Flora MSM Powder - 300g

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a derivative of DMSO and is safer to use because it does not accumulate as rapidly in the body. It also does not have an offensive "rotten egg" odour. As a source of organic sulphur, MSM helps to build protein, connective tissue, hormones and enzymes. MSM can be helpful for those individuals who have inflammatory conditions like arthritis, lupus and interstitial cystitis, suffer from seasonal allergies, or have pain due to other health conditions.

Analgesic Pain Relief
The pain relieving activity of MSM is believed to be fourfold. Firstly it can directly reduce the transmission of pain signals along nerve fibers. Secondly it increases blood flow to an inflamed area. Thirdly it reduces muscle spasms. And lastly, MSM stops the release of inflammatory compounds. All of these activities help MSM to reduce pain, particularly when it is due to inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory - Arthritis
In addition to its ability to directly and indirectly reduce pain in arthritic conditions, MSM can also be used to help treat those suffering from Osteoarthritis. Supplementation for 12 weeks (1123mg taken 3x daily) has been found to improve pain and physical performance in those suffering from osteoarthritis. Often, MSM will be combined with other joint support nutrients such as Chondroitin, Glucosamine and Collagen Type II to maximize the benefit to Joint Health. Interestingly, many of these supplements are beneficial for moderate to severe joint pain, whereas MSM is most beneficial with mild to moderate joint pains.

Detoxification
Supplementation of MSM can also help the body to detoxify by supporting the cleansing function of the liver. MSM is the natural breakdown product of DMSO in the body, which is a commonly used agent for the removal of mercury from the human body. Because of this, it is speculated that taking MSM may in itself help to clear mercury from the body. Further research will be required to draw conclusions on these uses.

Topical Use
Many companies use MSM in topical preparations for arthritis pain relief. Interestingly, from this use, topical MSM has spread to use in other conditions such as: Rosacea, Eczema, and even Acne. Initial research on its use in rosacea and eczema are promising, although further research is necessary.

How can I get MSM?
Natural MSM can be found in raw dark green vegetables, and raw red, or yellow fruits and vegetables as well. It can also be found in fish, meat and poutry, as well as eggs and milk. MSM can be purchased as capsules or powder. Another name for MSM is DMSO2. It is often combined with other anti-inflammatory agents in formulas for musculoskeletal health, joint health, allergies and pain relief. MSM is often added to creams and ointments for the healing of skin conditions and relief of joint pain. Moisture and heat destroy the MSM content of foods and supplements. Taking vitamin C with your MSM will help to improve its effect. The therapeutic effects of MSM may take 3 weeks or longer to appear.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritisis the most common type of arthritis. It usually has a gradual onset and begins after the age of forty. The knees, hips, fingers and vertebrae are most susceptible. The joint deterioration is due to faulty or deficient repair of bone and cartilage in the joint. The standard North American diet is deficient in the minerals necessary for proper joint repair; therefore it is not surprising that osteoarthritis is a common concern. Osteoarthritis causes stiffness and joint pain on motion.

It is typically worse in the morning. Initially there is no inflammation or swelling of the joint. As the damage progresses the joint may become inflamed and deformed. Muscles around the joint can tense up, joint mobility may decrease and there may be a grating feeling on movement. The pain becomes constant and occurs even when at rest.

Conventional treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories has been shown to worsen arthritis. Side effects of some drugs are gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, heart attacks and liver problems. Some of these medications, especially the NSAID group can actually accelerate the degradation of joint tissue. Corticosteroids like cortisone and prednisone sometimes recommended for arthritis, while effective at relieving discomfort in the short term, can cause a loss of bone mass.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)is the second most common type of arthritis found in adults. It usually affects women between the ages of 25 and 50, however there is a juvenile form that can affect children. The first joints to be affected are usually the fingers and toes. Other susceptible joints are the wrists, ankles, knees and spine. Unlike Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis often affects most joints symmetrically (on both sides of the body). The affected joints become red and swollen, causing stiffness and reduced function. Over time the joints degrade, resulting in pain and further inflammation.

What causes RA?
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown but heredity does seem to play a role. It is an autoimmune condition, in which the body attacks its own joint tissues. This causes joint damage and erosion over time. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis come and go. The amount of joint destruction is variable and joint pain can move around the body. Attacks can be triggered by viral infections, food sensitivities, or stress.