What is MSM?
MSM stands for methyl-sulfonyl-methane (aka MSM-Sulfur). It's an organic source of bioavailable sulfur, an antioxidant mineral found in high concentrations in connective tissues throughout the body. This naturally occurring chemical (sulfur) is found in humans, animals, and plants, and is necessary for all functions of the immune system to operate properly. Technically, MSM is the oxidized form of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and MSM contains approximately 34% sulfur - making it the richest natural source of sulfur for humans and animals.
MSM and Joint Health
MSM is most commonly known for its anti-inflammatory effect on joints; reducing pain and stiffness that come with arthritis. MSM helps form the connective tissues including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It can also increase the speed of muscle recovery.
MSM and Allergies & Digestion
MSM can also be very helpful with minimizing allergy symptoms and aiding in the repair of a damaged intestinal lining, reducing leaky gut.
MSM and Detoxification
Due to its rich sulfur content, MSM plays an important role in detoxification. Detoxification helps to reduce the build up of toxins that otherwise interfere with cellular function and lead to inflammation.
MSM and Cellular Health / Cellular Permeability
More specifically, MSM helps to make cells more permeable, where toxins can exit and nutrients can enter. This action alone is absolutely paramount to healing! Lack of this cellular functionality is where many get 'stuck' in their journey to recovery. Sulfur-rich MSM cleanses waste materials and heavy metals from the blood, and allows water and nutrients to enter the bloodstream.
MSM and Insulin Resistance (IR) / Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
With insulin resistance, the cellular walls become thick, dehydrated and hardened. Thickening of the cell wall interferes with the natural flow and exchange of toxins and nutrients accordingly, leaving the cells overburdened with toxins and lacking nutrients for proper function.
The hormone insulin is also prevented from transporting glucose into the cell. Glucose provides energy to the cell for cellular activity. The mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell, also requires oxygen to be able to produce energy. Sulfur assists by making the cell wall more permeable for oxygen, as well as nutrients, to be readily absorbed while pushing toxins out. If this natural process is interrupted for too long, insulin cannot carry enough glucose into the cell for energy production and it becomes stored in the body as fat. We may see fat pads develop in our horses and say they 'get fat off air'.
This inability for the cell to respond appropriately to insulin and take up glucose, can cause the body to produce even more insulin, leading to the cascade of symptoms we know as Insulin Resistance. As the cells fail to take up the glucose, it remains instead inside the bloodstream, causing the rise of blood glucose levels. One of the components of insulin is sulfur! Offering the body therapeutic doses of sulfur can increase permeability of the cell, once again allowing glucose to be transported inside the cell to the mitochondria to produce energy for the body to function normally.
Metformin vs. MSM
Metformin hydrochloride is a drug used to treat diabetes by decreasing production of hepatic insulin, decreasing insulin absorption by the digestive tract, and increasing cellular insulin sensitivity. Metformin can help the cells to receive glucose that is transported by insulin, but it is a drug, and with drugs there are side effects and toxicity warnings on PubChem.
Alternatively, sulfur-rich MSM can help by getting to the root cause on a cellular level. It isn't interfering with the body's normal functions, it's supporting them by increasing the cellular permeability - allowing the natural process of detoxification and nutrient absorption and oxygen intake, ultimately supporting the body's blood glucose levels to maintain a healthy range.
MSM and Adaptogenic Effects
"Ever hear of “adaptogen herbs” or supplements that help control how the body deals with stress? MSM works similarly, since it boosts our ability to heal & bounce back from exercise, stressful events, injuries & even surgeries."
Sulfur and COPD / Heaves / Asthma
MSM can support respiratory function by fighting inflammation as it blocks the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and down regulates certain harmful signals sent from the immune system that can impact the whole body. MSM can stop the lungs from swelling and narrowing when a trigger is present.
Sulfur Deficiencies
As we age, and as toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides and various chemicals take up space inside our cells, our bodies are more quickly depleted of sulfur; the sulfur is working overtime to help the body detox. Many are without proper replenishment of sulfur, as it's less available in our food supply today and cooking (heat pelletizing) can evaporate sulfur content. This can leave us with an imbalance, rooted in a deficiency of sulfur. Since MSM is 34% sulfur, it provides our bodies - our cells - with replenishment and reignites the possibility for self-healing to occur. Exercise can also deplete us of sulfur - as lactic acid waste material builds up in our muscles, it causes stiffness and reduces flexibility, lacking a double sulfur bond. This rigid bond puts the body at greater risk for torn ligaments and tendons, and more.
Benefit Highlights:
- Supports joint function and mobility
- Reduces pain and stiffness due to arthritis
- Supports Insulin Resistance / Equine Metabolic Syndrome
- Helps to make cells more permeable for nutrient and toxin exchange
- Helps to maintain normal blood glucose levels
- Supportive for PSSM/EPSM
- Helps minimize allergies
- Powerful antioxidant
- Supports neurological function
- Helps maintain normal skin
- Supports the body in detoxification
- Helps manage pain levels
- Sulfur has an anti-inflammatory effect
- Supports normal cellular function
- Supports overall immune system function
- Improves production of collagen + keratin
- Helps restore hair + hoof growth
- Can raise energy levels, reducing chronic fatigue
- Supports speedy muscle recovery + wound healing
- Supports arteries of the heart
- Supports absorption of nutrients
- Supports digestion
- Can minimize leaky gut syndrome
- Helps rebuild lining of GI tract
- Can help lower inflammatory / allergic responses to foods
Ingredients: Pure MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane).
Serving Size: 1 scoop, twice per day (10 g), for every 1,000 lbs of body weight. You can double the serving size to 20 g/day temporarily, for acute situations like laminitis / founder.
Storage: Please store in a cool, dry place.