MSM: Natural Pain Relief

by D.M. Murdock

The natural substance MSM, short for methylsulfonylmethane, is known to have a pronounced effect on pain relief and to increase the youthfulness of the skin, hair and other tissues. For the reasons that it therefore reduces overall stress and improves overall health, it may be suggested that MSM also has some effect on longevity, possibly extending life. MSM is found abundantly in all living organisms, both plant or animal, but quickly dissipates after death, a fact that clearly indicates an important role in longevity.

"Sulfur is the sixth most abundant macromineral in breast milk and the third most abundant mineral based on percentage of total body weight."

Naturally occurring in living creatures, including edible plants and animals, MSM - a sulfur compound and nutrient - begins to dissipate shortly after shortly after the plant is picked or the animal slaughtered. In other words, the fresher the food the more MSM it will contain. Obtaining enough of this nutrient, therefore, may be difficult, so supplementation is frequently recommended.

Many people testify that MSM is very effective in reducing pain, including and especially joint pain and arthritis. An added "side effect" has been the improvement of skin texture, which would indicate an overall improvement of health. Since the stress of pain is a factor in decreasing longevity it may be argued that the quality of life produced by MSM has a positive effect on longevity. In other words, the nutrient MSM can be viewed as a general tonic to increase health and, therefore, lifespan.

Relief from pain may be created with the consumption of 1-2 grams (1,000-2,000 mg.) of MSM, once or twice daily. Hair and skin health may be maintainable at 1 gram per day.

The healthier you are, the longer you may live.

In early 2006, a study using MSM to treat knee osteoarthritis was published.65 Another study of MSM's possible effects on knee osteoarthritis was published in late 2005 and concluded, "MSM (3g twice a day) improved symptoms of pain and physical function during the short intervention without major adverse events."65

MSM has been used for the following ailments and illnesses:

• allergies
• rhinitis
• pain
• inflammation
• arthritis
• parasitic infections
• hair
• skin
• nails

Side Effects

There is no known toxicity even for large doses of MSM. Some individuals with hyperacidic stomachs may experience some discomfort from taking MSM because of its sulphuric properties.

Note: The video below was not created by D.M. Murdock/Acharya S and does not necessarily represent her views.