msm for pain/depression much more!

[ladycolorado]

WHAT IS COOL ABOUT WHAT I FOUND THE LINK I GIVE MSM CAN TAKE INTERNALLY, NOT JUST ANOTHER CREAM!the flakes are msm, no fillers or additives like in pills or capsules. here is something talking about the health benefits of msm, which people use for arthritus and joint pain: this was from a site in the uk: MSM - clear answers to frequently asked questions about MSM organic sulphur - Methylsulfonylmethane

Safety - Medications - Contraindications

1. What does MSM stand for ?
2. What is it exactly ?
3. What does it look like ?
4. What does MSM do for our health ?
5. Is it a new supplement ?
6. Is it a drug ?
7. Is MSM safe ?
8. Will it clash with my medication ?
9. Long term safety ?

See also - FAQ's Page 2

See also - Which product should I choose

See also - How to take MSM Crystals

See also - MSM products, prices and protocols

See also - MSM Information Centre

Safety - Medications - Contraindications

It is wise to consult your GP or a registered nutritionally oriented health care provider before taking supplements especially if you have a health condition or serious health complaint.

Generally speaking:

MSM is a pure dietary supplement, not a drug, so rather like any other supplement, when used with common sense it may be taken safely by most people.

MSM has been in use for nearly 20 years. During this time there have been no reports of unwanted side effects, neither has it been known to clash with prescription medications.





MSM has one of the lowest toxicity levels in biology and pharmacology. It has a similar toxicity rating to water (5)

MSM is now taken by an estimated 5 million people.

Contra indications:

Pregnant or lactating mothers.

Many mothers take a wide variety of supplements before, during and after birth. Taking supplements during this time is a matter of personal choice and responsibility.

MSM and other minerals may be difficult to metabolise by people suffering from autism spectrum disorder.

It is important to consult your GP or a registered nutritionally oriented health care provider before taking supplements especially if you have a health condition or serious health complaint.

If you should experience any unusual reaction always consult your GP or a registered nutritionist who will be able to advise you.

1. MSM - What does it stand for ?

MSM stands for Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane also known as Dimethyl-Sulfone.

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2. MSM - What is it exactly ?

MSM is a pure and beneficial form of the mineral sulphur. Sulphur is the eight most prevalent mineral in the body. MSM is a naturally occurring nutrient found in nearly all living organisms, plant, animal and human.

Foods containing sulphur include grains, legumes, fresh unprocessed vegetables like garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

MSM is also found in meat, fish, poultry, eggs and milk (milk for example contains between 2 and 6 parts per million) (1)

When we take MSM (organic sulphur) we are simply taking a mineral which should form part of our normal daily diet.

MSM is a "Sulfonyl" - Methyl-sulfonyl-methane. It is not related to the common sulphurs, sulphates, sulphites or sulphur drugs which are known to cause irritation to membranes.

DistilPure MSM Crystal Flakes are an ultra pure, natural organic and highly bio-available form of MSM recommended and used by health professionals.

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3. What does MSM look like ?

People think of sulphur as being yellow and smelly ! During 34 years of research into sulphur compounds, Dr Jacob found that the heavy, smelly components of sulphur could be removed, leaving behind a pure white essential form of the mineral which is called MSM.

In it’s purest organic form it looks like white crystals, similar in size to white caster sugar crystals but slightly "flatter" so is sometimes referred to as flakes.

MSM is also available in powder, capsule and tablet form. To find out about the different types - Click Here

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4. What does MSM do for our health ?

Organic sulphur is a vital ingredient in the formation of keratin, collagen and elastin (disulphide bonds) which give flexibility, tone and strength to :- Muscles, bones, joints, internal membranes, skin, hair and nails.

The human body contains a relatively large amount of sulphur. Our skin, hair and nails all have a high sulphur content - In fact if you have ever been unfortunate enough to burn your hair or skin, the nasty smell that followed is the sulphur content burning!

Nutritionists previously thought it was unlikely that we could become deficient. During the last few decades however, a number of factors have taken their toll:

Over farming of land leading to deficiencies in the food chain.
Long term storage of foods.
More processed and preserved foods.
A large increase in the use of fast foods and pre-prepared foods.

Consequently some people are now thought to be deficient.

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5. Is MSM a new supplement ?

Although relatively new in the United Kingdom, it has been available in the USA for nearly 20 years.

MSM has become so popular it’s now sold by nearly every major chain store throughout America, used by an estimated five million people.

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6. Is MSM a drug ?
No, it’s a naturally occurring mineral. MSM is a dietary sulphur supplement.

