Overview
Methylsulfonylmethane, also known as MSM, occurs naturally in a
variety of foods. It’s a sulfur containing organic compound with
reputed pain relieving and disease prevention properties. MSM is
a member of the DMSO family, which was widely used as an
arthritis pain reliever some years ago and has a number of
therapeutic uses.
Research into the
nature and properties of MSM has yielded promising results. In a
number of studies, MSM has been effective in relieving pain,
reducing inflammation and may prevent the regrowth of tumors.
Because of its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties,
MSM taken with glucosamine is often prescribed for patients
recovering from joint replacement, or suffering from
degenerative arthritis.
What
MSM Does:
Because
MSM contains nearly 85% of the sulfur found in the human body,
it is one of the main supports in the formation of healthy
connective tissues. MSM provides the chemicals needed to form
collagen, of which connective tissues are made. In addition, it
is essential for healthy hair, nails and skin. The sulfur found
in MSM activates and helps the body utilize a number of other
important nutrients, including vitamins C, B1, B5 and biotin.
Health
Benefits of MSM:
MSM is
one of the active ingredients of DMSO, an organic compound with
a long history of research to support its use in treating
deterioration of the connective tissues, arthritis, skin
conditions and some autoimmune disorders. Because MSM contains
the ingredients the body uses to form skin and nails (elastin
and collagen), it is an effective treatment for acne, psoriasis
and other skin problems, and there is a great deal of anecdotal
evidence to support its role in growing healthy hair and nails.
Degenerative Arthritis
MSM
helps to stabilize the connective tissues found in cartilage,
tendons and ligaments and also appears to have an
anti-inflammatory action to reduce pain and swelling.
(Dr. Sarah Brewer, MD)
MSM has
been proven effective in tandem with glucosamine in rebuilding
cartilage and other tissues that are damaged by degenerative
arthritis. In addition, it offers pain relief and reduces
inflammation which hampers healing.
Seasonal
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay fever)
In one
study, patients taking MSM supplements reported relief from hay
fever symptoms. Those taking a placebo showed no improvement.
The dosage in the study was 2600 mg daily, and duration of
treatment was six weeks.
Prevents
Autoimmune diseases
Two
animal-based studies using animals that were genetically
susceptible to autoimmune disease suggest that MSM may play a
role in preventing the development of immune system disorders.
Scientists suggest research using humans subjects to confirm
this promising use of MSM.
Prevents
Onset of Colon and Breast Cancer
Separate
research studies using animals suggest strongly that MSM may
help prevent the formation of tumors and cancerous cells.
Possible
Side Effects of MSM
A 30-day
study of MSM supplementation at a dosage of 2600 mg per day
revealed no adverse side effects. The adverse effects of long
term supplementation with MSM has not been studied, but there
are no reports of adverse side effects of MSM in popular or
anecdotal literature.
Summary
MSM is
effective in treating the pain and swelling associated with
degenerative arthritis and other disorders of the connective
tissues. When taken in tandem with glucosamine, MSM can actually
help repair and restore the damage done to the ligaments, bones
and cartilage. It has also been proven effective in the
treatment of interstitial cystitis, and can reduce the severity
of hay fever.
Besides
the clinically supported claims for MSM, there’s a large body of
anecdotal and testimonial evidence to support the use of MSM
supplements for treatment of headache, eczema, acne, thinning
hair, unhealthy nails and skin, colon cancer, and sports
injuries.
In the
absence of long term side effects, doctors often recommend
glucosamine with MSM for treatment of joint and arthritis pain.
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