What is MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane is an organosulfur substance with anti-inflammatory effects. This is not its sole purpose, however. The compound is often taken during a diet. It is used to treat a wide range of ailments and adverse conditions. The substance is present in animal and plant organisms, being a natural sulfur-containing compound. It is obtained in laboratory conditions, and then released in powder form or capsules. Such products are food additives that are consumed by athletes as well.
MSM is used in alternative medicine. This substance is a safe way to reduce pain in the joints, suppress inflammatory processes and strengthen protective functions. A study was conducted that confirmed that the compound is effective for relapsing chronic skin diseases, arthritis and others.
MSM is a source of sulfur. The human body needs it to fight inflammation, produce protein, which is the main building material of muscle mass, strengthen bone tissue and cartilage, and regenerate cells. The substance has a positive effect on the condition of joints and ligaments, and also has a beneficial effect on the skin, hair, and nails.
This sulfur-containing compound is present in food, but the amount is not always enough. In addition, it should be borne in mind that an organic special formula obtained in laboratory conditions does not have a general positive effect, but a local one. In other words, the additive allows you to get a specific effect – skin regeneration, removal of pain in the ligaments and joints. Inhibition of pain is not the only positive effect, since sulfur helps to restore muscle tissue.
Why take an MSM supplement?
A synthesized sulfur-containing organic compound is produced for use by athletes in the form of dietary supplements. They are intended for use by those who suffer from pain and inflammation of the joints that deplete cartilage. This condition is most often manifested in people who are actively involved in sports.
Diets with low/no salt intake can also worsen the mobility of the ligamentous and articular apparatus. Athletes often adhere to such a diet when preparing for the upcoming competitions. Loss of salt leads to depletion of minerals and disruption of cartilage and bone tissue.
Deformation changes and inflammatory processes lead to a violation of the training plan, and then make proper workout impossible. To avoid such changes, taking MSM supplement which is quite often present in joint complexes with glucosamine and chondroitin, allows to avoid such changes. This combination greatly enhances the action of the compound.
Bone and muscle tissue also suffer from sulfur deficiency, which takes an active part in all vital processes in the body. The lack of connection most often occurs with age. This is expressed in loss of skin elasticity, hair loss, brittle nails, but, most importantly, the condition of the musculoskeletal system becomes much worse. Such an effect of sulfur on humans led to the fact that sulfur was called the «mineral of beauty». Taking supplements containing this compound can significantly extend youth and, of course, make one healthier.
How does the MSM supplement work?
Sulfur has many positive effects:
- It is actively involved in the synthesis of collagen, hemoglobin, keratin, which helps cells regenerate, and, therefore, the aging process of the dermis slows down, hair and nails grow much faster
- It improves and increases the rate of transport of nutrients to cell membranes
- It takes an active part in the synthesis of connective tissues, which explains the fact that the supplement is prescribed together with glucosamine for osteoarthritis
- It is involved in the synthesis of insulin, and, therefore, helps to normalize carbohydrate metabolism, which is especially important for those who suffer from diabetes
MSM has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.
Anti-inflammatory effect
A study was conducted in which 100 people over 50 years old took part. Participants were given a supplement containing 1200 mg of MSM for 3 months, i.e. 12 weeks. The results of such therapy showed that pain and swelling in MSM recipients decreased to a greater extent than in those who were given a placebo. In addition, those receiving supplements began to feel much better, and it also became much easier for them to walk.
An experiment to study the anti-inflammatory properties of a substance was carried out more than once. Another study involved 32 people. Everyone had certain problems with the lower back, experiencing severe pain. They received glucosamine and MSM supplements. As a result, pain in the lower back both at rest and in movement were reduced significantly. This, of course, was a major general quality of life improvement for the participants.
There is a claim that MSM is able to reduce the production of cytokines such as alpha tumor necrosis factors and interleukin-6. These are proteins that signal the onset of inflammatory processes. The compound can increase glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant produced in the body.