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7. Is MSM safe ?
Yes, MSM has been found to have one of the lowest toxicity levels in pharmacology.

It has a similar toxicity rating to water (5)



8. I'm taking medication, will MSM clash with my medication ?

MSM is a nutritional supplement not a drug. Rather like any other supplement, when used with common sense, it can be taken safely.

Remember if you have a serious health complaint you should always consult your GP and ask his or her advice.



9. Long term safety ?
Regarding it’s long term safety, Dr Jacob used MSM during a period of 20 years at the Oregon health Sciences University Hospital, treating over 12,000 patients with a variety of dosages from 500 mg to several thousand milligrams daily, he found no contraindications or serious side effects from it's use.

MSM is a metabolite (a cousin) of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) which is now used in 120 countries by an estimated half-a-billion people.

Take your own medicine !

Of interest, Dr Jacob has taken MSM personally on a daily basis every since it's discovery over 20 years ago !

10. Is it natural ?

MSM is a pure form of the mineral sulphur, a naturally occurring nutrient found in nearly all living organisms.

MSM is odourless !

There are a number of different types and brands of MSM.

See MSM to avoid - Click Here



11. Who discovered MSM ?
The existence of MSM was discovered by a Russian scientist around 100 years ago.



The significant discoveries regarding it’s health giving properties however, have been brought to light during the last 34 years by the dedicated research of Dr Stanley W Jacob of the Oregon Health Sciences University.



12. MSM - Where does it come from ?

The sulphur cycle begins in the ocean where microscopic plants called plankton, release sulphur compounds which are transformed in the ocean water into the volatile compound Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS).

This escapes as a gas and rises into the upper atmosphere. In the presence of ozone and high energy ultraviolet light, a process called photochemical oxidation occurs and the DMS is converted into it’s cousins DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) which are highly soluble in water.

MSM and DMSO return to the surface of the earth in rain water where they are taken up by plants. The plants and trees concentrate the compounds in their root systems to surprisingly high levels. MSM and the sulphur it contains is incorporated into the plant structure and mineralised through plant metabolism. (2, 3)



13. Can we get MSM from the foods we eat ?

Yes, tiny amounts of MSM can be found in grains, legumes, and fresh unprocessed vegetables like garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs and milk all contain MSM, milk for example contains between 2 and 6 parts per million (1)

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14. If MSM is already in food, why do I need to take it as a supplement ?
MSM is highly soluble - it is easily lost during the cooking and processing of foods. Many people find it impractical to eat raw unprocessed foods on a daily basis so research has suggested that most people are deficient and that deficiency increases with age (2)



15. If MSM is sulphur, is it smelly and does it create body odour ?
MSM is completely odourless and does not create body odour.


MSM Crystals, Flakes or Powder ?

MSM - The Importance of Bio-Availability
MSM - Organic v Inorganic - explained

MSM to Avoid - Details Below

1 - Inorganic chemically derived MSM
2 - Animal grade MSM
3 - MSM containing fillers
4 - CHECK YOUR MSM FOR FILLERS - How To
5 - MSM containing - silicates, flow agents etc
6 - MSM in tablet form
7 - MSM containing heavy metals
8 - MSM with dubious lab reports !

MSM Crystals, Flakes or powder -The great debate

Which is the best?
Which is the purest?
Is it organic or synthetic?
Which is the most bioavailable? etc
Much confusion has been caused by suppliers giving half truths to promote the benefits of their particular brand of MSM.

The full story:

Here's our findings based on three years of research:






TOP LAB REPORT

We analysed:

Organic and synthetic MSM crystals / flakes
MSM powder
MSM capsules
MSM tablets
Sourced from:

USA
Canada
The Far East
Note - MSM is not currently manufactured in the UK or Europe so all MSM is imported from one of the above sources.

Manufacturing Facts

There are two basic methods of manufacture:

1. Crystallisation

2. Distillation

During either process the MSM forms naturally in to crystals / flakes of varying sizes.

Some suppliers call them crystals, some call them flakes, there is no difference except in name.

Distillation tends to produce a smaller, more even sized crystal / flake, however, the latest crystallisation technology also produces smaller crystals / flakes.

Mesh Sizes and Grades

The crystals / flakes are sieved through very specific "mesh sizes" giving different grades of the product. Some manufacturers use particle sizers for grading.

Powders

There are two types of "Powder"

The latest hi-tech crystallisation and distillation processes produce naturally fine crystal / flakes which resemble powders.

To get the same effect, some lo-tech manufacturers grind the larger crystal / flakes into a fine powder - this is where some problems may arise.

You can see the difference with a strong magnifying glass ! High quality forms of MSM will appear as mini crystal / flakes whereas the cheaper forms look like fine chalk powder.

