Sulfur is an important mineral found in every cell of plants and animals. It helps our bodies in many ways and is especially important for keeping us healthy. The best form of sulfur we can use is called methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM for short, not to be confused with MMS, which is the nickname associated with chlorine dioxide. MSM is a natural and safe supplement that comes from the ocean. Unlike its close cousin DMSO, MSM doesn’t have a bad smell or taste, and it doesn’t cause body odor or gas like other forms of sulfur.
Sulfur is found in large amounts in our muscles, skin, and bones. It helps make keratin, which is what gives our skin, hair, and nails strength. Sulfur is also needed to make collagen, which is the main part of cartilage and connective tissue that keeps our joints healthy. MSM gives our body the building blocks to make new, healthy cells and repair damaged ones. As we get older, the amount of MSM in our bodies gets lower, so taking MSM as a supplement is a good way to stay healthy.
How MSM Helps the Body
- Easing Pain and Reducing Inflammation
MSM is great for helping with pain caused by conditions like arthritis, joint pain, and swelling. Many people who take MSM notice that their pain goes away or gets much better. The amount of MSM you need depends on how bad your pain is. Some people take as little as 100 mg, while others take up to 5,000 mg a day.
- Healthy Joints with MSM and Glucosamine
If you have joint problems, MSM combined with glucosamine can help a lot. This combination helps reduce swelling, stiffness, and pain in conditions like osteoarthritis. MSM helps your body repair damaged cartilage, which makes your joints feel better and move more easily.
- Helping Muscles Recover and Reducing Cramps
MSM can help your muscles recover faster after exercise or hard physical work. It’s especially good for reducing muscle soreness and cramps. Athletes who take MSM before and after workouts often find that they don’t get as sore, and they recover faster. People who experience leg cramps at night, especially older adults, have also found relief by taking MSM regularly.
- Supporting Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails
Since sulfur is a big part of keratin, MSM is helpful for keeping your skin, hair, and nails strong and healthy. MSM supports the production of collagen and keratin, which can help make your skin look younger, your nails stronger, and your hair shinier.
- Repairing and Building Cells
MSM helps your body fix and rebuild cells, tissues, and organs. Taking MSM with food allows your body to send it to the places where it is needed most. If you combine MSM with vitamin C, it helps create new, healthy cells even faster.
- Eye Health
MSM can also be used in eye drops to eliminate cataracts and help with dry eyes, irritation, and inflammation, making your eyes feel more comfortable and clear.
- Muscle Strength
MSM can also help you get stronger muscles. It works by reducing inflammation and repairing muscle tissues. MSM can sometimes be the missing ingredient when the body’s muscles lack the strength and endurance they need. Debilitating diseases, such as Lyme disease, can deplete the body’s stores of MSM, leading to a general lack of muscle strength.
MSM and Diabetes: Balancing Blood Sugar
Studies have shown that MSM may help people with diabetes. It makes cells more flexible so that they can absorb sugar more easily. Taking 2,000 mg of MSM a day can help balance blood sugar levels by improving how well the pancreas works, which may lead to better blood sugar control.
One of the best things about MSM is that it’s very safe. Unlike some medicines, MSM doesn’t cause allergies or reactions. It’s a natural supplement that your body can use easily, making it safe for people of all ages. MSM can be a great way to improve your overall health, reduce pain, and support your body’s ability to heal.
The amount of MSM you need depends on your health and what you’re trying to treat. For general health, people usually take 1,000–2,000 mg a day. For more serious conditions like arthritis or diabetes, some people take up to 5,000 mg per day. It’s a good idea to start with a smaller amount and increase it gradually to avoid any digestive issues.
MSM is a safe, natural sulfur supplement with many health benefits. Whether you’re looking to reduce pain, improve joint health, boost your skin and hair, or help your body repair itself, MSM can be a valuable part of your daily routine. As you get older, supplementing with MSM can help you stay strong, healthy, and pain-free.