Health Benefits of MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
Posted by Jim Komara on
Methylsulfonylmethane, commonly known as MSM, is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in many plants. As a supplement, it has been touted as having numerous health benefits. Some of those benefits are related to its potential ability to reduce inflammation, ease joint pain and increase your body’s natural production of glucosamine and chondroitin – two compounds that are especially helpful for people with arthritis. Read on to learn more about the potential health benefits of methylsulfonylmethane.
Joint and Cartilage Health
Your joints and cartilage are made up of collagen, which is a protein that provides structure and support to your body’s connective tissues. As you age, your body’s production of collagen can slow down, which can lead to joint and cartilage deterioration. You may experience joint pain and stiffness, as well as a loss of mobility. Methylsulfonylmethane is thought to help with joint and cartilage health because it’s a precursor to chondroitin and glucosamine – two compounds that are especially helpful for people with arthritis. Chondroitin is a compound found naturally in your cartilage that’s thought to promote joint health. Studies have found that chondroitin is helpful for people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, and other joint disorders. Glucosamine is another compound found in your cartilage that’s thought to promote joint health and reduce joint pain.
Skin Health
Methylsulfonylmethane is also thought to promote skin health because of its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect your body from harmful free radicals, which are known to contribute to the aging process and various diseases. Some research has found that methylsulfonylmethane can increase collagen production in the skin and improve skin elasticity, which could make it useful in preventing wrinkles and other signs of aging. In addition to promoting skin health, methylsulfonylmethane has been shown to reduce signs of sun damage, such as wrinkles and age spots. One study found that applying topical methylsulfonylmethane to the skin was helpful in improving the appearance of aging skin.
Methylsulfonylmethane for Inflammation
Methylsulfonylmethane has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in rats. In humans, preliminary research has found that taking methylsulfonylmethane supplements may help reduce inflammation in people with arthritis. However, more research is needed to determine the potential benefits of methylsulfonylmethane for reducing inflammation. The amount of methylsulfonylmethane that’s needed to reduce inflammation in humans has yet to be determined, which means that we don’t know how much you would need to take in order to see results.
Other Potential Benefits
In addition to potentially promoting joint and skin health, methylsulfonylmethane may also be helpful for treating certain gastrointestinal disorders. Some research suggests that methylsulfonylmethane could be helpful for treating ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Methylsulfonylmethane may also be useful for preventing diseases that are associated with increased oxidative stress, such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Though more research is needed to determine the potential long-term benefits of methylsulfonylmethane for these health conditions.
How to Get the Most Out of Methylsulfonylmethane
Before taking methylsulfonylmethane supplements, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your health history and current medications. This can help you determine if methylsulfonylmethane is right for you and let you know how much you should take. Be sure to also follow any specific dosage instructions your doctor gives you. If you’re wondering how much methylsulfonylmethane you should take, keep in mind that it’s important to get the right amount. Taking too much methylsulfonylmethane could cause gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and nausea. Methylsulfonylmethane may also increase your risk for developing allergic reactions.
Side Effects of Methylsulfonylmethane
Taking methylsulfonylmethane supplements may cause mild side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache and rash. In rare cases, it may also cause allergic reactions in some people. If you experience any side effects after taking methylsulfonylmethane, you should stop taking the supplement and talk with your doctor. It’s also important to note that certain people shouldn’t take methylsulfonylmethane. This includes pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. Young children shouldn’t take methylsulfonylmethane supplements, either. This is because the long-term effects of taking methylsulfonylmethane in young children haven’t been studied yet
Conclusion
Methylsulfonylmethane is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in many plants. It’s been touted as having numerous health benefits, such as promoting joint and skin health and reducing inflammation. Research has found that methylsulfonylmethane may increase collagen production in the skin and improve skin elasticity. It may also be helpful for treating certain gastrointestinal disorders. Before taking methylsulfonylmethane supplements, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your health history and current medications. You should also follow any specific dosage instructions your doctor gives you. It’s important to get the right amount of methylsulfonylmethane, as taking too much can cause side effects.