Shortness of Breath and Vitamin Deficiency

Shortness of breath is a health condition that results from many causes. It can be a sign of asthma, bronchitis, occupational lung disease or hyperventilation, to name a few conditions. However, experiencing a shortness of breath can also be a sign that a person is deficient in essential vitamins and minerals, which can lead to serious health conditions.

Shortness Of Breath Leading to Anemia
Sometimes when a person experiences a shortness of breath this can be a sign that the person may be anemic, according to Dr. Andrew Weil of wdxcyder.com. A person is deficient in vitamin A, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin c, and iron when anemic. These vitamins and minerals are needed to produce white blood cells (fight infections); platelets (responsible for clotting blood to stop bleeding); red blood cells (carry oxygen to organs and tissue and keep body energized). When a person is deficient in these vitamins and mineral they can experience shortness of breath and fainting.

Heart Failure and Lack Of Sodium and Magnesium
Salt, also known as sodium, is needed for good health. According to Mark Kurlansky report titled "Salt" in mnsu.edu, sodium is used as an electrolyte, which means sodium carries electric charges through the body. These electric charges help the muscles and nerves work and regulate the blood pressure, and the hearts ability to pump blood.

People have been encouraged to reduce their sodium intake to reduce their risk of having a stroke. However, the National Academy of Sciences recommended that people consume a minimum of 500mg per day instead of cutting salt from the diet completely. When the body becomes deficient in salt, the heart's ability to plump blood is affected, and can cause a person to experience shortness of breath. So experiencing a shortness of breath can be a sign that one is deficient in sodium.

Magnesium
According to Judie C. Rall of "the Center For Unhindered Living" at unhinderedliving.com, magnesium is also needed for good heart health. It is needed in the heart to block the entry of calcium into vascular smooth muscle cells and heart muscle cells. It also lowers the blood pressure, and it regulates body temperature. When the body is deficient in magnesium shortness of breath is also experienced .

Sodium and magnesium run out the system, by way of sweating and urination. People who are physically active, such as athletes. Loose their sodium and magnesium quickly. They and non active people should consider taking magnesium supplements and in take no more than at least 500mg of sodium per day.

Experiencing shortness of breath can be an indicator that a person is lacking essential vitamins and minerals. If you are a healthy person but is experiencing shortness of breath, immediately go see a doctor. When consulting your doctor be sure to discuss your nutrition as a cause. Also ask your doctor to run blood tests for anemia.