Top MSM Health Benefits
Are you looking for relief from joint pain or inflammation? Do you exercise often and need a way to help your muscles recover from damage or stress? Are you someone who suffers from arthritis and needs daily relief from pain or stiffness? Chronic pain can be more than just debilitating – it can also be isolating. If you’re looking for a way to improve your health while living your best life, we may just have a solution for you.
Introducing MSM, also known as methylsulfonylmethane. MSM is a popular dietary supplement that can be used to treat a number of symptoms and conditions. MSM is commonly used in alternative medicines and is generally considered safe.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top MSM health benefits as well as the side effects of this naturally occurring compound. Say good-bye to feeling sick! You’re a warrior now.
What is MSM?
MSM is an organic sulfur found in fruits, vegetables, grains, milk, and the urine of animals. It’s an oxidation product of DMSO (which we’ll get into later) and a water-soluble white, odorless, crystalline compound that contains 34 percent elemental sulfur.
MSM is available as a tablet and as a powder. It is also a component of many herbal products because it has health benefits like reducing pain, inflammation, and allergic reactions. We’ll talk more about the MSM health benefits below.
Finally, because there isn’t enough reliable information to know if MSM is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid if you’re either.
MSM Health Benefits
There are countless MSM health benefits, which means – for people who struggle with chronic illness – this naturally occurring compound can be life-changing. Here are just some of the ways you can use MSM to reclaim your life.
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Decreases joint pain
Decreasing joint pain is one of the most popular MSM health benefits. Because joint degeneration can negatively impact your quality of life, finding a solution to it can be life-changing for people. MSM inhibits the breakdown of cartilage, which ultimately reduces the cause of pain in the knees, back, hands, and hips.
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Provides anti-inflammatory effects
MSM may reduce certain molecules associated with inflammation (Nf-kB, TnF-ɑ, IL-6). It’s also been shown in studies to boost levels of the powerful antioxidant glutathione, which is an antioxidant produced in your body. Glutathione itself has its own health benefits such as reduced oxidative stress, reduced cell damaged, and improved psoriasis.
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Can help speed up recovery time post-exercise
When you exercise, your muscles may be damaged or stress. One MSM health benefit is the reduction of oxidative stress – as well as the inflammation – which can naturally speed up muscle recovery time. If you’re someone who frequently has prolonged workouts, then MSM could be the perfect solution for you.
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Helps alleviate arthritis symptoms
MSM health benefits are incredibly popular in the world of alternative medicine, and this is especially true when it comes to arthritis. One NIH study found that those that took 3.4 grams of MSM per day for 12 weeks have improved physical function as well as reduced pain and stiffness. These results were compared to a placebo.
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Relieves allergy symptoms
Studies have shown that MSM may effectively reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which causes symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing itching, runny nose, and nasal congestion.
One study evaluated 50 people with allergic rhinitis. They were given a dose of 2,600 mg of MSM per day over 30 days. In this time, their symptoms of itching, congestion, shortness of breath, sneezing, and coughing were reduced. -
Boosts immunity
Your immune system protects your body when germs enter your body. It is made up of a complex network of cells and proteins and helps to ward off infection. Sulfur compounds can help improve your immune system and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which makes this a valuable MSM health benefit.
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Improves skin health
There are MSM health benefits for your skin, hair, and nails because it acts as a sulfur donor to keratin. Keratin is a protein that acts as the main structural component in these parts of your body. If you struggle with problematic skin conditions like rosacea – which prompts redness, irritation, and inflammation of the skin – then MSM health benefits are waiting for you.
DMSO vs. MSM
DMSO stands for dimethyl sulfoxide. DMSO and MSM are chemically related substances that have been studied for the treatment of osteoarthritis. While DMSO is applied topically to the skin, MSM is typically used as a dietary supplement (unless used in conjunction with DMSO). When used in products, DMSO helps strengthen the absorption rate of other ingredients. This is why it’s crucial to incorporate DMSO when using a topical product with MSM.
Final thoughts
MSM is a naturally occurring compound with numerous health benefits. If you struggle with joint pain or arthritis, using a topical DMSO cream – a chemically related product to MSM – may help relieve your symptoms.
One of our favorites is the Pain Warrior+ (CBD Infused DMSO Cream). This product combines all of the highest quality, natural forms of CBD and DMSO while maximizing MSM health benefits. You can use this for inflammation, pain relief, stress, anxiety, and more.
