Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is a natural sulfur compound that may have several health benefits. The practice of taking MSM supplements is growing in popularity, and this supplement could help lower inflammation, lower joint pain, boost immune system health, enhance the appearance of the skin, and more.
MSM is also referred to as dimethyl sulfone. This sulfur compound occurs naturally in animals, humans, and many plants. MSM is odorless and is the irreversible oxidation product of the compound dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). As such, MSM is also known as crystalline DMSO and dimethyl sulfone. MSM releases its sulfur to form the collagen and keratin of the hair and nails. It also produces the essential amino acids methionine, cysteine, and serum protein in the process as well.
Furthermore, it plays a role in producing glucosamine and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also help maintain hormonal balance. In addition, MSM may be able to reduce or suppress the response of certain hormone receptors and boost liver health by detoxifying heavy metals from the body.
Sulfur is an essential dietary compound that plays a vital role in the maintenance of normal bodily functions and the integrity of connective tissues. As a sulfur source, MSM provides several important health benefits.
MSM is most commonly used to reduce joint or muscle pain. Joint degeneration is a common source of pain in the knees, back, hands, and hips, and MSM has been shown to help alleviate this health issue. Studies suggest that MSM is effective at reducing joint pain by significantly reducing inflammation in the body. Also, studies show that a MSM supplement can prevent the breakdown of the cartilage that safeguards the ends of your bones in joints.
The findings of one study, published in the International Journal of Biomedical Science, found that a supplement containing 1,200 mg of MSM for 12 weeks decreased pain, stiffness, and joint swelling. This is in comparison to placebo. The participants included 100 males and females over 50 years old with at least one of the related symptoms of joint degeneration.
Scientific research backs the anti-inflammatory benefit of MSM supplements. Findings suggest that MSM inhibits NF-kB, a protein complex thatās active in inflammatory responses in the body. Also, it decreases the production of cytokines like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-É) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). These are signaling proteins that are connected to systemic inflammation.
Furthermore, MSM supplements can boost levels of glutathione, which is a potent antioxidant that your body produces.
The findings of a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine reveal that taking 3 grams of MSM before exhaustive exercise can decrease the release of inflammatory cytokines and prevent the over-stress of immune cells. This study involved 40 physically active men.
Another benefit of an MSM supplement is that it can help speed up your recovery after a rigorous exercise activity. Exhaustive exercise can cause muscle damage and increase oxidative stress. This can lead to muscle soreness and pain and hinder athletic performance and training, especially in athletes.
One study found that taking 50 mg of MSM powder per kg of body weight for 10 days greatly decreased exercise-induced muscle damage and boosted antioxidant activity after an 8.7-mile run.
Arthritis, a common inflammatory condition, causes symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion in your joints. As a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, MSM supplements can be used to improve arthritis symptoms.
In one study, involving participants with knee osteoarthritis, researchersā findings indicated that taking 3.4 grams of MSM a day for 12 weeks, minimized pain and stiffness and boosted the physical function of participants. Additionally, it enhanced the effectiveness of other arthritis supplements, like glucosamine sulfate.
Common symptoms of allergy rhinitis include itching, watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Allergen exposure can trigger the release of various inflammatory substances, like cytokines and prostaglandins, that cause these symptoms. MSM could potentially be effective in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Research findings suggest that a dose of 2,600 mg of MSM a day for over 30 days reduced allergy symptoms such as congestion, itching, sneezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Furthermore, participants experienced an energy boost as well.
Another benefit of MSM supplements is that they may boost immune system health. Your bodyās immune system is constantly working to fight off illnesses and diseases, in an attempt to protect your health. Factors like stress and poor diet can negatively impact your immune system by weakening it. MSM can positively affect the health of your immune system in a few ways.
It can effectively reduce oxidative stress and inflammation which can weaken your immunity. This is possible because MSM supplements can decrease levels of inflammatory compounds, such as IL-6 and TNF-É. Also, MSM is involved in the creation of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant in the body that plays a role in immune system function.
Research findings suggest that MSM may help boost your immune system through the reduction of inflammation and an increase in glutathione levels.
The primary structural component of skin, hair, and nails is keratin, a protein. Keratin is made up of high amounts of the sulfur-containing amino acid, cysteine. MSM supplements may have the potential to be beneficial for skin health by playing a role as a sulfur donor to keratin. As such, it could help strengthen this critical protein. Since MSM is a potent anti-inflammatory compound, it can reduce inflammation that can contribute to skin cell damage and the development of wrinkles.
According to one study, as a topical application to the skin, MSM can greatly improve itching, redness, hydration, inflammation, and skin color in people experiencing rosacea. This is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that makes your skin look flushed or red.
Limited research findings suggest that MSM supplement benefits extend to fighting cancer cells. It has the potential to prevent the growth of cancer cells by damaging cancer cell DNA and triggering cancer cell death. Additionally, MSM may also prevent the spread of cancer cells.
In one animal study, published in the World Journal of Hepatology, MSM was administered to some mice with liver cancer and not others. Those that had MSM had fewer tumors, smaller tumor size, and less liver damage compared to the others.
Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS) is the non-Addison's form of adrenal dysfunction, where the body's stress response cannot keep up with life's chronic stressors. Cortisol is a crucial feature of AFS. Your bodyās adrenal glands respond to stress by releasing hormones. However, these hormones are designed to return to a normal state when the stress is over. When chronic stress occurs, your adrenal glands are not able to keep up with the high demand for stress hormones. As such, an imbalance in the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response system occurs. This results in the development of several symptoms, including but not limited to tiredness and ongoing fatigue, depression, irritability, and foggy thinking.
MSM supplements may help to lessen ongoing inflammation caused by chronic stress. As such, MSM can help boost the Inflammation Circuit that is working overtime to react to constant stress.
There are different forms of MSM supplements available on the market. These include:
With regard to the downsides of MSM, this supplement appears to be mostly safe, with the exception of for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding as there isn't enough information about it in this situation at this time.
Itās safe to take 6 grams of MSM by mouth for six months or less. The side effects of MSM supplements shown in studies are minimal. Some persons may experience mild gastrointestinal side effects, including discomfort or diarrhea. Be advised that in animal studies, very high doses caused organs to shrink and could be dangerous. Also, MSM may build up in the body over time.
In terms of interaction, at present, there doesnāt appear to be any known interaction between MSM and foods, herbs, medications, or supplements.
MSM is a compound that is beneficial for your overall health and wellness in several ways. It may have benefits for your skin, joint pain, allergy symptoms, inflammation, and much more. MSM supplements also appear to have few side effects. However, before you take a new supplement it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor first.
For helpful information and guidance on MSM use, the team at Dr. Lam Coaching can help. We offer a free, no-obligation phone consultation at +1 (626) 571-1234 where we will privately discuss your symptoms and various options. You can also send us a question through our Ask The Doctor system by clicking here.
There are eight especially notable benefits of MSM. MSM may help reduce inflammation and joint pain, boost immune system health, improve allergy symptoms, fight cancer, enhance skin health, aid exercise recovery, and alleviate arthritis symptoms.
