What is MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)?

Dr Stanley Jacob and Robert Herschler of the Oregon Health Sciences University have researched MSM extensively.Supplemental MSM appears to have a number of exciting health enhancing benefits. Sulfur is the main component of MSM so the direction of much of this research was influenced by knowledge of sulfur’s importance in the body.

MSM is a naturally occurring compound. By weight it is 34% sulfur. It’s the third most abundant mineral in the body. Sulfur’s essential role in human nutrition has been vastly overlooked. Good dietary sources of sulfur include raw asparagus, onions, eggs, garlic, red peppers, and cabbage. However, chemical intensive farming methods are depleting our soil and the foods grown on it are deficient in sulfur and other minerals.

MSM is an, odourless, white, crystalline powder. It is not the same as the inorganic compounds of sulfa, sulfite, sulfate and sulfide that are often associated with allergic responses.

Sufur in the Human Body

1) Permeability of Cell Membranes
Sulfur has been shown to keep the cell membrane permeable by strengthening the sodium-potassium pump that controls the exchange of fluid in and out of cells.

2) Repair and Resilience of Body Tissue
A significant amount of sulfur is found in the proteins in body tissues. This mineral creates the disulfide bonds in the proteins that keep them elastic. It therefore helps to maintain elasticity while assisting with healing and repair.

3) Building Block for Cartilage
We require sulfur to build mucopolysaccharides. Mucopolysaccharides help with the production of chondroitin sulfate and other nutrients related to cartilage health.

4) Metabolism of Glucose for Energy
Insulin is formed from sulfur. Insulin negotiates the use of glucose for energy. Sulfur also assists with the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Support for Allergies
Earl Mindell wrote a book called, The MSM Miracle, he states that “a direct correlation between concentration of MSM and resistance to allergens has been established.”

According to Earl Mindell, test subjects suffering from chronic and severe environmental allergies, showed moderate to complete relief from symptoms, after continued use of MSM.

MSM to Ease Muscle Strain:
Excessive exertion or strain leads to a build up of lactic acid which can contribute to post-exertion soreness and fatigued muscles. Sulfur helps to flush out the lactic acid during exercise by assisting with it’s removal from the cells. This can reduce the tendency to develop muscle soreness with excercise.

MSM, as an Analgesic and an Anti-inflammatory Agent:
MSM’s enhances the fluidity of the cells and it is believed that this may reduce pressure and the accumulation of poisons around the inflammation, thereby reducing pain.

MSM and Joint Inflammation:
Sulfur levels have been shown to be two thirds lower in arthritic cartilage than in healthy cartilage.

MSM and Keratin in Nails, Hair and Skin:
Keratin and collagen (proteins found in nails, skin and hair) are largely made up of sulfur. Sulfur adds elasticity to these proteins to helps to prevent the degeneration and toughening of skin (wrinkling and scarring) caused by the cross-linking of collagen.

By improving cell permeability and the in-out flow of cellular fluid, MSM can help the skin to detoxify and remain youthful

MSM Safety:
MSM is water soluble and has very low toxicity, even at significant doses and it hypo-allergenic.

Dosage:
For therapeutic results Dr. Stanley Jacob and Dr. Robert Herschler recommend, 250 mg to 750 mg per day.

Earl Mindell, author of The MSM Miracle recommends a much higher dose. He suggest 6000 mg of MSM daily for three weeks and then a reduction to 3000 mg. MSM activity will be enhanced by an increase in water intake.

MSM at the Whole Approach Store