There are no miracles when it comes to health, but there is a supplement that borders on the “miraculous” because studies have confirmed that it helps reduce inflammation, combat the effects of stress and pain, increase immunity and increase levels of energy. Is he MSM supplement.
What is MSM supplement
MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane. Methylsulfonylmethane is the oxidized form of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), an organic sulfur compound (also known as an organosulfur compound) formed from lignans. It is also known as dimethylsulfone (methylsulfone) or DMSO2.
This sulfur-containing organic compound is found naturally in some green vegetables and other food products, as well as in the human body, many animals, and milk. It is also a natural substance made from phytoplankton in the oceans.
When commercially prepared, it is used to make a popular joint health supplement due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Many benefits of MSM dietary supplements are attributed to its biologically active sulfur, which is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. Sulfur is needed for many different critical bodily functions every day, and MSM is considered a sulfur donor.
In dietary supplement form, it is often used in conjunction with other ingredients that support joint health and connective tissue healing, including dimethyl sulfide and DMSO sulphone, glucosamine/chondroitin, and boswellic acid.
Types of MSM Supplements
There are several types of MSM supplements available:
- powder form
- cream/lotion form
- gel form
- Pill/tablet form
- liquid eye drops
- Crystals
It is most often available in powder form. You can find it in powdered supplement mixes, such as green powders or digestive aids. MSM powder is believed to be the most absorbable type.
Try simply adding it to water (usually around 16 ounces per serving).
Be aware that many MSM supplements contain by-products and synthetic fillers. You want to look for an organic brand that sells “100% Naturally Sourced MSM.”
MSM Supplement Benefits
MSM is used to help treat literally dozens of illnesses, painful symptoms, and illnesses.
For example, research suggests that the benefits of MSM They include improving immune function, reducing chronic inflammation, and helping to restore healthy body tissue.
Treats osteoarthritis and joint pain
A well-researched benefit of MSM is that it helps decrease joint inflammation, improves flexibility, and restores collagen production. It can help build connective tissue and repair joints, tendons, and ligaments.
A clinical trial testing the effects of MSM supplementation on joint pain in 118 patients with osteoarthritis (such as the knee) found that compared to a placebo, MSM supplementation taken for 12 weeks resulted in more improvements in joint pain. pain, swelling and joint mobility. The MSM supplements were given at a dose of 500 milligrams three times a day along with glucosamine (they were also taken at a dose of 500 milligrams three times a day).
Improves digestive problems
MSM can help rebuild the lining of the digestive tract and reduce inflammatory responses in response to allergic reactions to certain foods.
It is also useful in helping treat leaky gut syndrome, as it can help prevent particles from leaking out of the intestine through small junctional openings, where they can enter the bloodstream and trigger an inflammatory response. This is due in part to the sulfur in an MSM supplement, which is important for digestion.
Also, MSM supplements seem to help treat hemorrhoids, according to the studies. Applying a gel containing MSM together with tea tree oil can reduce pain and inflammation caused by hemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels in the rectum that make it difficult to go to the bathroom without pain and bleeding).
Helps skin conditions
Some research shows that applying topical cream containing MSM and silymarin helps reduce inflammation that contributes to rosacea, skin discoloration, allergies, or slow wound healing. The MSM can help improve skin tonereducing redness, relieving sensitivity, and treating other symptoms associated with rosacea, as MSM inhibits inflammation.
Using an MSM Supplement It helps us preserve precious collagen and keratin because sulfur is required for the production of these “youthful” compounds. We lose collagen and healthy tissue as we age, which is exactly why our skin tone and elasticity suffer.
Decreases muscle pain/spasms and improves recovery from exercise
Here’s good news if you’re someone who’s regularly active but suffers from muscle pain: Research suggests MSM can act as a natural pain relieverhelping to prevent and treat muscle aches and pains, heart palpitations and swelling while improving range of motion and mobility.
How does MSM stop muscle pain and damage? It returns to the role of sulfur in the body, which is largely stored within the tissues that make up our muscles and joints.
Restores hair growth
Struggling with thinning hair or baldness as you age? Good news: MSM has been shown to help increase collagen and keratin levels, two nutrients that we absolutely need to form new hair (and also rebuild nail and skin cells).
Helps the body adapt to stress
Have you ever heard of “adaptive herbs” or supplements that help control how the body deals with stress? MSM works in a similar way, as it increases our ability to heal and recover from exercise, stressful events, injuries, and even surgeries.
Taking it before exercise, such as running, appears to reduce muscle damage and other markers of stress. It can also decrease the fatigue felt after exercise and stressful events and support an upbeat mood, energy levels, and normal digestion.
MSM can help reduce allergies
Because studies show that it can help reduce inflammation and decrease the release of cytokines and prostaglandins, this supplement may be helpful in managing allergic reactions.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that it can help reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which can include itching, congestion, shortness of breath, sneezing, and coughing.
MSM Supplement Uses
Some of the more common uses of MSM include the treatment of:
- Chronic joint pain (osteoarthritis, joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Leaky Gut Syndrome and Autoimmune Disorders
- Osteoporosis and susceptibility to bone fractures
- Bursitis, tendonitis, development of scar tissue, and other musculoskeletal pain
- allergies and asthma
- fungal infections
- Muscle cramps
- Constipation, ulcers, upset stomach, indigestion
- Stretch marks
- Hair loss
- eye inflammation
- Bad circulation
- high blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Skin problems including wrinkles, sunburn (offers some protection from ultraviolet light/windburn), wounds, cuts, skin abrasions
- Oral infections, toothache, gum disease/periodontal disease
- PMS symptoms (cramps, headaches, water retention, indigestion)
The three uses for which MSM has gained the most notoriety include: acting as an antiatherosclerotic (preventing hardening/thickening of the arteries), a chemopreventive compound, and a natural anti-inflammatory.
MSM appears to help the body’s natural free radical scavenging abilities, meaning it reduces oxidative stress, as well as the many ailments that come with it.
It is an effective anti-inflammatory because it blocks the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and down-regulates certain harmful signals sent by the immune system that can affect the entire body.
Dosage to take of the MSM supplement
How much MSM do you need or should you use? The FDA does not recognize a Recommended Dietary Allowance for an MSM supplement or for the sulfur (it contains), because as of yet there are no proven symptoms of sulfur deficiency described in the medical literature.
So the dose you’ll want to take depends on what you’re using MSM for and your current health status.
Generally, 500 milligrams of MSM, taken two to three times a day, is the recommended starting dose to treat osteoarthritis. For example, a study mentioned above gave participants 1,200 milligrams daily for 12 weeks.
Other reports show that up to three to six grams of MSM per day (usually divided into three doses) appears to be safe and well tolerated.