Before we dive into the benefits of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), lets take a quick look at this naturally occurring sulfur compound.
Sulfur is a naturally occurring mineral that has commonly been found near hot springs, in ancient times the waters were used to help treat skin disorders as well as the pain of arthritis. Although the ancients did not know that it was the minerals such as natural sulfur, magnesium, selenium, sodium, etc. found in the waters that was helping their topical skin conditions.
Fortunately, if you do not live near a hot spring you can get sulfur and natural minerals from dietary sources, topical creams, topical sprays, and internal supplements.
As we continue to research this compound, the benefits of methylsulfonylmethane are being better understood. MSM has been found in almost every cell of our body, and plays an important role in our cellular function.
We will look at the natural sources of MSM, how MSM can benefit your health, and why MSM is an important part of your daily routine.
Now let’s get into why you need to know about MSM, because MSM can improve your quality of life.
Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM, is a naturally occurring sulfur compound.
MSM has been used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, it reduces inflammation, helps keep joints flexible, and supports our connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles.
If you are looking to dietary sources to increase your intake of MSM, according to Mount Sinai sources of MSM are found in protein-rich foods, such as eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and legumes. Other good sources include garlic, onions, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, kale, and wheat germ.
The many benefits of MSM are believed to be because it acts as a biologically active sulfur donor, and many critical daily bodily processes rely on sulfur.
How can MSM help improve your quality of life?
As we learned sulfur is an effective treatment for skin conditions as it helps to alleviate the inflammation of the skin. MSM has also been scientifically shown to help reduce the pain and discomfort of osteoarthritis in the knee. MSM has also been shown to help with muscle recovery and can also help to boost your immune system.
Sulfur is also a component in the production of collagen and can help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. talked about above sulfur baths have been used to treat skin conditions, today we have MSM in topical creams that can be applied directly to the skin. Topical creams can be used to help alleviate joint pain, stiffness, and discomfort.
Studies have shown that MSM reduces inflammation in the body and has helped inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
MSM can help to support our joint health as it helps to preserve connective tissues such as cartilage. Cartilage is a connective tissue that acts as a cushion in our joints that can wear over time. MSM can help to support your cartilage and reduce the pain and inflammation experienced.
Research is still ongoing in understanding all the ways that MSM assists the body in reducing inflammation. What has been noted about MSM is that it appears to block inflammatory signals from being turned on by the body.
Due to its enhanced ability to penetrate membranes and permeate throughout the body, the full mechanistic function of MSM may involve a collection of cell types and is therefore difficult to elucidate. Results from in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that MSM operates at the crosstalk of inflammation and oxidative stress at the transcriptional and subcellular level. Due to the small size of this organosulfur compound, ... ~ PubMed
When the body senses stress it responds by sending signals that produce inflammation. It is believed that MSM has shown to block the activation signals from reaching the inflammatory markers so that the body does not produce the inflammation.
Because MSM acts as a sulfur donor and helps to support connective tissues, it can also help to strengthen your muscles.
MSM has shown to act as an anti-oxidant and can help to counteract oxidative stress that is associated with muscle soreness especially post workout in athletes and runners.
As we have talked about MSM has shown beneficial for our skin, it helps to reduce inflammatory skin conditions, and support structural fibers in the body. I have written more about how the benefits of MSM for your skin here.
Sulfur has long been associated with skin health because of its fundamental role in body processes. Including the synthesis of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and keratohyalin - the most abundant matrix molecules in the skin. ~ The Natural Medicine Journal
MSM has been found to be an integral part in the production of glutathione, the body's most powerful anti-oxidant. Because it can help stimulate the body's natural defenses MSM can help to boost your immune system.
Most commonly MSM methylsulfonylmethane is taken orally as a dietary supplement and can have some common side effects such as: nausea, diarrhea, headache, bloating, fatigue, insomnia, difficulty concentrating. ~ RX List
However, there are no known drug interactions and MSM is commonly regarded as safe. Even through it is generally regarded as safe it is always advised to check with your doctor or health care professional prior making and changes or taking any new supplements.
Many of the gastrointestinal discomforts can be avoided by applying MSM topically, or combining oral supplementation with a topical application of MSM.
MSM is vital to many biological processes that happen in the body. We have seen that MSM can support our muscles, our joints, and connective tissues. It can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints as well as reduce skin inflammation.
Because MSM is a very small molecule it is easily absorbed through the skin and penetrates into the muscles and joints allowing MSM to reduce inflammation, help support joints and tendons, reduce muscle pain and speed muscle recovery.
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