The fine powder produced by the grinding method tends to set into large, very hard lumps (sometimes as hard as ice) which are difficult to process consequently, some suppliers add flow agents like silica for ease of tubbing and product appearance.

Once a flow agent has been added it's very easy for an unscrupulous supplier to cut it with bulking ingredients which are also available in fine powder form - take magnesium Stearate for example or talc (a trade term for a cheap unscented bulking ingredient)

Potential Problems with ground down powders

So, MSM powder produced by the ginding process has three potential problems for the unknowing purchaser:

1. It may contain a flow agent.

2. It may be cut with a cheap bulking ingredient.

3. It may be pure but generally will form large hard lumps in the tub which can be somewhat difficult for the end customer to use.

Crystals / Flakes

In contrast, crystals / flakes:

1. Are essentially free-flowing i.e. They don't need a flow agent as the crystals / flakes don't lock together. Note: Some "soft clumping" will nearly always occur in product tubs and containers of even the best types of MSM (a good sign that there are no flow agents in it !) The clumps resemble soft snow balls which break up quite readily, a quick shake of the tub usually does the trick. Tip - don't leave your MSM tub in a damp place or where there's lots of steam (ie Near a kettle) or it will certainly lock together !

2. Avoid the possibility of containing a cheap bulking ingredient.

Crystals / flakes are a far superior product depending on a further very important factor:

Purity

The quality of the manufacturing process is critical whether crystals / flakes or powder.

There are currently concerns about the purity of synthetic MSM imported from the Far East. This is justified in some cases however, we know of at least one Chinese manufacturer who use pure water in their processing and has excellent quality control.

One manufacturer of synthetic MSM in Canada uses pure water and has good quality control (Opti MSM)

Another manufacturer in Canada, uses very pure processing for MSM derived from natural pine tree source - (DistilPure MSM)

Assessing purity - some tips

Everyone selling MSM claims 99% purity, so how do you know! Anyone with a home computer can make an official looking document! So lab reports are great - if they are real !

Personally, I think it's best to have a chat with the supplier.

Find out what your supplier knows about MSM - Most suppliers we approached didn't know there were different types or what they were actually selling.

Ask your supplier:

Where does their MSM come from - Country of origin?
Is it organic or synthetic?
Is it Crystal / flake or powder?
Is there a flow agent in it ?
Is there a bulking agent in it?
Is it pure?
What is the level of purity?
What is your prime motive for selling MSM ?
If they can't answer all your questions, ask someone who really knows their product!



So having looked at the Crystals / Flakes and Powders debate, lets move on to the other big question of organic v synthetic which includes the question of bioavailability.

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MSM - The Importance of Bio-Availability

To be properly absorbed and play a useful role in the body, it’s essential that minerals are in a form that can be readily assimilated and used at the cellular level

The common term used is - "Bio-available".

Bio in Latin means "life", "bio-available" means available to life, or more precisely, available to the living cells of the body.

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Organic v Inorganic - explained

It will be noted that herbs and herbal extracts have been used for their curative properties for thousands of years and used correctly, rarely cause unwanted side effects.

In contrast, chemically manufactured synthetic, substances (many pharmaceutical drugs are synthetically produced copies of the elements found in herbs and plants) are often incompatible at the digestive and cellular levels resulting in the growing number of side effects experienced by people taking prescription type medications.

The Federal Drug Administration in America publish annual figures of 100,000 to 120,000 deaths per year resulting directly from prescription medications with a further two million people suffering from moderate to severe side effects ! - The UK don't publish their figures !

It's hardly surprising that many people are moving away from synthetically produced products and looking for more healthy alternatives i.e. natural organic source products!

Consequently, some types of MSM are considered to be more health giving than others.

1. Pine Tree Source MSM is highly bio-available \/

2. Pure synthetic MSM is deemed to be OK according to some doctors and researchers.

3. Impure synthetic is not recommended ! X

So, on to the different types of MSM and what they contain.

1. Inorganic source MSM

Synthetically produced MSM is manufactured in industrial chemical plants and petrochemical plants in many Countries. This type of MSM, used primarily in animal feeds (animal grade MSM), has found it’s way into multilevel marketing (MLM) products and some well respected supplier's products.

The chemical composition is the same for both organic and synthetic MSM so unfortunately a laboratory test won't tell you it's from an organic or inorganic source. This is solely down to the trust you have in your supplier and the motives behind their business. Some suppliers said there was no difference between organic and synthetic, revealing their ignorance of the product.

