly.

Several studies have been done on the lack of magnesium and asthma. When patients with this disorder were given magnesium supplements, most of them showed remarkable asthma relief when compared to people who did not take magnesium. This held true no matter what the age or gender of the subjects. Many physicians believe this is because magnesium is known to open constricted air passages while maintaining normal heart rhythms and blood pressure levels. This means a lack of magnesium could contribute to the risk of stroke as well, especially in women over 40.

Someone who is interested in the effects of magnesium and asthma should talk to a physician, who can order preliminary tests to see if there is a lack of this mineral in the person's system. Some foods that could provide magnesium include fish, nuts, beans, and cereals. Tap water can also be a source of this mineral, especially in areas where the water is very hard rather than soft. Women should consume 310 mg if not pregnant or 350 mg during pregnancy, while men need around 400 mg daily.

When patients are determined to have a severe lack of magnesium, a physician may recommend taking supplements or intravenous treatments in order to raise the levels of this mineral. The effects of supplementary magnesium and asthma can normally be noticed within a few weeks of doing so, and the maximum benefits are achieved around six months after beginning treatment. After this time, magnesium levels can be maintained by a change in the diet or by taking a multi-vitamin that includes this substance.

Some of the risk factors for asthma include a family history of this condition, allergies, age, and ethnic background. People who are in one of these groups may want to consider increasing their intake of magnesium in order to reduce the potential effects of this condition. Doing so could not only provide asthma relief, but a number of other health benefits as well.