But here is even more in regards to one mineral's value in treating asthma. A deficiency of magnesium may even explain why asthma is so prevalent.
Quote:
Magnesium (Mg) is a trace mineral that is known to be required for several hundred different functions in the body. A significant portion of the symptoms of many chronic disorders are identical to symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Studies show many people in the U.S. today do not consume the daily recommended amounts of Mg. A lack of this important nutrient may be a major factor in many common health problems in industrialized countries. Common conditions such as mitral valve prolapse, migraines, attention deficit disorder, fibromyalgia, asthma and allergies have all been linked to a Mg deficiency. Perhaps not coincidentally, these conditions also tend to occur in clusters together within the same individual. A magnesium deficiency as a root cause would provide a logical explanation of why some people suffer from a constellation of these types of problems.
A study from Brown University showed "remarkable" improvement in children with asthma who were treated with intravenous magnesium.
Low polymorphonuclear magnesium content has been observed in patients with bronchial asthma. The study authors believe that polymorphonuclear magnesium content may have an important role in causing asthma.
A study reported on in the Lancet, notes that people who have diets lower in Mg have more asthmatic symptoms. People with diets higher in this important mineral have less asthmatic symptoms.
Mg prevents pre-asthmatic lung changes in animal studies.
Asthma is a common finding in connective tissue disorders, as are keratoconus, mitral valve prolapse, rachitic skeletal defects and many other conditions associated with magnesium deficiency. Asthma occurs frequently along with allergies, seizures and many other disorders that can all be linked to a Mg deficiency.
Multivitamin tablets and pills often do not contain magnesium because it is a bulky mineral that makes the pill or tablets very large, so manufacturers often just leave it out! Yet multivitamin they contain many Mg antagonists, i.e. vitamins and minerals that lower magnesium levels in your body. Perhaps this is why recent studies show that multivitamins usage is associated with asthma and allergies.
A top post, Jim. I wouldn't be surprised at the magnesium link. Most people don't eat enough high magnesium foods like green leafy vegetables, nuts etc. Plus, they consume far too much dairy which is around 10:1/12:1 Cal:Mg which fuels an imbalance yet further.
Magnesium is also vital for heart health. (High level of heart attacks etc. in Western society)
What I think is making this situation worse, knight, is the media hype for the use of vitamin D. I'm not saying that vitD itself is hype, but I think people may be using it irresponsibly. It is becoming a fad. It may be contributing to the imbalance of that cal:mag ratio. I just went through a mag deficiency crisis due to my own irresponsible handling of a chelation therapy. Even the bottle label, for the EDTA, said to consume a supplement of magnesium and a multi-mineral supplement as well. So, I know how these imbalances can get out of control easily. And I knew better, but as time went on, I just forgot. Fortunately my awareness kicked back in. Stupid me. This is what happens in the alternative healing world. People go too far, make a stink, then supplements become regulated.
What I think is making this situation worse, knight, is the media hype for the use of vitamin D. I'm not saying that vitD itself is hype, but I think people may be using it irresponsibly. It is becoming a fad. It may be contributing to the imbalance of that cal:mag ratio. I just went through a mag deficiency crisis due to my own irresponsible handling of a chelation therapy. Even the bottle label, for the EDTA, said to consume a supplement of magnesium and a multi-mineral supplement as well. So, I know how these imbalances can get out of control easily. And I knew better, but as time went on, I just forgot. Fortunately my awareness kicked back in. Stupid me. This is what happens in the alternative healing world. People go too far, make a stink, then supplements become regulated.
That was a breath of fresh air! I'm in agreement with you on the Mega D thing. A degree of supplementation is necessary for most people, subject to geographic location, but it's getting to a stage where sense of proportion is lost. Most of the people behind all this are allopaths who have come into the naturopathic field, whilst they may be educated men and women they don't understand holistic principles or the science of naturopathy.
All essential nutrients are essential. All work synergistically. Single a nutrient out, any nutrient, and take it in high amounts and you run the risk of throwing everything else out of kilter.
People simply need to remember the 'whole person' holistic principle.
Imbalances can readily occur. I don't believe sustained release MVs are worth the money, but I have become a champion of the divided dose MV. One with a carb meal and one with a protein meal.
As usual, Knight and JFH make excellent points. Everything posted was excellent for chronic treatment of asthma/copd. I would like to add 2 points for acute treatment: 1) Coffee caffeine breaks done into theophylline in the body which is a bronchodialator and 2) For the brits on the board: Phal or extra hot curry, for the yanks: Atomic wings also a natural brochodialtor
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