Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by narrowing and inflammation of the airways. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, difficulty in breathing and chest tightness. An asthma attack usually occurs in response to a trigger that irritates the airways and may include pet dander, environmental pollutants, stress or cold air. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled with medication including beta-adrenergic agonists and steroidal-type drugs. Nutrition plays an important role in respiratory health. Although the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) website notes that nutrition alone cannot cure asthma, certain minerals may help strengthen the body and help it cope better with the disease.
Selenium
People with asthma often have low levels of selenium, notes the UMMC. Clinical data shows that selenium supplementation may be a useful adjunct to medication for patients with chronic asthma, according to M.F. Allam, lead author of a 2004 review article published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Selenium is a trace mineral found in a host of foods including Brazil nuts, tuna, turkey and rice. It is also available as a dietary supplement.
Magnesium
People with asthma may have low levels of magnesium and may benefit from magnesium supplementation, notes the UMMC. In addition, according to an article published in November 2009 in "Emergency Medicine Journal," intravenous magnesium is often used to treat an acute asthma attack and relieve breathlessness in patients that do not respond to initial treatment. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, eating a balanced diet should provide adequate amounts of magnesium. However, intravenous injections can best restore low magnesium levels rather than taking magnesium tablets, as these may cause abdominal cramping.
Potassium
If you are taking theophylline to control your asthma, you may need to take a potassium supplement notes the UMMC. This is because theophylline lowers potassium levels in the body. Potassium is found in a number of foods including bananas, lima beans and tomatoes. Potassium is also available as a dietary supplement and is often present in small quantities in multivitamin tablets. Potassium supplements may cause nausea, diarrhea and a slow heart rate. Do not take potassium supplements if you have kidney disease or are taking ACE inhibitors.
References
- Asthma UK: What is Asthma?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma
- PubMed.gov: Selenium Supplementation for Asthma
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Selenium
- PubMed.gov: Magnesium Sulphate in the Treatment of Acute Asthma: Evaluation of Current Practice in Adult Emergency Departments
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Magensium
