What is MSM?

MSM, short for methylsulfonylmethane, is an organic form of sulfur readily absorbed and utilized by our bodies. MSM is composed of 34% bio-available sulfur, making it the richest source of organic sulfur available. MSM is a safe, natural food, which assists the body in maintaining adequate sulfur levels. MSM may support the body in regulating insulin production, improving skin smoothness and elasticity, regulating environmental and allergic sensitivities, enhancing bowel function and liver detoxification, and enhancing respiratory function.

Our bodies require sulfur for many of its functions. Sulfur is a component of the proteins necessary for the formation of skin, hair, nails and muscle. Sulfur is also a component of bones, teeth and collagen – connective tissue. Sulfur is integral in the formation of bile acids by the liver and insulin by the pancreas. It is the fourth most plentiful mineral in the body and it is essential for life.

MSM is contained naturally in the food we eat or at least it should be, but it is often significantly reduced or completely lost due to the over processing of foods.


What does MSM actually do?

MSM assists your glands in properly balancing your bodily functions, this helps to keep diseases and illnesses from starting its degeneration process.


How much MSM should I take?

There is no set amount on how much MSM a person should take.  However, a good estimated is that an average, inactive, person needs about 600 mg to 700 mg of MSM daily.  Any amount of activities would increase the need proportionately.  

It would be best to start slowly with about 500 mg daily. Continue this amount for about one week and then rise to 1000 mg daily and take this for another week. Continue this increase of adding 500 mg at one time, until you are taking at least 3000 mg daily. Then continue your maintenance level at whatever works for you. This is a balance between addressing what you want to address and being able to sleep as well as you would like at night. For most people the maintenance level is between 2000 to 3000 mg per day. Remember to always drink plenty of water when starting with MSM or when increasing the amount you are taking.  

First time MSM users should take with meals to help prevent heartburn. Please be aware that a single dose of MSM will not help!   

MSM should be taken for a minimum of at least 1-2 weeks or even up to two month before you may see results. When MSM is taken by mouth with meals, the body will distribute MSM where it is needed. The precise amount of MSM is not that critical. Depending on your situation, for the first week or two, larger doses of MSM may be needed to compensate for an extreme deficiency. Remember taking large quantities of MSM is not always better.


What happens if my body does not get enough sulfur?

Sulfur is found naturally in the human body and stored in every cell of the body. When your body is deficient in sulfur, it will not be able to repair or replace damaged tissue quickly enough. When this deficiency happens the body often compensates by producing abnormal cells that may lead to illness. Your body may also experience some sensitivity to pain. Sulfur deficiencies are also linked with gastrointestinal problems, a poor immune system, arthritis, and rheumatism,
memory loss and even acne. It can also lead to brittle nails and hair, dermatological problems and dry skin.

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What does MSM do for the body?

MSM detoxifies the body and increases blood circulation.  MSM plays many different, but equally essential roles in the human body.   MSM is a required structural mineral for healthy hair, skin, and nails. MSM is also necessary to help
maintain the flexibility and elasticity of most all bodily tissues and is needed to maintain cell membrane permeability.  Proper permeability allows cells to absorb nutrients and expel waste.  MSM supports sulfur-containing amino acids such as methionine and cystine which are necessary for the healing and repair of most bodily tissues especially skin, blood vessels, organs, and joints.  Because there are few nerves in the bones, our pain comes from soft tissue. Aspirin shuts off the nerves, but the muscles are still damaged. MSM takes out the inflammation, permits the muscles to heal and prevents them from becoming sore. MSM is a free radical scavenger, so allergies to food and pollens will go away. MSM also prevents overreaction to other medicines.


How does MSM help the skin?

MSM acts to keep the skin's cells and the tissue soft. Keeping the skin soft ensures that it remains elastic enough to allow stretching and movement without damage. Smooth, flexible skin is less prone to wrinkles and dry flakiness. It even helps stretch marks. MSM is great for skin with acne.


What is detox?

MSM enables the cells and tissues of your body to release toxins that have built up over time. Seemingly sulfur is a vital part of our waste management system, and when our bodies are lacking we are not able to release some of the waste substances. If you take too much MSM, your body will also release too much waste at one time for your kidneys and liver to handle. This waste in your blood stream can cause all kinds of problems ranging from flu-like symptoms to re-experiencing the effects of drugs that you have taken in the past. For example, heavy caffeine users may feel extra-jittery. The key to reducing or eliminating any detox symptoms is to start on MSM slowly so the waste in your tissues is released slowly and drink a lot of water to assist in releasing the toxins to be flushed out of your body.


