Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural substance found in the human body in quantities of approximately 0.2 parts per million. It is the natural source of 85% of sulfur found in all living organisms, plants, as well as milk. The health food industry promotes it as a supplement to your daily diet, stating it is a natural source of sulfur. Sulfur is needed in our bodies for good health. Under normal conditions and eating habits, our bodies maintain the right amount, but sometimes we may be lacking MSM and could benefit from taking supplements.
Arthritis
The most common use for MSM is for osteoarthritis, a condition where cartilage in the joints breaks down and disrupts the smooth gliding motion of the joints. Taking MSM, along with glucosamine, can improve arthritis symptoms. MSM has also been suggested for rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease where the system starts attacking the cartilage in the joints. The recommended dose is 1,500 mg per day to help with the pain, as well as rebuilding the damage to the cartilage.
Seasonal Allergies
MSM reduces the symptoms of hay fever and common allergies. MSM is safe to use on a short term basis for seasonal allergies; however, for most allergy sufferers, it's advisable to use over-the-counter allergy medicine. MSM works on a par with traditional antihistamine treatments. There are no known side effects from using MSM, which makes it a viable alternative to allergy medicines that can leave you feeling drowsy.
Digestive Troubles
People who have excessive stomach acid can take MSM on a daily basis to relieve the symptoms, instead of using antacids and histamine antagonists to treat hyper-acidity. A daily dose between 100 mg and 500 mg can also relieve problems for people with chronic constipation.
Chemo-preventative Agent
The Ohio State University College of Medicine conducted a study that showed that rats given MSM took longer to get breast cancer than rats that were not treated. Another test by the university used the same methods for colon cancer and found the same results: MSM lengthens the time for onset of tumors.
Other Uses
Since the year 2000, doctors have started to see benefits from using MSM as part of their treatment regime. MSM helps maintain the body's supply of sulfur, and is being used for a wide variety of things. Multiple sclerosis patients use it because of sulfur's importance in the regeneration of bodily tissues, while others claim it is good for healthier nails and hair.
Tags: cartilage joints, from using, natural source, natural source sulfur, source sulfur