This article discusses the benefits of MSM, which stands for Methyl-sulphonyl-methane. MSM is a nutritional form of sulphur, which is an essential component in the formation of collagen, elastin, cartilage and keratin. It gives flexibility, tone and strength to muscles, bones, joints, internal membranes and especially the skin, hair and nails.

Adequate levels of sulphur in the body help to promote a radiant complexion, glowing skin and mineralised hair. Therefore sulphur is often referred to as “The beauty mineral”. However, research has found that most people are deficient in sulphur and that deficiency increases with age.

Therefore it is recommended to take MSM as a nutritional supplement. Many people who take MSM on a regular basis report that their skin looks and feels better and also, that their overall health has improved.

MSM is formed naturally as a by-product of algae growing in the oceans and then is evaporated into the clouds. With rain, it falls to the Earth and becomes food and nutrition for all living organisms. MSM is highly concentrated in plants watered by rain, such as pine bark, wild grasses, aloe vera, etc. MSM is extracted from these plants and is available in supplemental crystal powder form.

MSM helps to promote elasticity, healing and repair. It makes cell walls more permeable, allowing nutrients and water to flow freely into cells. It also helps wastes and toxins to flow out. As a result, the benefits of MSM include:

* MSM helps our bodies are able to absorb more nutrients – Vitamins and minerals “lock” with MSM, allowing the body to fully use them.
* Oxygen availability is increased – MSM helps to get oxygen into the blood more efficiently.
* People tend to feel more energetic – The intake of MSM increases cell permeability, therefore the absorption of nutrients and oxygen is improved while toxins are released, thereby helping to increase energy levels.
* MSM helps to reduce inflammation and swelling – One of the most important benefits of MSM is that, by equalizing the pressure on both sides of a cell wall, it helps to take out inflammation out of soft tissue and therefore it helps to reduce pain from arthritis and rheumatism.
* Help with skin conditions - studies have shown that MSM helps with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne, dermatitis, scaly skin and dandruff. Topical application of MSM has been shown to help wounds heal quickly, without scarring.
* MSM helps to maintain a proper pH balance – Sulphur is an essential component of insulin, which plays a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism. Sulphur also helps to main an overall body balance between alkalinity and acidity.

MSM appears to be completely safe, even in large doses. There are no known toxic effects from MSM. However, it is best to start taking MSM in small quantities initially (1/2 tablespoon in a pint size glass of water) and increase the dose gradually to 1 to 2 tablespoons each day.

It is important to ensure that the MSM you use is pure, with a degree of purity of over 99.99%. It should also be derived from pine trees, but unfortunately most manufacturers extract it from petrochemicals!