How does MSM help your hair and nails?

Sulfur helps the body to form keratin, the protein that makes up the main part of the outermost layers of your hair and nails. It is a tough, fibrous protein that is very resilient to the effects of damaging chemicals and other harmful agents. Each strand of hair has its own keratin supply, which is stored in the root. Sulfur is also contained in biotin, a B vitamin that is essential for shiny hair and strong nails. You may be interested in knowing that the natural inclination of hair to be straight or curly is maintained in part by the sulfur amino acids. MSM benefits dry scalp and hair and improves nail growth and benefits your cuticles and nails.
 

 

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Where does MSM come from?

MSM is a naturally occurring, sulfur containing organic compound found primarily in fresh fruits and vegetables and in every cell of the human body.  The highest natural concentration of MSM is found in mammal's milk. MSM is an organic compound and commercial MSM is a pure, simple molecule that is indistinguishable from a molecule of MSM found in nature. MSM is derived from DMSO.  MSM occurs when DMSO is oxidized.  MSM is a naturally occurring compound found in significant amounts in nerve tissue, skin, hair and joints.


Is MSM the same as DMSO?

Although they are related, MSM has one more oxygen atom than DMSO does and that difference makes it a significantly different substance. Another example of a difference of adding an oxygen atom can be seen by comparing carbon monoxide (a deadly gas) with carbon dioxide (a harmless gas).


Why use MSM instead of DMSO?

DMSO causes some side effects such as reddening and itching of the skin, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, excess intestinal gas, and allergic reactions. DMSO has a strong sulfur odor resulting in a garlic smell. None of the side effects are dangerous just unpleasant. MSM is safe and odorless and does not have the side effects as DMSO. However, one property of DMSO when applied externally acts as a powerful carrier for other substances, including toxic ones. These substances are carried into the body through the skin and mucous membranes, where they can do damage. DMSO is sold from commercial outlets mainly for industrial and animal use only and should always be handled with care.


Is sulfur the same as sulfa drugs and sulfites?

No. Organic sulfur is a nutrient, a necessary part of natural chemical processes in the body. It should not be confused with sulfa-based drugs or sulfites, which are forms of inorganic sulfur. Sulfa drugs are synthetic, meaning that they do not occur naturally. They are used for the purposes as antibiotics, which in some people cause allergic reactions.

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How does MSM help with allergies?

Allergies are reactions set off by a breakdown of the normal functioning in the body's immune system. When this happens, a varied range of symptoms are manifested, including sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, headaches, and sleepiness, other reactions include hives, stomachache, and sore throat. MSM goes straight to the cause of allergic reactions. In this website you learned that MSM softens the skin. It does this by softening the walls of the body's cells, which are then more easily penetrated, allowing enemy substances to be flushed out. Flushing these allergens out of the body eliminates the need for the body to react allergic ally to get rid of them. This process cannot happen when the cell walls are hard and impenetrable. MSM prevents allergic reactions by coating the gastrointestinal tract in a way that makes allergen bonding impossible. Research has shown that daily doses of MSM have substantially increased resistance to environmental, food, or drug allergens.


How does MSM help with parasites?

MSM has proven to be a very effective treatment for parasites. Research shows that MSM works by laying a coating over the intestinal areas where some types of parasites normally attach themselves. This coating makes it impossible for parasites to attach themselves to your body. Since they are not attached to your body, the parasites are simply flushed out of your system through the process of elimination. MSM can be used against worms, giardia, trichomonas, and other types of parasites. Making sure that you have an adequate daily intake of MSM can help to ensure that the parasites do not have a chance to make themselves at home inside your body. MSM has the ability to return the parasite susceptible tissue to normalcy with no impairment or injury to host.  MSM has an alleviating or curing effect on a variety of parasitic systemic microbial infections.


How does MSM help with constipation?

MSM has been shown to bring prompt relief for chronic constipation.


How does MSM help with heartburn and ulcers?

Stomach acid is used by the body to breakdown food during digestion. The stomach lining releases a form of acid known as hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for the digestion of proteins. Standard treatment for heartburn involves the use of antacids and other products that neutralize hydrochloric acid. These may give temporary relief by counteracting the effects of hydrochloric acid, but a reduction in hydrochloric acid can in turn lead to indigestion and poor absorption of nutrients. Overuse of antacids can destroy the body's natural acid/alkaline balance, while neutralizing the excess stomach acid. MSM will allow patients with peptic ulcers and chronic heartburn to experience fewer symptoms.

