It’s no secret that taking care of our bodies and minds is of utmost importance, especially with the hustle of everyday life. But what if there was a potent nutritional supplement out there that could provide numerous health benefits in an easy, efficient package? Well, the good news is that there is: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural, organic sulfur-based compound that has been gaining significant popularity in the health and wellness world lately, and with good reason. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the benefits of MSM, so you can discover its power on your health and wellbeing.
What is Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)?
Is a sulfur-containing organic compound found in natural sources such as fish, meat, and some fruits and vegetables. It is also known as methyl sulfone, dimethyl sulfone, or DMSO2. MSM is commonly used as a supplement to support joint health, reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress.
Proponents of using MSM point to studies showing its potential for reducing arthritis pain and stiffness. One study showed that muscle soreness was significantly reduced in 66% of volunteers after taking MSM supplements daily for four weeks. A separate study reported reduced soreness and increased range of motion in 70% of participants after taking MSM for eight weeks. Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests that MSM may reduce oxidative damage from UV radiation and improve skin health.
With an increasing amount of research focusing on understanding the potential benefits of dietary supplementation with MSM, it appears clear that there may be many possible health benefits associated with taking it in supplemental form. As we explore these potential benefits further in the next section, let us consider how supplementation with MSM might help us achieve optimal health goals.
Benefits of MSM Supplementation
The main advantage associated with MSM supplementation is improved joint flexibility and reduced joint pain. Many athletes have reported that consuming MSM as a supplement helps them feel less stiff and sore during training sessions. Additionally, several studies have demonstrated that MSM can help reduce pain in the joints of people suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis. Most notably, a study by Wu et al. found that subjects with severe symptoms of osteoarthritis who took 3-5 grams of MSM daily noticed a significant reduction in joint pain compared to those who received placebo treatment.
Furthermore, there is evidence that MSM may also help improve mental clarity and focus due to its antioxidant properties which are believed to protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Reduction in Joint Pain and Inflammation
The benefits associated with MSM supplementation include the potential reduction in joint pain and inflammation. Studies have demonstrated that MSM supplementation can lead to improvements in knee and hip joint pain, as well as decrease inflammation associated with swelling due to exercise. For instance, a 2011 study found that taking 1500mg of MSM daily resulted in an improvement in range of motion, flexibility and quality of life for people suffering from osteoarthritis1.
The anti-inflammatory properties of MSM also provide some promising benefits when used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, as suggested by research. However, not all studies agree on the efficacy of using MSM as a treatment option when it comes to painful joint conditions; more research is needed to fully understand the effects of taking MSM supplements in reducing joint pain and inflammation.
As you can see, there seems to be evidence supporting the use of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for reducing joint pain and inflammation. Because this is a key part of overall health, it is important to consider incorporating MSM into your routine if your health professional suggests it could be beneficial for you.
Having discussed the potential benefits that Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) may have on reducing joint pain and inflammation, now let us turn our attention to how those same benefits may support your body’s connective tissue repair processes.
Support for Connective Tissue Repair
Besides being a huge benefit for relieving joint pain and inflammation, MSM may also support connective tissue repair. Preliminary research in laboratory settings has shown that the sulfur found in MSM may aid in the formation of collagen, which is a vital component for any connective tissue, including skin, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. One study reported improvement of skin moisture content, firmness, and elasticity after consuming MSM orally. MSM may also help support tendons and ligaments by improving their flexibility and elasticity as well as assisting with wound healing when applied externally. When combined with glucosamine sulfate, some animal studies also suggest that it could reduce the development of osteoarthritis.
The potential benefits of MSM to support connective tissue repair are promising, though again more research is needed to establish its effectiveness in a human clinical setting. Its role as an agent for supporting tissue repair in humans is important, but the evidence is growing that supplementation with it can assist in this process. With this established knowledge of its supportive qualities for connective tissue repair, it’s no wonder that MSM is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative supplement among people looking to naturally enhance their overall health and well-being.
Immune System Support
The immune system is responsible for defending the body against foreign invaders and protecting us from disease. While the effects of MSM on the immune system are still being researched, current studies suggest that MSM may provide some benefit. Animal studies have shown that when mice were given MSM supplements, they experienced a reduction in cytokine levels and improved immune function. Additionally, human trials have demonstrated short-term improvements in allergic response, which indicates an enhancement in immunity.
On the other hand, controversy exists among researchers regarding MSM and its potential role in immune support. Some scientists argue that high doses of MSM can reduce overall immunocompetence, citing that the lack of scientific evidence supporting such claims renders this hypothesis invalid.
Increased Bone Strength
MSM has been known to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and these benefits can be extended to joint health and bone strength when it is taken orally as a dietary supplement. Some studies have found that taking oral MSM supplements could prevent age-related muscular degeneration in bones, which may lead to improved health of joints and improved flexibility. Additionally, it has been reported that MSM supplementation could help enhance the synthesis of collagen which then aids in reinforcing bones. A study conducted by researchers at Columbia University in 2011 revealed that patients who took oral MSM supplements experienced an increased flow of new collagen fibers in the articular cartilage of their knee joints, indicating the potential for improved joint flexibility and better overall bone strength.
On the flip side, there are some reports out there that present inconclusive or even conflicting results regarding MSM’s direct effects on bone health. Each individual is different and may respond differently to this supplement. It is best to ask your physician if MSM supplementation is right for you before starting any oral supplement regimen.
Hopefully, this overview of the effects of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) on bone strength has given you a better understanding of how it may benefit your overall health. Now let’s explore how you can incorporate MSM into your diet through supplementation – whether it be through powders or capsules.
Methods of MSM Supplementation
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing compound found naturally in some foods and in small amounts in the human body. When supplemented, MSM has been linked to many health benefits, including increased bone strength. There are numerous methods of supplementation available for consuming MSM, each with its own set of pros and cons.
One method of supplementation is to consume MSM through oral capsules. This is one of the most convenient ways to take MSM supplements and there are no significant risks associated with consuming this method of supplementation. However, as MSM must be digested during the process, it can take some time to feel its effects. Additionally, the amount of MSM that can be absorbed in this method may also be limited.
The second popular method of taking MSM supplements is by drinking or eating food-grade organic sulfur crystals or flakes that have been dissolved in water or juice. This method is more cost-effective as fewer crystals are required compared to capsules and they also dissolve faster than capsules. Also, crystal forms of MSM tend to be almost immediately absorbed into the body due to their water solubility. On the other hand, some people may find it difficult to dissolve and swallow large quantities of crystals or flakes; therefore, using premeasured capsules could be easier for some users.
A third recommended supplementation method is through topical application such as lotions or creams. This enables direct absorption of sulfur molecules into the skin without passing through the digestive system thus potentially enhancing the effectiveness and bioavailability of MSM supplementation over oral capsules. However, according to research, there is no consistent evidence demonstrating that topical application provides better results than other methods. Additionally, topical application can also cause skin irritations if not used properly.
Overall, research indicates that any combination of these different methods can lead to several potential benefits offered by MSM supplementation; however, users should consider all their options carefully before making a decision about which method is best for their needs. Ultimately there are benefits from both oral capsules and crystal forms, though topically applied lotions have not been proven to be superior to other methods for providing additional health benefits from supplementation with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
