Sulphur as a Versatile Healer

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Sulphur as a Versatile Healer

_http://www.health-science-spirit.com/msm.html_

(http://www.health-science-spirit.com/msm.html)

by Walter Last

MSM or Methylsulfonylmethane occurs naturally in many fresh foods but is

lost during processing. Its main use in the body is for collagen synthesis,

forming skin, blood vessels, hair and nails. Its main benefit is to keep

cells, skin and blood vessels elastic, which is the attribute of youth. That

is why organic sulphur is often regarded as the beauty mineral. It keeps

cell walls permeable so that nutrients can freely flow into the cells and

wastes and toxins can easily be removed.

Amino acid chains are usually linked with each other through flexible

sulphur bridges. Also the oxidative energy production of cells requires reactive

sulphur compounds. Without sufficient organic sulphur as in the form of

MSM cells and body structures lose their elasticity and flexibility. The

result are the well-known signs of aging: inelastic skin with increasing

wrinkles, scar tissue, hardening arteries, varicose veins and also hardened

lungs

causing emphysema. Sufficient MSM is able to reverse these conditions to a

significant degree, including emphysema. It is believed that the MSM in

Aloe Vera is the active ingredient for repairing damaged skin.

MSM is used by athletes to increase stamina and minimise sore muscles. Its

use for this purpose is even more widespread with racehorses and

greyhounds. This effect may be mainly due to the ability of MSM to greatly

increase

the body's ability to eliminate metabolic residues, wastes and toxins from

the cells. In a similar way it appears to help those with chronic fatigue.

With this it also helps us to recuperate from severe physical and mental

exhaustion. MSM reduces the effects of stress and the incidence of stress

related deaths in animals.

MSM tends to reduce or eliminate allergic reactions to foods, chemicals

and inhaled allergens. It also reduces reactions to the bites of mosquitoes,

bees, poisonous spiders and snakes. It lessens inflammation, pain,

stiffness and swellings due to arthritis or from other musculoskeletal system

disorders and helps to normalize the blood chemistry in these conditions. It

also reduces inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes. MSM relieves leg

and back cramps and muscle spasms, be it after periods of inactivity (night

cramps) or during athletic activities.

Other conditions that often benefit from MSM supplementation are hot

flashes as well as discomfort due to the monthly cycle, also acne, asthma, back

pain, candida, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, diverticulitis,

gastro-intestinal ulcers, hypertension, inflammations of all kinds, itching

skin,

migraines, nausea, pain, stress, sunburn and wound healing. It should also be

helpful with other chronic degenerative or inflammatory conditions,

especially Alzheimer's disease, cancer, Crohn's disease, myasthenia gravis and

Parkinson's disease.

Fingernails and hair have a high sulphur content and generally improve

with MSM. It also reduces parasite infections in the intestinal and urogenital

tracts. MSM appears to normalize our mental condition. Individuals on MSM

tend to report increased alertness, reduced mood swings and less

depression. It seems to improve the immune system and the senses of taste and

smell.

In addition, it neutralizes the toxicity of anticholinesterase, thereby

providing protection against insecticide exposure or ingestion. It also aids

the liver in the detoxification of chemicals and, with this, is useful to

ease drug withdrawal symptoms.

The Oregon Health Service University demonstrated in many years of

clinical use that MSM

1. inhibits pain impulses along nerve fibres (analgesia),

2. lessens inflammation,

3. increases blood supply,

4. reduces muscle spasm,

5. softens scar tissue.

How to Use MSM

Unlike the related DMSO, MSM is a natural food ingredient and is free of

unpleasant taste and odour. It is reported to be completely safe even in very

high amounts. Because of its inert composition, it does not cause

allergies or undesirable pharmacological effects. It can even safely be used to

dilute blood. The body will use what it needs and remove any excess through

the kidneys. The water-soluble MSM is easily absorbed and provides a

therapeutically important source of organically bound sulphur.

The daily maintenance intake commonly ranges from 1 to 10 g in two or more

divided doses. Heavy individuals may go to the upper limit while

lightweight individuals may use about 5 g. However, try to adjust the dose

according

to your wellbeing or observed effects. You may use more or less of these

commonly used amounts. Initially I suggest starting with about 1 g and

increase the dosage only gradually to the full amount.

The reason for a slow increase is that MSM often causes some beneficial

but uncomfortable cleansing reactions. This may result in headaches, nausea,

diarrhea or weakness for a few days. If you are already on a high dose when

this happens, just reduce or stop the intake until it is over. Cleansing

reactions are a common and necessary part of effective natural healing

methods.

If you want to overcome a specific health problem faster you may

experiment temporarily with taking more than your usual maintenance dose. It is

often recommended to take one dose in the morning and another one in the

evening but I prefer to spread the intake more evenly during the day. You may

do

this by dissolving the daily amount in a glass of fruit juice or herb tea

and taking a sip now and then. The exact amount used each day is not

critical. You may equate a rounded teaspoonful of the fine, white crystals as

being approximately 5 g.

The benefit of MSM will be enhanced by a diet high in vitamin C or with

additional vitamin C supplements. You may also use MSM externally to carry

other nutrients or remedies into the skin. With arthritis or connective tissue

problems or generally for skin rejuvenation, you may dissolve glucosamine,

copper salicylate, sodium ascorbate, magnesium chloride and MSM in a small

amount of (warm) water and aloe vera gel and rub it into the affected

area.

The cheapest source of kilogram lots in the United States is

_www.bulkmsm.com_ (http://www.bulkmsm.com/) where you can also find more

information on

MSM. In Australia see _www.strideintohealth.com_

(http://www.strideintohealth.com/) . or phone Hopkins Saddlery at 08-8281 6555.

The best bulk buy is

in 1-3 kg lots mailed in an Express Post Satchel. In comparison 500 g lots

or capsules are very expensive.

Caution: Individuals with plenty of sulphur in their diet (e.g. from eggs

and onions) may not experience any benefits from using MSM supplements.

Furthermore, individuals who are sensitive to sulphites (often used as

preservative) also may react to MSM. This is usually due to a deficiency of

molybdenum and can be overcome with supplementation (try 500 mcg.)