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How does MSM help alleviate pain?

When the body's cell walls are supple, fluids can easily pass out of the cell, resulting in equalized pressure inside and outside the cell. It is the difference of pressure that causes pain and inflammation. By equalizing the pressure, MSM helps to reduce pain and inflammation. MSM can relieve post-athletic fatigue along with relieving muscle pain and cramps.


How does MSM help with arthritis?

MSM brings relief to arthritis sufferers not by dulling the nerves so that pain cannot be felt, but by mending some of the damage that causes arthritic pain. The two main forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Both conditions cause pain, stiffness, and, sometimes complete deformation of the joint. Osteoarthritis usually effects one joint at a time, gradually destroying the cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis, attacks the whole body at once and is accompanied by swelling. The conventional treatment for arthritis is nonsteroidal anti-flammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naprosyn, and only provide temporary relief. Sometimes these drugs can cause unpleasant side effects and can cause stomach upset or stomach bleeding. Studies have shown that taking glucosamine, a sulfur dependent compound, which plays an important role in the formation of ligaments, tendons, and other membranes, is more effective in the treatment of arthritis. So taking MSM supplements with glucosamine can enhance the health benefits of glucosamine.


How does MSM help diabetics?

MSM has been shown to be effective in the treatment of diabetes, which occur when the body produces or uses insulin inefficiently. Sulfur is an important component of insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas to metabolize carbohydrates. Without sulfur, the body cannot produce enough insulin, leading to excess blood sugar, so MSM may be an especially important supplement to include in your diet. Diabetics should not take glucosamine for it contains sugar.
 

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Is MSM safe for my pets?

Horse trainers give MSM to their racehorses before races to prevent the buildup of lactic acid in muscles, which causes stiffness and cramps after exercising. Use of MSM to your pets can enhance their overall health. They will acquire attractive glossy coats, and strong toenails.


Can I take MSM while breast feeding?

Most definitely!   Breast milk is a good source of MSM, so it is not a foreign substance. Only food. There are some doctors who will advise against you taking MSM while breast feeding because they are uncertain of MSM and are cautious about everything. There are some doctors who will tell you it won't hurt your child. Your child's hair and nails will grow and become healthier, their immune system will be much stronger. If it seems to present a problem just discontinue taking it until after breast feeding.  If concerned always check with your healthcare professional.


Is it safe to mix MSM with other prescribed medications?

MSM has been observed in clinical settings some indications that it may have a blood-thinning, aspirin like effect on platelet aggregation. Therefore, you should consult your doctor if you are taking high doses of aspirin, or blood-thinning medication such as heparin or dicumarol.


Does MSM help with mental alertness?

Yes, MSM has been shown to increases alertness, reduce mood swings, and lessen depression.  MSM has been shown to relieve mental depression within hours after taking it rather than days.

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Does MSM help people with migraines?

Studies have been show that migraine suffers have been know to get substantial relief from taking MSM by taking it on a daily basis.


Is it safe to take Glucosamine with MSM?

Yes they work well together. Glucosamine plays an integral role in the formation of ligaments, tendons and is more effective than NSAIDs.  Glucosamine makes cartilage strong, healthy and resilient.   Glucosamine reduces inflammation, and studies show glucosamine to have no known side effects.  Glucosamine also contributes to the growth of new cartilage.  But keep in mind that glucosamine  is a charged sugar molecule and if you are a diabetic you must watch your sugar intake.


Is it safe to take MSM during pregnancy?

Clinical experience indicates that MSM is safe for pregnant women. But my preference is that pregnant or nursing women should not take MSM unless otherwise advised by their physician. MSM causes rapid detoxing which causes toxins, which have been stored up to flush through into the bloodstream and cardiovascular system. MSM itself is not harmful, but the toxins flowing through the system can be too strong for an infant since they are flushing out at a rapid rate. MSM can be continued after the pregnancy term is over and nursing is no longer occurring. Always consult with a doctor before taking any kind of supplement while pregnant or nursing.  It is true that this same concept applies to nursing mothers.  The difference is that during pregnancy there is more direct transfer of nutrients (and toxins) from the blood of the mother to the fetus.  In lactation, the blood is filtered and the nutrients are then transferred to the milk....making it more dilute.


How much should I take during pollen season to relieve my allergies?

Higher dosages are necessary in order to give you relief from sneezing, runny nose and burning eyes.


What will happen when one takes too much MSM?

