With so many of us fighting for breath, medical teams and researchers alike are starting to acknowledge the powerful link between magnesium and asthma support.
Did you know that magnesium can decrease the severity and frequency of asthmatic episodes? With 5.4 million people in the UK suffering from this condition, more help is certainly needed.
So, how does magnesium benefit asthma?
Let me break it down as simply as possible:
Bronchodilator Effect
Magnesium is a natural smooth muscle relaxant. In asthma, the bronchial tubes tighten, restricting airflow to the lungs. Magnesium helps relax these smooth muscles, opening the airways (bronchodilation) and making breathing easier.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Asthma is characterised by inflammation of the airways. Magnesium has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce airway inflammation and the overreaction to allergens and other triggers, potentially reducing asthma symptoms over time.
Regulation and Suppression of Histamine Production
Magnesium has the ability to regulate and suppress histamine production. Many asthma attacks are triggered by allergens like pollen, pet hair, dust, and perfumes—things we come into contact with daily. The body releases antibodies as part of the immune system’s attempt to "protect" us from these invaders, affecting the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
Reduction of Bronchial Hyper reactivity
People with asthma often have hyper reactive airways that constrict in response to allergens or irritants. Magnesium may help reduce this sensitivity, reducing asthma flare-ups.
Calcium Regulation
Magnesium helps regulate calcium levels in the body. Calcium can contribute to muscle contraction, including in the lungs. By balancing calcium, magnesium helps prevent excessive constriction of the airway muscles.
Support of Immune Function
Asthma is often associated with immune responses. Magnesium plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system, which might help reduce the frequency of asthma exacerbations related to immune triggers.
Did you know that in emergency settings, intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate is sometimes administered to treat severe asthma attacks?
So, no more inhalers or steroid treatments?
No, inhalers still play a crucial role as they provide immediate relief during an asthma attack by quickly dilating the airways. Magnesium will not eliminate asthma entirely, but for many people, daily use of magnesium can help improve symptoms. I’ve seen cases where individuals with mild asthma no longer need medications due to regular magnesium use, but results can vary from person to person.
We always recommend using magnesium body oil spray over oral capsules because it contains only four natural ingredients, compared to the added fillers found in oral supplements. Additionally, magnesium body oil is absorbed more quickly.
Research on Magnesium and Asthma
While magnesium shows promise in managing asthma symptoms, its use as a routine treatment is still under study. However, intravenous magnesium sulfate is more widely accepted as a treatment for acute asthma attacks in emergency care settings.
Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any treatment.
02 de Vaulk HW, Kok PT, Struyvenberg A, van Rijn HJ, Haalboorn JR, Kreukniet J, & Lammers JW (1993). European Respiratory Journal. Extracellular and intracellular magnesium concentrations in asthmatic patients, Vol. 6, No. 8, pp. 1122-1125
So interesting the link with asthma, I have just ordered some magnesium oil! So glad I can do something to help my asthma