MSM stands for organic sulphur and, according to current findings, shows extremely positive effects, especially in patients suffering from osteoarthritis or in athletes. Whether it’s pain in the joints or even limited joint functions – with MSM, these complaints can be forgotten. MSM effectively reduces joint inflammation and enhances joint flexibility. Moreover, when MSM is present, the body becomes more proficient at regenerating lost cells and mending injured tissue structures. In summary, MSM significantly facilitates the healing of the musculoskeletal system.
MSM – A natural substance for the joints
MSM is an organic sulphur compound that occurs naturally in the human body and is of great importance to it. It is assumed that a low-sulphur diet increases the risk of joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Since MSM is actually found in almost all foods, it doesn’t seem too difficult to get enough organic sulfur. However, a large part of the naturally occurring sulphur is lost due to today’s common food processing, so that an additional intake of MSM in the form of dietary supplements can be useful in some cases.
In this way, MSM can compensate for a lack of sulfur in the organism. But that’s not all! MSM has a downright therapeutic effect, because it has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect – especially when it comes to complaints of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, MSM is also a helpful tool for athletes.
MSM for Athletes
MSM supports the regeneration of the muscles and also the joints. It also has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect, so that sports injuries and sore muscles heal much faster under the influence of MSM.
However, all these properties make organic sulphur interesting not only for athletes, but of course also for all people (and animals) who struggle with joint problems, such as osteoarthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
MSM against osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common chronic joint disease. It is usually referred to as age-related wear and tear that you just have to come to terms with. In naturopathy, however, there are many ways in which osteoarthritis can be alleviated. MSM is one of them!
In the case of osteoarthritis, MSM provides significant pain relief and improves mobility without being accompanied by side effects – as is usually the case with regular painkillers and rheumatism medications. [1]
MSM is not a chemically produced drug, but an endogenous substance that only brings benefits without having a toxic side effect. In the EU, MSM is classified as a dietary supplement and not as a medicine, so it is also officially confirmed that MSM can be used safely.
Studies prove the success of MSM
A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study involved 14 osteoarthritis patients. Eight received 2,250 mg of MSM daily (1,500 mg fasting in the morning after getting up and 750 mg before lunch). Six acted as a control group and took a placebo supplement. Of course, none of the patients knew whether they had received MSM or the placebo preparation.
A few days before the study, all participants had stopped taking their regular painkillers. It turned out that taking MSM provided tremendous relief from joint pain [13] [17]. The patients’ osteoarthritis symptoms subsided and the functioning of the musculoskeletal system increased.
After four weeks, the measured pain reduction in the MSM group averaged 60 percent. After another two weeks, the patients taking MSM experienced an average improvement of as much as 80 percent, while pain relief within the placebo group was 20 percent.
In addition, the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of California, San Diego, was able to determine that MSM has a positive effect on the cartilage structure of the knee joint and probably has a cartilage-building effect as well as a supportive effect on joint health and their functionality. Regular intake of MSM is therefore assumed to prevent cartilage breakdown [14] [15].
The optimal combination: MSM and glucosamine
The combination of MSM and other natural remedies such as glucosamine has also been shown to be beneficial in studies: it has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect on osteoarthritis. In combination with glucosamine, the cartilage is given structure and flexibility.
A 2004 clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of combining MSM with glucosamine for osteoarthritis pain [12] [18].
A group of 118 patients took either 1500 mg of MSM or 1500 mg of glucosamine daily or a combination of MSM and glucosamine for 12 weeks. Furthermore, there was a control group administered a placebo.
Subsequently, the patient group’s joint pain, inflammation, and swelling were periodically assessed. In the MSM group, a pain reduction of 52 percent was observed after 12 weeks, while the pain score in the glucosamine group even decreased by 63 percent.
However, the best result was achieved in the group that took MSM together with glucosamine, where pain, inflammation and swelling in the joints were reduced by 79 percent.
MSM for osteoarthritis: the effects at a glance
MSM has a positive effect on joint health on many different levels:
- MSM relieves pain.
- MSM inhibits inflammation.
- MSM has a decongestant effect.
- MSM helps to build up cartilage and prevents cartilage breakdown.
- MSM promotes collagen formation and therefore ensures rapid regeneration of connective tissue. [13]
- MSM has an antioxidant effect, i.e. neutralizes those free radicals that would have a damaging effect on joint health.
It is therefore worth giving it a try. Often, the dose of conventional painkillers can be reduced as a result, so that you also have a lower risk of their side effects.
Of course, you can also combine MSM with glucosamine, as explained above.
MSM cannot only be used internally. Especially in the case of problems of the musculoskeletal system or back pain, MSM can be applied externally in the form of the MSM gel and massaged in. In this way, MSM can work equally from the inside and outside.
MSM for allergies and asthma
If you suffer from allergies, asthma or diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, MSM can also provide relief here. So you can kill several birds with just one stone! [11].
DMSO for osteoarthritis
DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) could be used for painful osteoarthritis in the short term and provide relief. The remedy is applied externally exclusively in the form of creams (pharmacy). We mention DMSO at this point because MSM is a breakdown product of DMSO. However, since DMSO should not be taken internally, the two can be combined: DMSO externally for short-term pain conditions and MSM internally.
Nutrition for Joints
A holistic concept for osteoarthritis also includes the right diet. Trying to be more alkaline and detoxing is also part of good joint health. Having regular colonics can support your overall health and well-being.
