MSM Guide - A Great Source of Sulfur for the Body
3/2/07
What Is It?
Methylsufonylmethane, more commonly known as MSM works much the same way as glucosamine and chondroitin in promoting, preserving, and repairing joint and connective tissue health. Also a natural substance, it lives in our bodies... in fact it resides in all living things. Hormones, enzymes, antioxidants, all our bodily fluids, and every type of tissue all contain MSM.
MSM consists of over 30% sulfur which is important because most of our molecules contain sulfur. It also occurs in the proteins that make up our joints, skin, nails, and hair. Of all the elements found in nature, sulfur is among the top ten. Most of us have heard of collagen, important for keeping our skin young, but it also is part of the structure of cartilage which works in conjunction with connective tissue to support our musco skeletal frames.
Another important function that MSM contributes to is increasing blood circulation and cleaning out toxins... meaning that it allows the good things such as nutrients and supplements to do their jobs more effectively. It enhances digestion by coating the intestines so that parasites can't imbed themselves in our digestive systems.
Any bodybuilder, power lifter, triathlon candidate, or for that matter any hard training athlete will tell you how difficult it is to build and maintain healthy lean muscles. All of us naturally stress our bodies just living our lives; these people beat themselves up by continually stretching, straining, and working joints, cartilage, bones, and every muscle and tissue cell. Protein powders and other supplements help everyone stay fit but athletes really need them to counteract all that abuse. We need to remember that we are actually complex structures that rely on internal chemical actions and reactions. MSM supplementation can play a critical role in keeping joints and tissues working as they should.
How/What Makes It Work?
As is true with so many naturally occurring substances, it's difficult to get enough MSM from food alone, even though milk, meat, fish, and raw fruits and veggies all contain it. Luckily we can supplement with MSM and other materials to improve our health.
As we mentioned MSM contains a great deal of sulfur. Remember that amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which in turn builds every one of our cells. Several amino acids (especially methionine) contain sulfur meaning that some proteins do too. This is a long way of saying that sulfur must be present in order to us maintain good health. By the way you won't find sulfur in fats and carbs, another reason to take in enough protein.
Although MSM resides in many foods, unless we live on a raw diet we won't get enough of it. Thankfully we live in an age that provides us with all kinds of wonderful and natural supplements.
Some of the other functions that sulfur helps carry out are cell protection because of its strong antibacterial capabilities; keeping people younger longer by protecting against free radicals such as pollen and other pollutants; helping to keep skin lubricated and elastic. Because it keeps our blood free from infections by fighting off harmful bacteria and safeguards our cell structure, using MSM contributes to longer life and a more youthful appearance.
Who Should Use It?
We believe that anyone will benefit from taking an MSM supplement. Following are some specific people and conditions it targets:
- Bodybuilders - MSM contributes to joint preservation and often works along with glucosamine and chondroitin. Bodybuilders and other athletes stress and strain their bodies on a daily basis. As they work out they build up their lean muscle mass only to have it start breaking down when they stop. This causes pain, exhaustion, swelling, and cell degeneration. As it helps build new cells and preserve joint flexibility MSM supplements bring welcome relief and healing to the hard trainers using it
- Osteoarthritis - Millions suffer from this debilitating breaking down of joints, cartilage, and connective tissues. Although exercise and a nutritious diet help hold off the effects, most people will experience arthritis at some point in their lives. Standard treatment often includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) which can cause serious side effects including digestive distress and heart problems. Some researches even believe that they eventually exacerbate arthritic symptoms. Obviously, using naturally occurring substances such as MSM supplements are preferable, especially since they have few if any side effects
- Low Energy - MSM boosts energy naturally as it cleanses the blood making it easier to absorb oxygen. This attribute along with its detoxifying properties stimulate and increase our get-up-and-go.
- Allergy Sufferers - Since MSM contains free radical fighting properties, it naturally helps prevent the negative effects of pollens and foods
- Parasites - Although we don't like to think about it, many of us house parasites in our intestines and urinary tracts. Some research shows MSM supplements actively fight these organisms
- Constipation - All jokes aside; this condition causes all kinds of real trouble. In addition to holding toxins in the body, it's painful, exhausting, and even depressing. Using MSM supplementation daily shows excellent results in relieving these symptoms and promoting healthy elimination
- Acid - If you look on the shelves of your pharmacy or super market you'll see multiple brands and forms of antacids. All the stress we experience in our lives gives many of us a stomach ache and other digestive problems. Rather than using these over-the-counter or prescription drugs, avoid potential side effects by using an MSM supplement. It's always preferable to use natural products
- Skin, hair, nails - MSM acts as both a skin healer and a skin preserver. Using MSM supplements or applying it topically as a lotion or gel keeps our largest organ pliant and minimizes pain, itching, and redness due to such conditions as eczema, psoriasis, bug bites, sunburn, and poison ivy just to name a few. It also strengthens finger and toe nails and leads to beautiful, shiny hair
- General - Due to its sulfur content, many researchers believe that MSM supplements contribute to relief from menstrual cramps, migraine headaches, asthma, and emphysema. Additionally, because it stimulates healthy cell growth, it even helps some cancer patients
Besides fostering overall joint flexibility and fighting off osteoarthritis, MSM relieves symptoms caused by related conditions such as bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and general abuse of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Disclaimer: These uses are suggestions resulting from various studies. They are not to be considered medical advice. If you experience symptoms related to these conditions or wish to improve any functions, don't do so without consulting a healthcare professional.
How Should I Take It?
We urge you to follow labeled instructions on MSM or any supplemental product. Also, talk with your doctor, trainer, coach, nutritionist, or other professional that you trust for advice on what supplements will best compliment your activity level and diet. You'll find all kinds of useful information on the Internet as well as learn tips from those you train or work out with.
Forms
MSM mainly comes in the form of capsules, tablets, or powder and is often combined with glucosamine and/ or chondroitin. They make a powerful combination for healing damaged joints and preserving healthy ones. MSM supplements work well in conjunction with various vitamins, amino acids, essential fatty acids and other substances that Mother Nature gave us. Because of strenuous workouts, hectic lifestyles, and poor nutrition we often need to help her by supplementing with natural and organic materials.
You'll also find MSM in many lotions, oils, and liquids.
Side Effects
MSM is virtually free of negative side effects. It has no toxins and any unused amount is usually eliminated naturally. Even those with food allergies report no symptoms from ingesting a high quality MSM product. This natural supplement is safe and beneficial.
Cautions
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't monitor nutritional supplements since they aren't medications. For that reason you should use care when reviewing and purchasing products. Some ways to protect against a less than pure MSM supplement are to carefully read labels and buy from manufacturers you know. MSM may be crystallized or distilled. Many companies use crystallization because this process costs them less. Unfortunately it may create a poor quality MSM. The difference results from the solvents and other materials used and the general hygienic practices the business employs. Be skeptical of MSM made in countries where water purity may be questionable.
Studies
As with most supplements, MSM studies continue. Only the last few years have we seen a phenomenal growth in the field of supplementation. As the demand for naturally occurring and organic products grows, we'll see more and more data to support what many of us already know. That is that we don't need all those chemicals to feel better and live longer and healthier lives.
Good Health
Even though MSM occurs in nature it's important to note that it easily evaporates. Because it's bound to moisture molecules, when food products are stored or shipped, once they start drying out, the sulfur does too. This makes another important reason to supplement with MSM.
© 2007 N101, Inc., All Rights Reserved
