Arthritis Supplements

Methyl Sulfonylmethane, better known as MSM, is a non-metallic, organic sulfur compound.

It is a naturally occurring nutrient found in many of our foods, and it’s also found in human blood and urine, which tells us that our bodies use sulfur in the form of MSM. It’s been also found in green vegetables, fresh fruit, cow’s milk, and in their adrenal glandsI. Cow’s milk is a very rich source of MSM, however, heating and processing can reduce MSM levels in our foodsI. In fact, it’s been suggested that the primary source of sulfur (85%) in all living organisms occurs in the form of MSM and related compounds, like DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) and DMS (dimethylsulfide)IV.

Another arthritis supplement, MSM, is found naturally occurring in all fruits and vegetables, fish, meat, and milk. Unfortunately, cooking and even moderate processing can destroy the amounts of MSM found in our foods. Sulfur is used to create more than 150 different compounds in our bodies, including enzymes, hormones, antibodies, antioxidants, and body tissues. It is found in extremely high concentrations in our connective tissues of our joints. Experiments using radiolabeled MSM have shown that after ingestion, MSM donates its sulfur to help in the construction of collagen, which makes up 50% of joint cartilage. This study also showed that this same sulfur was used in the formation of collagen and keratin found in hair and nails. Sulfur is also used in nature to create two very important sulfur-containing essential amino acids, cysteine and methionine. In our bodies, these amino acids function as powerful antioxidants, help to rid the body of dangerous toxins, and support collagen and connective tissue formation.

. . . Double-blind study performed by Ronald Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D. on patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis, MSM exhibited wonderful results in controlling pain and inflammation. This study examined sixteen patients over a period of four months. Ten of them were given MSM and six of them were given a sucrose (sugar) placebo. The patients ranged from age 55 to age 78, and all of them had x-ray evidence of degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis. All of these patients had pain ranging from four weeks to six months, and most of them had tried non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. These same drugs have been found to actually increase joint damage and were stopped, at least, three days prior to beginning the study. An independent evaluator kept records and both physicians and patients were blinded. Evaluation consisted of the patient marking a line, which was labeled 1 — 100 with 1 being "no pain" and 100 being "pain as bad as could possibly be." This method is known as the visual analogue pain scale, or VAS, and was completed by the patient at the fourth week and sixth week of the study.

At week 4, the MSM treated patients showed a 60% improvement, and, at week 6, an 82% improvement was noted! Those on the placebo experienced a 20% improvement at week 4, but decreased to 18% improvement at week 6.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is a dietary arthritis supplement used to treat bladder infection. It may also be used to treat arthritis, sprains, strains, bruises, and fractures. DMSO may also be used to treat Alzheimer's disease, burns, cancer, colitis, lupus, and muscle pain. Other uses include the treatment of gallstones, herpes, pancreas infection, stroke, tuberculosis, and ulcers.

Side Effects:
Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

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