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2. Animal grade MSM

The basic form of MSM was discovered over 20 years ago but long before studies were done for human nutritional use, it became widely used by race horse owners and equine vets.

Animal grade MSM, commonly called "Horse Powder" is a basic and impure form of MSM suitable for animal use only. It can sometimes be detected by a slight sulphur odour, also it tends to be supplied in the ground down powder form, usually free-flowing as it will also contain a flow agent.

A high specification laboratory report will reveal any impurities.

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3. MSM containing fillers

Fillers like magnesium Stearate are added to many commercial products for bulking purposes i.e. it fills the tubs/capsules up for higher profit !

One UK High Street brand of MSM capsules contains 25% filler. Talc (unscented) is another popular bulking filler.

If your MSM, powder or capsules contain filler - change your supplier !

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4. Filler Test

There is a simple test which you can do to check if your MSM contains any of the basic fillers like Magnesium Stearate or talc.

How to :-

1. Depending which form it is in, simply dissolve the contents of about 6 capsules / four tablets or 1 (one) teaspoon of MSM in a glass of warm water (MSM dissolves more quickly in warm water).

2. In the case of Crystals / flakes, powder or capsules, after fully dissolved, the water in the glass should appear totally clear. If it has a milky or cloudy look it’s certain that it contains a filler/s. In the case of tablets a small amount of Magnesium Stearate and Silicon Dioxide is generally deemed necessary to the tablet making process !

The above test is for fillers only - silicates and flow agents do not show up using this method - see below

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5. MSM containing silicates, flow agents and anti-caking agents

Silicates, flow agents and anti-caking agents are added commercially for product appearance and ease of packing.

If the MSM in a tub is like free-flowing powder it may contain one or more flow agents.

Note: The latest crystallisation and distillation processes produce naturally fine crystal / flakes which resemble powders. You can see the difference with a strong magnifying glass ! (Quality forms of MSM will appear as mini crystal / flakes whereas the cheaper forms look like fine chalk powder)

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6. MSM in tablet form

Cheaper grades of MSM are generally used in tablets. The tablet binding process renders MSM less bio-available. However, we recently examined some tablets containing high quality MSM which has been compressed into tablets with a small amount of Magnesium Stearate and Silicon Dioxide.

Tablets are great to take to work or while on holiday, so although you loose a little on quality, you gain in convenience and ease of use!

Note - We examined some absolutely pure compressed MSM tablets but they didn't ship well and ended up in lots of sharp broken pieces which were painful to swallow! Consequently, tablets are best with some binding agent in for ease of use!

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7. MSM containing heavy metals

Some MSM contained heavy metal content - Only high specification laboratory reports revealed these - Animal grades and impure synthetic grades should be avoided - see 4 above

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8. MSM with Dubious Lab reports !

Good Lab reports will show the precise contents of MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) usually displayed as Dimethyl Sulfone which is it’s more common technical name. A Hi-tech lab report will even show absorbed moisture levels down to 0.01% (one hundredth of one percent) and other elements like heavy metal content to within 10 parts per million.

Make sure the lab report is genuine as anyone can make an official looking document on their home computer!

Find out what your supplier knows about MSM - Most suppliers we approached didn't even know there were different types available or what they were actually selling.

We've repeated the list here:

So ask your supplier:

Where does their MSM come from - Country of origin?
Is it Organic or synthetic?
Is it Crystal / flake or powder?
Is there a flow agent in it ?
Is there a bulking agent in it?
Is it pure?
What is the level of purity?
What is your prime motive for selling MSM ?
If they can't answer all your questions, ask someone who really knows their product!

[ladycolorado]

here are links to order for both united states and uk: http://www.a1msm.co.uk/msm-on-line-uk.htm . here is link for usa customers: http://www.a1msm.co.uk/msm-usa.htm . here is the contact page: http://www.a1msm.co.uk/contact_us.htm . here is page for additional coutries like canada finland, etc: http://www.a1msm.co.uk/index2.htm . here is page tells how to take the msm flakes for maximum effect: http://www.a1msm.co.uk/msm-suggested-use-charts.htm . hope this helps, (LC).

[ladycolorado]

here is a list of health benefits of msm: Benefits of MSM

Excerpted from the Original Patent Documents

By Dr. Thomas Stearns Lee

In Biochemical Actions:
Enhances the effectiveness of antioxidants and other bioflavenoids. Combats the cross-linkage of collagen, which is associated with aging.

In Mental Activity:
Users generally have reported increased alertness and ability to concentrate, as well as improved moods (acting more quickly than medications more typically prescribed for depression).