You may develop minor gastrointestinal discomfort or more frequent bowel movements.  If this happens just reduce the amount of MSM you are taking.  If you take your MSM dosage and divide it into 3 times a day instead of all at once you shouldn't experience this problem.

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Why don't doctors recommend MSM?

Very few doctors will because the American Medical Association does not endorse, nor do the Pharmaceutical Companies produce, MSM.  This does not mean that there is NO cure for your disease, there certainly may very well be, and it may have existed from the beginning of time itself. This only means that within the politics of the current medical bureaucracy, doctors are instructed to tell you that there is NO cure for your disease.


Are there any food sources of MSM?

Yes there is.  MSM occurs naturally in the environment, and is present in rainwater, and is absorbed by plants. Small amounts of MSM are available in fresh fruits, grains, vegetables and even un-pasteurized milk because of the way we process our food. Unfortunately, MSM is chemically altered and destroyed when foods are processed, heated, or dehydrated. So your most reliable dietary source for adequate MSM intake is through supplementation.


Who can take MSM?

Everyone because organic sulfur is a basic component for overall human wellness, everyone can benefit from supplementing their diets with MSM.  Please consult your physician before using MSM if you are pregnant, while nursing or for children under 2 years of age or have heart problems.


Does MSM help with snoring?

Tests have shown that MSM in a 16 percent water solution provided a significant reduction in snoring in 80 percent of humans.


How does MSM help with Candida?

We have a yeast that lives in our colon called Candida that keeps bad bacteria out, which lives on the food created by acidophilus.  When you take antibiotics it kills the bad and the good bacteria.  Your pH then gets out of balance and the Candida gets hungry and starts spreading.  When it gets in the vagina, women have yeast infections.  When the tongue gets a white coating, that is Candida yeast.  When it gets in the ears and the eyes, they change the name and call it thrush.  When it gets in the blood stream, they call it chronic fatigue - "an incurable disease".  There is no such thing or we would have all died 6,000 years ago.  When you digest the food and it goes into the bloodstream, the Candida steals it.  So you do not assimilate your nutrition, the glands do not get their vitamins and minerals, so you develop allergies to foods, pollens and fragrances.  You also do not have any energy because the Candida is a living organism and digests food like you do and puts out toxins that are floating in your blood stream.  When those toxins are added to your toxins, it can stimulate 80 different diseases that you do not have.  When it stimulates strep throat, the doctor gives you an antibiotic and kills the acidophilus, keeping the pH out of balance.  It then stimulates pneumonia… the doctor gives you more antibiotics and it then stimulates sinus infection.  Every three or four weeks, you have a cold or flu and you feel terrible.  This becomes a vicious, painful and costly, cycle.  Candida is a living yeast and can turn any bread you eat into blood alcohol.  Blood alcohol is a blood sugar.  When the body has adjusted to a high blood sugar content and it suddenly drops, you go into a mood swing like a diabetic and feel terrible.  So, you crave bread, cookies or alcohol to kick up the blood sugar.  Some people can actually eat 4 or 5 pieces of bread and get drunk. This is why bars have so many pretzels, bread sticks and popcorn for their patrons because it satisfied Candida's craving for bread and keeps the blood sugar content high.  It makes them feel good.  When they are driving in a car they always have cookies, soda pop and candy at hand or when they are watching TV, they surround themselves with junk food.  When you take MSM your pH goes normal.  Candida cannot live in your body when you pH is normal, except in the colon (where it belongs) so the Candida dies out.  This is how MSM cures people of Candida.  It makes it possible for an 'alcoholic' to come down off the alcohol in your blood sugar without any of the withdrawal side effects.

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Is MSM safe for my child to take?

Most children don't need MSM. Those who are afflicted with ailments such as allergies, asthma or inflammation from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at an early age can take MSM. Studies have shown that many children have taken high dosages of MSM without any problems.


Do I have to take Vitamin C with MSM supplements?

You do not have to take vitamin C along with MSM supplements in order for MSM to work better.  If you are unable to take vitamin C, MSM still works for you.  Vitamin C is still a great supplement though and can enhance recovery!


Why is Vitamin C suggested when using MSM?

MSM promotes healing and healing involves forming new cells. Vitamin C is a required raw material in forming healthy new cells. Yes, other raw materials are also required and each of us should be eating properly or taking the proper supplements. A recent study found that at least a quarter of us are deficient in Vitamin C to start with. While this deficiency is not enough to cause scurvy, it did cause several other problems including weak immune systems and fatigue. If we are already deficient in Vitamin C and we need more when we are healing, then most of us need to supplement with more Vitamin C.