MSM – Natural Sulfur for good health

What it does: Potential cure for some melasma sufferers. This is controversial because some women have reported great results
(100% melasma removal) while others have had little results even over several months.

Because its taken internally, it helps softens skin all over the body. You can expect healthier and stronger hair, skin, and nails. People who take it for joint pain have also noticed old scars becoming softer and much less visible. For this reason, MSM is also found in some scar reduction creams. (Its is also the natural MSM in aloe vera that makes it so effective on burns and blisters.)

How to do it: MSM is naturally occuring in the body and there is very little or no chance of overdose. If you take an excess amount, it will just pass out of your body naturally.

If you’re taking MSM to detox, start out with a small dose of 1-2 grams per day and slowly increase to 4-5 grams as your body gets used to it. People who take it for melasma have reported taking 8 grams or more per day. A note of caution, when you’re new to MSM, you may experience some slight stomach discomfort and the need to go to the toilet more often. This is normal, and will pass as your body gets used to MSM.

Some people also experience headaches as part of the process. This too will pass, but you can lower your dosage as you see fit. MSM works best when taken with Vitamin C. Drink plenty of water as this will help your body flush out the toxins easier.

Why it helps: MSM (or methylsulfonylmethane) is a natural sulfur that is found in fruits and vegetables. However, most people in urban areas are deficient in MSM as a lot of our food is processed. Organic sulfur in food is lost when processed, heated or dried. If you can eat them raw, high sulfur foods include asparagus, broccoli, red pepper, garlic, and onion. If not, MSM is a convenient replacement.

Taking MSM as a supplement makes cell membranes more permeable. This helps in the delivery of nutrients as well as the removal of toxins from cells.

The effect this has on our cells is one of the reasons why people who take it report an immediate increase in energy. (And also why its not a good idea to take it right before bedtime!)

And because MSM improves the permeability of cell membranes, it also helps other vitamins that you ingest be a lot more effective. (MSM is best taken with Vitamin C and CoQ10. )