Other Benefits Noted:
Appears to be effective in reducing gastrointestinal upset (lessening symptoms such as diarrhea, chronic constipation, nausea, hyperacidity, and/or epigastric pain, as well as inflammation of the mucous membranes.


Appears to combat parasitic, microbial, and fungal problems in the intestinal and urogenital tracts (possibly by competing for binding or "receptor" sites at the mucous membrane, blocking the interface between the host and the parasite), and to augment immunological competence.

In Fighting Pain:
MSM been reported to reduce the occurrence of, or to entirely eliminate, muscle cramps of the back and leg, both caused by inactivity and by intense use (as with runners and other athletes who experience cramps while competing).

Also, it greatly reduces or eliminates pain from chronic arthritis. Many people with musculoskeletal system disorders, inflammation pains from other than arthritis, and other pains (such as migraine) have reported substantial and long-lasting relief while using MSM.

In the "Beauty" Arena:
Improved hair, cuticle, and nail growth and health, as well as a reduction in the wrinkles associated with aging.

Appears to reduce symptoms associated with allergies, including respiratory congestion, itching, mucoid discharges, and inflammation, as well as general discomfort.

Appears to help many specific body functions, such as increasing the body’s ability to produce insulin, helping the liver produce more choline, increasing the body’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates, and increasing the speed of healing of wounds.

(LC).

[hilly]

LC I also use MSM lotion or sometimes cream for my face and body. I found the lotion cleared up my lesions pretty well.

[ladycolorado]

COOL THIS IS FOR INTERNAL, WHICH IS PRETTY COOL NEVER SEEN BEFORE! i have always saw the creams but never a supplement and the link put up looks like good pure product in the crystal flakes, (LC).

[hilly]

Yes, I had the tablets before, but now will order the flakes. thanks. LC. Hilly x

[tcmgpt13]

LC,

I have some of this brand of msm, but I think it had a scary side effect for me. It made one of the critters in my gum grow and flourish at the gum line. It was another one of the hooked critters, sorta greenish as if it is somewhat plant based. Scared me so much I have not touched the MSM in six months. May have done this anyway (maybe the MSM was pushing it out), but as I had just started using the MSM two weeks prior I ceased, for a bit anyway. Maybe I should try it again, but think I had better just conduct my current herbal protocol which I am hoping may help get rid of morgellons, a least some of it, by reducing the parasite load in the body in places other than the colon. Will post in the future when I have done the recommendations for the protocol, assuming it is helpful at all that is.

best,

tcm

[gumball]

hi ladycolorado this forum is like a bank you and others come to make your deposit of information and the rest of us can come here to make a withdrawal to help ourselves in battling this disease i am so greatful to everyone for all the information that is shared here thanks a bunch gumball

[ladycolorado]

yw gumball, many have been telling me of joint pain/depression and many know of msm, especially as a cream, and pills but what is new is the form this product comes in pure flakes to take internally, and the protocol regimine to me looks like really be big oomf for us, (LC). p.s. some of the things i post come from others in here like you for example, lol with the great chronic lyme video and the lady gets better from the radical treatment. much of what i know is from others in here not just my own experience so the credit truly lies with them and those who saved me in here.

[ladycolorado]

Originally Posted by tcmgpt13

LC,

I have some of this brand of msm, but I think it had a scary side effect for me. It made one of the critters in my gum grow and flourish at the gum line. It was another one of the hooked critters, sorta greenish as if it is somewhat plant based. Scared me so much I have not touched the MSM in six months. May have done this anyway (maybe the MSM was pushing it out), but as I had just started using the MSM two weeks prior I ceased, for a bit anyway. Maybe I should try it again, but think I had better just conduct my current herbal protocol which I am hoping may help get rid of morgellons, a least some of it, by reducing the parasite load in the body in places other than the colon. Will post in the future when I have done the recommendations for the protocol, assuming it is helpful at all that is.

best,

tcm

sounds like a herx/purge reaction to me, soometimes this disease fights back when being killed off. usually with internal treatment it will attack the external, and although our mouth inside likes to go to the places we miss . so let me look see if can find external msm cream. here is one: http://www.simplysatisfyingsoaps.com/MSMCream.htm . this oe for uk: http://www.healthydirect.com/product/0602/d.jsf . so tcm thanks for the warning: IF TREAT INSIDE MUST ASLO DO EVERYTHING, SO DISEASE CANNOT GO TO THAT PLACE TRING TO GAIN GROUND ELSEWHERE. i think this is why even on antibiotics i shed so bad at times, and herx, because with my antibiotics and stuff the inside treated well thus tries to attack the outside, ans wwe will have to make sure eyes nose ears mouth skin goes untreated since kills off alot of disease, (LC).