Well Womens guide to the Benefits of MSM

This is a pure and beneficial form of organic sulphur, a naturally occurring nutrient found in every living organism.

It is not related to common sulphurs, sulphates or sulphites which are irritants, and is not yellow as people always think of sulphur.

In its purest form, it is white crystals and is a naturally occurring mineral.

In his book Eating for Beauty, David Wolfe discusses the beautifying effects of MSM. He describes it as "producing a flame like tint in the skin and creating a subtle lustre as delicate as the halo around the full moon on a clear desert evening."

MSM is found in the oceans, rain water, and all living things and is also found in the amino acids, methionine, taurine, cysteine and cystine.

MSM is a beneficial dietary supplement of sulphur. It’s toxicity rating is the same as water, and it has the lowest levels of toxicity in biology. It can safely be taken in accordance with the instructions on the bottle with other medications, although it is always recommended that a doctor be consulted before you take anything in addition to your prescription medication.

It is best to start with the lowest dose and build up. The lowest recommended beneficial amount of 1500mg per day, in 2 or three doses, although in my research I have found people taking as much as 10,000mg quite safely in the specific treatment of arthritis although it also benefits skin, hair and nails.

Indeed, scientific tests where doses of 8g per kilogram of body weight have been used and still no after effects were seen. This goes to prove how safe the product is. Particular benefit is to be had if a high dose of vitamin C (2000mg) is also taken alongside.

It can take as long as 2 months to see a result, but this is the case with all supplements and is probably the reason people give up. Please remember that you need to take any supplement for at least 2-4 months before you will feel benefits as the body needs to absorb and use the nutrient over a period of time. Many people give up after their first bottle of supplements (one months supply) because they are not feeling the effects and deem them a waste of money.

It is the vital component in the formation of keratin, collagen and elastin, giving flexibility, tone and strength to our muscles, bones, joints, internal membranes, skin, hair and nails. It is also a free radical scavenger

MSM can give a relief of swelling, inflammation and pain and symptoms of arthritis and research has shown that sufferers improved their symptoms.

Our skin hair and nails contain sulphur, and it is this you can smell if you have ever burnt your hair. It benefits skin hair and nails and has a beautifying effect on them as it smoothes the skin because of its collagen building effects, strengthens hair and nails and causes acceleration of hair growth, promoting lustre. It is an essential component of all connective tissue.

David Wolfe states in his book Eating for Beauty that sulphur is the most beautifying of all nutrients and is the best cosmetic in the world!

Sulphur can clear acne sometimes in a matter of weeks. It's effects are accelerated by adding Vitamin C such as Camu Camu powder or capsules.

Due to processed food, farming techniques etc, it is now thought that we have become deficient in this very important mineral and that the amount now in our diet is negligible. Therefore it is recommended that a daily supplement is taken.

In patients taking this supplement over a long period of say 20 years, there are no known side effects.

Who does it benefit?

MSM benefits all of us but especially those suffering from arthritis and joint problems and inflammation, migraine sufferers and also athletes in reducing or even eliminating muscle cramps.

It is also beneficial in reducing wrinkles, promoting strong hair, skin and nails, and for this reason alone, is recommended for women from an anti aging prevention aspect. It supports the immune system so is beneficial for those needing immune support and for allergy sufferers suffering from respiratory congestion, inflammation and discharge of mucus. It also assists the liver in producing additional choline, assists in increasing the body’s ability to produce insulin, assists in the metabolism of carbohydrates and general well being, including mental alertness and wound healing.

Sulfur regulates the balance of sodium and potassium in our cells. It relieves pain and inflammation and is detoxifying. It also helps stabilise blood sugar and reduces lactic acid build up reducing cramps.

It also helps in allieviating allergies.

MSM is also available as a lotion for topical application and Raw Gaia also do an MSM Beauty Spray which has amazing skin reconstructive abilities.

It is best to take the powder, starting with a low dose of a teaspoon and building up to around 2-3 tablespoons a day. It is best consumed in water so dissolve the powder in a glass of water.

Sulphur is rich in many foods but cooking will destroy it. It can be found in: Garlic, onion, mustard, horseradish, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, radishes, watercress, spirulina, maca, pumpkin seeds, kale, rocket, hemp seeds and chilli peppers.

Eating an abundance of these foods in their raw state is also beneficial for their sulphur residues. Overeating will cause gas in the intestine, so combine with oils to "soften" the effect as will combining sulfur foods with a salty vegetable like spinach celery or chard.

All in all MSM is a beneficial and much needed supplement. The powder form is best although tablets and capsules are available. I feel the results obtained from dissolving the powder or crystals into water twice a day are excellent. It is best consumed in the morning and early afternoon as taking in the evening can produce unwanted energising effects so close to bedtime.

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