MSM has been named as a miracle supplement as it offers an array of benefits. It lowers Inflammations, reduces pain, increases energy and raises immunity. That simply means it treats scores of diseases and their painful symptoms.
MSM provides biologically active sulfur which is needed for many critical daily bodily functions. Sulfur is a mineral that is the 4rth largest nutrient in our body and is available in every cell for effective functioning.
Sulfur in MSM plays key roles in creation of keratin for skin and hair, metabolism of liver and functioning of joint cartilage and much more.
Table of Contents
What is MSM Supplement?
Before we look at the huge list of uses and benefits of MSM let us first understand what it is?
The chemical composition of MSM is methylsulfonylmethane and is also known as dimethyl sulfone DMSO2.
MSM is naturally available from all plant based food products. These plants derive their sulfur from the soil.
Unfortunately mass farming has depleted sulfur levels in the soil significantly. Therefore the dietary inputs of sulfur are reduced.
The chemically manufactured MSM supplements easily fills the gap. It is a colourless solid, considered relatively inert chemically and is also safe to consume.
Use of supplements has significantly increased due to increased awareness of the requirement of sulfur by our bodies.
MSM uses
apply it to the skin for
- chronic pain
- osteoarthritis
- joint inflammation
- rheumatoid arthritis
- osteoporosis inflammation around the joints (bursitis),
- tendinitis,
- swelling around the tendons (tenosynovitis),
- musculoskeletal pain
- muscle cramps
- hardened skin condition called scleroderma
- scar tissue
- stretch marks
- hair loss
- wrinkles
- protection against sun/wind burn
- eye inflammation
- oral hygiene
- gum disease
- wounds
- cuts
- abrasions/accelerated wound healing.
by mouth for relief of
- allergies,
- chronic constipation, "sour stomach",
- ulcers,
- a bowel disease called diverticulosis,
- premenstrual syndrome (PMS),
- mood elevation,
- obesity,
- poor circulation,
- high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
- type 2 diabetes,
- liver problems,
- Alzheimer's disease,
- to control snoring,
- lung disorders including emphysema and pneumonia,
- chronic fatigue syndrome,
- autoimmune disorders (systemic lupus erythematosus),
- HIV infection and AIDS, and
- cancer (breast cancer and colon cancer)
by mouth for
- eye inflammation,
- mucous membrane
- inflammation,
- temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems,
- leg cramps,
- migraine, headaches,
- hangover,
- parasitic infections of the intestinal and urogenital tracts including Trichomonas vaginalis and Giardia,
- yeast infection,
- insect bites,
- radiation poisoning, and to
- boost the immune system.
7 Health Benefits of MSM
Following are 7 of the most prominent benefits among many.
1. Strengthens Hair Growth
MSM helps in production of keratin and collagen by the body. Both these nutrients help to restore hair. So if you are suffering from premature balding then MSM will help you to restore your hair growth. It literally reverses hair loss.
2. Improves Skin Conditions
MSM increases collagen production by the body. Collagen helps to repair and rejuvenate skin cells. It brings back the lost elasticity of the skin. As a result your skin looks younger and you feel young too.
MSM helps to improve skin tones, reduce inflammation and swelling.
It helps to heal rosacea, repair skin discoloration and rashes. It prevents wrinkles and scarring.
3. Reduces Joint Pains
MSM decreases joint Inflammations and improves flexibility. It can reduce the symptoms of arthritis, joint pain and back pains.
It also reduces swelling and stiffness of joints due to its anti-inflammatory capabilities.
4. Boosts Energy
MSM detoxifies the cells and reduces the energy requirements of the cells. When less energy is required to deal with the toxins energy is conserved and you feel more energetic.
5. Helps to Deal With Stress
It is not always about reducing stress as it is not practical at times. But if you can improve your ability to deal with stress then your body will stay healthy in spite of stress.
MSM improves your ability to deal with stresses caused by injury and surgery. It boosts the ability to receiver fast.
6. Lowers Muscle Spasm and Pains
If you take MSM before venturing into heavy exercise, sport or athletic activities then MSM will protect you from muscle spasm and muscle damages.
It reduces muscle pains and aches, improves range of motion and mobility.
7. Improves Digestive Tract Health
MSM improves many digestive tract related conditions such as healing leaky gut syndrome. It strengthens the lining of the digestive tract. As a result conditions like diarrhea and constipation don't occur.
Natural Sources
The naturally occurring nutrient MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur compound available in almost all plant based foods in varying contents. It is also available in dairy and animal products. Cooking destroys almost half of MSM.
- Egg yolks
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Watercress
- Bok choy
- Onions
- Garlic
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Dairy products.
Risks of MSM
MSM is generally totally safe. If you are not getting enough from your regular diet, then adjust your diet to add MSM rich foods which are plenty to choose from.
If changing food habits is very difficult for you (unfortunately our lifestyles have forced us to eat a suboptimal diet), then you can take suitable doses of MSM supplement.
Oral consumption of 1.5 - 6 grams of MSM divided into 3 doses for 4 months have been found useful in dealing with the pain of osteoarthritis without any problems.
MSM can also be taken safely with vitamin c, turmeric and bromelain and many other supplements.
MSM has also been effectively used topically on skin for up to 20 days without any side effects.
However, in some people it might cause nausea, diarrhea, bloating headache, insomnia, fatigue and worsening of allergies. Such cases are rare and you should consult a doctor who can assist in adjusting your doses.
Since there is no scientific data available on its safety of uses during pregnancy and breastfeeding it is safe to avoid its use.
Other Tips
MSM is available in both powder and capsule form. Powder is more effective. Taken with water and natural vitamin c juice can improve sulfur absorption by cells. Lemon juice, orange juice berry juice are all good with NSM.
Start consuming small quantities first and then gradually increase consumption.
Consuming 1.5-6 grams daily for 120 days has been found effective. Stay within the range to be safe
If you have chronic inflammatory conditions or you are seeing signs of premature aging and you are not getting enough sulfur through food then MSM supplements are worth trying.