MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that plays a
crucial role in forming muscles, nails, hair and skin as
well as building healthy cells. MSM is found in
every cell of the body. It has a vitamin-like normalizing
influence on body functions. MSM is considered a
potentiator of most vitamins and other nutrients, such as
vitamin C, Coenzyme Q10, all B- vitamins, vitamin A, D
& E, amino acids, selenium, calcium, magnesium and
many others. MSM improves the cellular uptake of
these nutrients, and prolongs their lives. The
body can better utilize the nutrients, and taking dietary
supplements is more efficient. MSM is
quickly lost from food when it is processed, cooked,
and/or stored so supplementing
the diet with additional sulfur ensures the body's
ability to synthesize collagen for connective tissue
health, maintain membrane flexibility and promote cell
regeneration. MSM is a strong antioxidant, capable
of binding and inactivating free
radicals. People who suffer from arthritis
often benefit greatly from MSM. Several studies have
shown, that supplementation of MSM, significantly reduced
joint degeneration and inflammation.
Most notably, in the book "The
Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain" by
Stanley W. Jacob, MD, the following benefits are
attributed to MSM: alleviating the pain of arthritis,
muscle soreness, cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, lupus,
and fibromyalgia. The studies do seem to show that
the MSM in a MSM supplement can as an anti-inflammatory,
and therefore may shrink swelling, which, in turn, may
explain why many people claim it affords them relief from
arthritis pains.
A double blind study
of its use in degenerative arthritis by Dr. Ronald
Lawrence, (Assistant Clinical
Professor UCLA School of Medicine),
aimed to demonstrate how
effective the use of MSM was in alleviating the symptoms
of degenerative arthritis. Results indicate a
better than 80 percent control of pain within six weeks
of beginning the study, while only two patients showed a
minimal improvement (less than 20 percent) on the
placebo.
MSM : Side effects, Interactions
MSM is rated as one of the least toxic substances in
biology, similar in toxicity to water. You cannot
overdose with MSM. The body will use what it needs and
after 12 hours, will flush any excess amounts out of the
body. Because it is a free radical and foreign protein
scavenger, MSM cleans the blood stream, so allergies to
food and pollens are reduced or eliminated. A small
percentage of people may experience headache, nausea, or
diarrhea during the 1st 2 weeks as the body is
detoxifying. If this occurs, you may want to
decrease your MSM intake to eliminate any undesirable
side effects,
MSM : Health Benefits
- Detoxifies the body
- Increased circulation
- Reduces inflammation
- Antioxidant
- Helps reduce allergies
There
are many good products available which only contain MSM.
Other products contain MSM and other ingrediants such as Glucosamine
and Chondroitin. One such
product which has received good results is Free & Easy
for People.
