Joint Nutrients
MSM
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a natural form of sulphur found in living tissues.
MSM is made up of 34% sulphur, the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body.
MSM delivers sulphur to the body in a useable way to help maintain the structure
of connective tissues by forming cross-linkages through disulphide bonds. It is
needed for the structural integrity of joint cartilage and connective tissue, such
as skin, hair and nails.
Supplemental MSM helps to support healthy joints and connective tissues such as tendon,
cartilage, ligaments and muscle. Studies have also found that MSM helps to reduce stiffness
and swelling in joints, thus reducing pain and improving flexibility.
Other benefits of sulphur include improving the suppleness of skin and shininess of hair
and nails, which also become less prone to cracking and splitting.
MSM is widely used together in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin for effective
relief of joint pains. Many developed nations across the globe such as USA, UK, Europe,
Australia etc.
regularly observe very positive results in the treatment of Osteoarthritis when oral MSM
supplements are added to glucosamine and chondroitin nutritional therapy.
The Arthritis Foundation of America recommends starting with a low dosage of 500mg twice
a day, and increasing gradually to 1,000mg twice a day. After starting MSM, allow a
reasonable amount of time to notice any benefits.
Note:
MSM is an organic form of sulphur, whereas sulphites in foodstuffs are inorganic. Also,
many people have been told they are allergic to sulphur by their doctors.
The fact is, what the doctor generally means is that they are allergic to antibacterial
sulphonamides (sometimes called sulfa drugs). These are synthetic antimicrobial agents
that contain the sulphonamide group.
MSM has been found to be safe for most, even those with sulfa allergy. Do consult a
healthcare professional if you are unsure.