MSM - The Miracle Supplement

By Bonnie Pockley

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is one of the most broadly applicable tonics for the body. While the name is overwhelming, MSM is simply an organic form of sulphur found in a normal human diet and used by the body in an extraordinary number of its processes. Sulphur is found in the hair, nails, skin and bones and is used broadly as an anti-inflammatory as well as a powerful device of detoxification and cell regeneration.

Entering the diet through the ‘sulphur cycle’, MSM is first released by plankton into the atmosphere, where ultraviolet light converts the mineral into Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO): the precursor to MSM. It then enters our soil and is absorbed by plant matter after it rains and through the consumption of fruits, vegetables and some plant grazing animals, becomes available to us as an important part of our natural mineral intake. Unfortunately, today’s mineral content of our soils is poor and sulphur is often found to be deficient in our diets and must, as a result, be supplemented. MSM is not only a component of many of the amino acid building blocks of our cells but by increasing the flexibility and permeability of the cell membrane, ensures its integrity. Such permeability also allows toxins that have built up inside the cell to be released.

MSM and its treatment of muscular and joint pain:
Not surprisingly, MSM is used in the treatment of muscular and joint pain. Without sufficient sulphur in the body, damaged tissue from injury or exercise can regenerate slowly causing a build up of scar tissue and rigid connective fibrous tissues. As the body’s natural defensive response, inflammation causes these cells to swell and pain and pressure result. MSM has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect by restoring the natural passage of fluid through the cell membrane, preventing its stagnation. Simultaneously, permeability of the cell membrane increases the level of nutrition to tissue. MSM supplementation has been effective in the treatment of rebuilding cartilage, ligaments and tendons in both the elderly and athletic and has being used by elite athletes for almost a decade to increase their performance and recovery time.

MSM and women:

The supplementation of MSM is of enormous benefit for women. Not only can MSM help prevent such degenerative conditions as Osteoporosis and Arthritis but its supplementation can be used to treat cellulite and to prevent ‘aging’. As sulphur is required for collagen synthesis and the development of the connective tissue fibres of bones, hair, teeth and skin it plays a significant role in promoting and maintaining their health. With more MSM in our diet our cells stay buoyant, clean of toxins and youthful! MSM is a powerful beauty tonic.


How to take MSM:

MSM can be taken in many ways. With a very low level of toxicity, MSM had been said to be as safe a drinking water. That said, MSM has a bitter taste and is better mixed with something else. A wonderful way of taking MSM is with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of honey diluted with hot water. The vinegar and honey mask the taste but mixed with MSM they create a powerful blood cleanser. Also add it to your favourite super-smoothie or to a glass of orange juice as vitamin C helps the body to assimilate MSM. Start with a tablespoon of MSM two to three times a day. After approximately 12 hours the body will flush out any excess MSM it doesn’t need so it is important to continue its supplementation.

MSM is available from Tonic Superfoods.