The Secret Mineral in Asthma Treatment

Asthma is quickly becoming a global epidemic. The number of people with asthma, along with the death rate from this condition, has been increasing since the late 1980s. Modern phenomena such as environmental pollution, smoke, and a wide variety of chemicals have been linked to increased risk of asthma.

It is because of the rise in this condition that new asthma treatments are being constantly sought. Other experts maintain that the best way to control and treat asthma is through natural means such as diet and lifestyle changes. To medicate or not to medicate? The truth may lie somewhere in between, i.e. through taking a naturally available asthma treatment.

3-step Asthma Treatment

Asthma is a lung disorder in which spasms and inflammation of the bronchial passages restrict the flow of air in and out of the lungs, causing an asthma attack. These asthma attacks are usually brought on through an allergic response and so asthma treatment usually concentrates on three areas:

1. Minimize: the risk of an asthma attack
2. Treat: the inflammation and/or spasms that cause an asthma attack
3. Increase: the lungs'ability to cope with an asthma attack

To minimize the risk of attack, and the need for asthma treatment, a few precautions can be taken. Make sure the home is dust-free and, if possible, pet-free too. Keep the windows and doors closed during pollen season to stop possible allergens getting into the house. To help in the treatment of asthma, and to increase the lungs' ability to cope with an attack, we must introduce the "secret mineral" in asthma treatment.

Natural Asthma Treatment

Asthma has been linked to both allergens and diet. It is research into the latter that has led to the discovery of a natural vitamin supplement for asthma treatment: magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral used by the body to help maintain muscles, nerves, and bones. It is also used in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. According to the USDA Research Service, it is not absolute levels of magnesium in the body that are important, but the ratio of calcium to magnesium. The calcium to magnesium ratio in the body should be 2:1, which means a magnesium intake of 600mg per day. However, current studies suggest that the U.S. diet only provides on average 300mg of magnesium daily, well below the amounts needed. Further research found the connection that low levels of magnesium in the blood were the cause of many allergy asthma attacks. This led onto the use of magnesium supplements as an asthma treatment.

The first reports of asthma treatment with magnesium is mentioned way back in 1938 and since then studies with animals that have shown magnesium as an effective asthma treatment. A Britton & Hill study indicated that asthma treatment with magnesium showed improved lung function in patients and a reduction in wheezing, one of the main asthma symptoms. It appears that magnesium can be used to achieve both steps 2 and 3 of the 3-point asthma treatment plan.