What is MSM?
MSMÂ or Methylsulfonylmethane is a source of sulfur and is an organosulfur compound. It is found in fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, milk, and even in the urine of animals in very small amounts. You also get MSM when dimethyl sulfoxide (a chemical found in low quantities in milk, beer, and coffee) oxidizes (or breaks down) in the body.
It goes by a few other names that don't mean much to an average joe. These names are; dimethyl sulfone, DMSO2, and methyl sulfone. Because MSM is a source of sulfur, we need to look at what that is as well.
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What exactly is Sulfur?
Sulfur is one of the most abundant minerals in your body and is found in your skin, bones, muscles, and hair. It helps keep your skin bouncy and sulfur bonds aid in maintaining the shape of muscles, skin, and bones. Sulfur also protects cells from damage, especially skin cells by aiding in the production of glutathione (an important antioxidant).
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Where can we find Sulfur?
Sulfur is found in proteins, which contain about 3% to 6% of sulfur amino acids. It can also be found in garlic, onions, broccoli, legumes, and asparagus. The easiest and fastest way to increase the amount of sulfur in your diet is to take an MSM supplement or a supplement that has MSM in it.
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Symptoms of sulfur deficiency include:
- Acne
- Arthritis
- Brittle hair and nails
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Convulsions
- Rashes
- Slow wound healing
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Eczema
- Itchy skin or scalp
How can MSM help you?
The biggest benefit of MSM lies in its anti-inflammatory properties, which help with chronic pain, swelling, and inflammatory conditions like Arthritis, Bursitis, and Tendonitis.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, MSM also aids in joint mobility and can therefore improve one's range of motion.
It aids in the after-exercise recovery by combating the oxidative stress caused by regular workouts. When applied topically it can aid in wound healing, and also reduces instances of muscle cramps.
MSM can also help with issues such as rosacea, acne, and other skin nightmares. It is also known that MSM has many beauty benefits and applications.
The sulfur acts as a keratin (a protein that builds hair and nails) donor, which suggests that MSM has therapeutic uses that improve skin quality and texture. Because sulfur is involved in the synthesis of keratin, it helps to provide shine and strength to hair.
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Other benefits of MSM include:
- Eliminating heavy metals by helping liver function
- Immune Support
- Seasonal Allergies
- Suppressing cancer-cell growth
- Stretch Marks
- Gum disease and more!
With such a wide array of health benefits, it is a wonder why MSM isn't used more commonly, go MSM! That being said, we all know that too much of a good thing can cause some seriously uncomfortable side effects...
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Side effects of taking MSM include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Concentration issues
- Insomnia
- Headaches
Interactions and other things to note before using MSM:
MSMÂ and alcohol don't seem to mix. Some sulfur-containing molecules are used to combat alcoholism because of the severe side effects of combining the two. Although researchers haven't yet focussed on the relationship between the two, it's best not to rock the boat.
It is important to know that the use of MSM during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been sufficiently evaluated and should be avoided unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
The Arthritis Foundation advises that people who are taking blood thinners should avoid MSM.
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Serving suggestion for our MSM Supplement:
Dissolve in a drink and take with meals.
Week 1: Take half a teaspoon (2.5g) daily.
Week 2: Take 1 rounded teaspoon (5g) a day in divided doses.
Week 3, onwards: Take 1 rounded teaspoon twice daily (10g in total).
This can be increased to up to 4-6 teaspoons daily, in three doses. After three to six weeks, return to a maintenance level of 2 rounded teaspoons (10g). Do not exceed the maximum recommended dosage!
It is important to speak to a doctor before taking the supplement long-term, as it may build up in the body over time.
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Disclaimer:
Our packing house handles nuts and seeds. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult your health care practitioner before using this or any other product. Nutritional supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool dry place. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using this product. Discontinue the use of this product where there is sensitivity towards any of the ingredients. Use as directed. This product has not been evaluated by SAHPRA. Use at your own risk
References:
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Dr. Kalpana Gupta Shekhawat MD(Functional & Regenerative Medicine Specialist),2020/03/27, Deficiency of sulfur and inability to detox,https://www.fammacademy.org/beta/index.php?route=pavblog/blog&id=22Â Date of access: 2022/04/25
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Author Unknown, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - Uses, Side Effects, And More,2005 - 2022,https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-522/methylsulfonylmethane-msm#:~:text=In%20some%20people%2C%20MSM%20might,for%20up%20to%2020%20days. Date of access: 2022/04/25
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Jennifer Berry, 2021/12/07, Health benefits and possible side effects of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane),https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324544#recovery-after-exercise Date of access: 2022/04/25
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Author Unkown, 2021/09/27, MSM – why it's crucial for our body?https://www.gaianaturelle.com/en/blog/msm-why-its-crucial-for-our-body.html Date of access: 2022/04/25
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Carol Eustice,2021/10,09, How MSM Might Help Your Arthritis, https://www.verywellhealth.com/msm-methylsulfonylmethane-supplement-for-arthritis-190079, Date of access: 2022/04/25
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Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD, Jay W.Marks, MD,1996-2022, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) Dietary Supplement, https://www.medicinenet.com/methylsulfonylmethane_msm-oral/article.htm#what_is_msm_methylsulfonylmethane__and_how_does_it_work_mechanism_of_action Date of access: 2021/04/25
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Eric Metcalf, MPH, 2020/03/26, Glutathione, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/glutathione-uses-risks Date of access: 2022/04/25
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Gaylordchemicalcompany,2022, DMSO Health & Safety, https://www.gaylordchemical.com/environmental-health-safety/dmso-health-safety/#:~:text=DMSO%20is%20also%20reported%20to,animal%2C%20plant%20and%20aquatic%20life. Date of access: 2022/04/25
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Author unknown, 2005-2022, Dimethylsulfoxide (Dmso) - Uses, Side Effects, and More, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-874/dimethylsulfoxide-dmso Date of access: 2022/04/25
