Known as "the master mineral," magnesium is responsible for more than 300 metabolic processes in the body. Magnesium deficiency can lead to a host of symptoms including calcium deficiency, poor heart health, muscle cramps, tremors, nausea, high blood pressure, and respiratory illness. As such, it is important to ensure you are getting enough magnesium -- specifically, experts recommend an average daily intake of 310 to 360 mg of magnesium from food. Magnesium supplements are used as needed, to correct magnesium deficiencies.
Magnesium contributes to relaxing the muscles of the airway. People with asthma can benefit from increasing their magnesium intake. Patients in the hospital for respiratory distress are sometimes given magnesium to ease gasping or wheezing. The mineral is even available in intravenous or nebulized forms for those who require more intensive treatment. The anti-inflammatory properties of magnesium can help soothe chest tightness when asthma acts up, and these effects can also ease anxiety.
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