Benefits of MSM – Amino Acids and the Importance of Sulfur
Supplements in Your Diet

Is Sulfur Supplementation A Solution?

Our body doesn’t produce sulfur, yet it’s found in all living cells. We need it to produce the amino acid chains necessary to form the protein to rebuild our bodies. The mineral also helps eliminate toxins from the body.

Meat is the leading source of sulfur in the diet. Amino acids in food include, Egg yolks, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, and of course onions and garlic provide sulfur also. With soil depletion becoming more of a problem, due to present farming practices, maybe sulfur supplementation should be considered.

Also, many of us are rushed for time and choose to buy prepackaged processed food. These foods often contain less sulfur. People who are suffering from a deficiency will often have weak nails and hair, and also suffer from sore joints and muscles.

Sulfur has a long history of uses. For instance, sulfur baths have been used to help heal wounds and soak away arthritic pain for centuries. There are many forms of sulfur based supplements in use today . Before antibiotics, drugs containing sulfur, known assulfa drugs were prescribed for the treatment of
infectious diseases because of sulfurs strong antibacterial properties.

One of the most popular supplements in recent years has been the combination of chondroitin and glucosamine used to help rebuild damaged joints. These both help form cushioning cartilage to reduce the bone on bone pain often experienced by osteoarthritis sufferers.

What is MSM?

Another helpful biological sulfur supplement is MSM. You’ll often find MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) in combination with chondroitin and glucosamine because MSM is also effective in the reduction of muscle and joint pain. Many people suffering from Fibromyalgia have successfully used the supplement to reduce their pain. Increase in hair growth also has been shown to occur in users of this supplement.

Alpha-Lipoic
Acid

This substance helps our body produce energy by assisting in the bread down of glucose. Those who have diabetic symptoms may see improvement with supplementation because alpha-lipoic acid has been known help balance glucose levels and help manage nerve pain and the numbness associated with this disease.

Acid

SAMe

SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine) reduces inflammation also. In addition, SAMe helps healing, and reduces depression. New cells can be built and essential processes within cells continue on due to the presence of SAMe within the body.

Another sulfur based supplement is Alpha-Lipoic Acid which helps break down blood sugar to be burned by the body for energy. Studies have indicated Alpha-Lipoic Acid stabilizes blood sugar in diabetics and may help nerve pain and numbness associated with the disease.

Garlic

Garlic is rich in sulfur and is best used in cooking. When garlic is cut or crushed the sulfur compounds are released. Some studies have indicated that garlic supplements help to lower cholesterol and also boost antioxidant levels in the body and is probably the most recognized grocery item for containing amino acid in foods.

Glutathione

Toxins need to be eliminated from the body by the liver. Glutathione, which is an antioxidant made by the body, assists the liver in the break down of toxins. Low levels of Glutathione have been linked to heart disease and also to certain cancers. Oranges, beef, tomatoes, potatoes, and also winter squash, contain this sulfur based antioxidant. Also, N-Acetylcysteine or (NAC) helps the liver produce glutathione.

Sulfur is needed for so many vital functions within the body. More research needs to be done. The book “The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain,” written by Dr. Stanley Jacob, was one of the first books on the subject and addresses the many benefits of MSM. As more research is completed, more updated books and information will become available. Give them a read and see what you think on the subject of sulfur supplementation.