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MSM : Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is MSM?
Where does it come from? What does it do?
A: MSM is a source of organic sulfur derived from nature. MSM has
many benefits but is mostly used for pain relief and reduction of
inflammation associated with arthritis and a variety of other ailments.
Q: If MSM is
natural and occurs in nature, why do I need to supplement it?
A: Most people do not eat enough of the proper foods to assure
adequate sulfur stores in the body. Most foods today are over-processed,
heated, or just lack adequate amounts of sulfur. MSM supplementation
easily and cheaply provides this important mineral.
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Q: Can I tell if
I am MSM deficient?
A: Scientists believe that many people have a deficiency of sulfur.
Sulfur is excreted by the body continuously and is not generally replaced
at a rate to allow an abundance in the body. Unless you are supplementing
with MSM (organic sulfur) you may be sulfur deficient.
Q: How do I know
how much MSM to take and can I take too much?
A: Most individuals will benefit from 2-10 grams (2000-10,000 mg)
of MSM daily. MSM is safe and non-toxic. It has a toxicity similar to that
of water so it would be difficult to take too much. Your body uses what it
needs from ingested MSM and gets rid of the rest, therefore it is almost
impossible to take too much.
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Q: What is the
best form of MSM to take?
A: MSM comes in many forms such as capsules, tablets, powders, and
lotions. The best form for you is what works best for you. Whatever form
you take, make sure it is a high-quality, pure form of MSM, such as
Lignisul brand MSM made in the U.S. by Carolwood Corporation. Lignisul is
an all-natural form of MSM manufactured to the highest quality standards
and third party tested to ensure a 99.9% purity level. Cheaper, imported
MSM from China is not manufactured to the same quality standards, nor is
it third party tested for purity.
Q: How long must
I take MSM before I see results?
A: Some individuals see results in days while in others it can take
weeks. The key to success with MSM is to be consistent with taking the
product. Remember, MSM is not a cure; it is a food supplement that if
discontinued, will probably lead to a return of symptoms.
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Q: How safe is
MSM?
A: MSM is exceptionally safe. Tests have shown it to be similar in
toxicity to water. Remember, MSM is a natural supplement and your body
will use only what it needs.
Q: Can I take MSM
while taking my prescribed drugs?
A: Although you should always consult your physician before
starting any new dietary regimen, MSM has not been shown to interact with
any prescribed medications. Often, MSM supplementation is used in
conjunction with medical treatment. MSM is an excellent food supplement in
support of medical treatment.
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Q: Can MSM be
taken with food or should it be taken on an empty stomach?
A: Most experts recommend that MSM be taken with food, although it
is not absolutely necessary. By taking MSM with food, the chances of minor
gastrointestinal upset can be reduced.
Q: Is it true
that MSM can help my allergies?
A: MSM improves the body’s ability to create barriers against
allergens. Oral MSM has been shown to alleviate the allergic response to
pollen and to foods.
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Q: How does MSM
help relieve pain?
A: Use of MSM has been shown to reduce the rigidity of cells in
soft tissues of the body. By reducing this rigidity, fluids are able to
pass more freely from the cell and this helps reduce cell pressure,
thereby reducing inflammation and pain.
Q: Will taking
MSM increase my energy levels?
A: Although there is no guarantee of increased energy levels, many
individuals claim increased levels of energy. This occurs mainly because
of the increased cell flexibility and permeability. MSM allows better use
of oxygen and nutrients by the cells and more efficient removal of waste
products.
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Q: How can MSM
help my skin problems?
A: Because high levels of organic sulfur are found in the skin,
hair, and nails, deficiencies of sulfur will obviously affect these areas.
Many individuals taking MSM notice enhancement of the skin, hair, and
nails as well as other functions of the body.
Q: What about
the products that contain other ingredients besides MSM?
A: Many companies are combining MSM with other nutritional
products, which have been shown to be beneficial to health. These products
work synergistically with MSM to provide additional benefits to ones
health. Glucosamine is the most common product which is combined with MSM.
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Q: If I am
allergic to sulfa drugs, can I take MSM?
A: MSM is in no way related to sulfa drugs and can be taken safely
by people who are allergic to sulfa drugs. Lignisul MSM is extremely safe,
non-toxic, and non-allergenic.
Q: If I use MSM
lotion will it irritate my skin?
A: MSM applied directly to the skin has not been shown to cause
irritation.
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Q: Are there any
benefits for athletes using MSM?
A: MSM is very beneficial to athletes and active individuals. MSM
has been shown to improve post workout recovery and to decrease recovery
time for soft tissue injuries in athletes.
Q: Does MSM
detoxify the body?
A: There is no scientific evidence for this. DMSO has the ability
to bind with toxic metals and take them out of the body. MSM does not have
this ability.1
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Q: Does MSM coat
the intestinal tract so parasites lose their ability to hang on?
A: MSM has anti-parasitic properties but the precise modes of
action have not been determined. We have no knowledge of MSM “coating” the
intestines.1
Q: Does the pH
in your body become normal when taking MSM?
A: We are unaware of any evidence showing this.1
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Q: Does MSM
reduce wrinkles?
A: We would love to make this claim. Unfortunately, we can’t. MSM,
however, does make the skin softer and smoother.1
Q: Does MSM
deficiency aggravate Alzheimer’s disease?
A: There is no documented connection between MSM and Alzheimer’s.1
References:
- Jacob, Stanley W.
M.D., Lawrence, Ronald M. M.D., Ph.D., Zucker, Martin. The Miracle of
MSM; The Natural Solution for Pain. New York: Berkley Books, 1999.
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