MSM(sulfur) vs DMSO

[Horseofadifferentcolor]

I have been feeding garlic to all of my animal friends for the control of parasites. I had read that what makes this work is the sulfur content. Well after the rain we have had everything just exploded. I found mites on one of my chickens and my doggies got fleas. So I was doing some searching around and reading on sulfur and found some interesting things, but I am having a hard time putting it all together. I might be on the wrong track, so I am asking for help. Is the real magic behind DMSO the sulfur?

Is any body taking this or giving it to animals? If so, from who and where? Thanks

I found this link and a few others but this sums it up ok.
_http://all-natural.com/msm.html

Methylsulfonylmethane is a relatively new dietary supplement form of sulfur that is found in our living tissues. MSM supports healthy connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, and muscle. Thus, it is important in conditions such as arthritis, muscle pains, bursitis, etc. MSM should be considered an integral part of any health care practice because of its physiological action, indirect importance, and current / future uses.

To understand MSM, some background information is necessary. MSM is a "naturally-occurring nutrient found in normal human diets" (1). It gets into the diet through the sulfur cycle. Ocean plankton release sulfur compounds which rise into the ozone where ultra-violet light makes MSM and DMSO. DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide, is a precursor to MSM. MSM and DMSO return to the surface of the earth in rain (1). Plants concentrate MSM and return it to the earth and the sea. Evaporation into the air results in their return to the earth (1).

MSM has a unique action on body tissues. It decreases the pressure inside the cell. In removing fluids and toxins, sulfur affects the cell membrane. MSM is an organic form of sulfur, whereas sulfites in foodstuffs are inorganic. Sue Williams states "sulfur is present in all cells" and is in the form of "organic compounds throughout the body (2). However, sulfur can be found in the body in sulfate forms. It forms sulfate compounds with sodium, potassium, magnesium, and selenium. MSM has a significance, because sulfur compounds are found everywhere throughout the body and in nature.

Sulfur has an indirect importance, because sulfur compounds play a role in many body organs and systems. Sulfur is in the hair, skin, and nails. Many amino acids, the building blocks of protein, have sulfur as a component. Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid formed from methionine (2). Taurine stabilizes cell membranes (2). Methionine contains sulfur, detoxifies cells, and is involved in pain relief (2). Carnitine comes from methionine and transports long chain fatty acids preventing accumulations of lipoproteins (2). Many B-complex vitamins interact with or contain sulfur. Sulfur is needed for insulin production.

One current use of MSM is for joint problems, as sulfur is found in and near osseous structures. Sulfur supports healthy muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Arthritic conditions have responded to oral MSM. Some researchers note results from MSM when used for post-exercise muscle pain (1). MSM normalizes pressure inside cells and removes toxins. Oregon Health Sciences University has conducted arthritis studies with mice. The mice which received MSM had "no degeneration of articular cartilage" (1). The other non-MSM mice had cartilaginous degeneration. The university has used MSM on over 12,000 patents. Researchers make no claim about MSM as a supplement, but osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle soreness and muscle pain respond to oral MSM.

One researcher claims MSM is about as safe as water. One should drink extra water with MSM use. There are other dietary factors to consider.

Avoiding nightshade plants has helped arthritis patients (tomatoes / potatoes / green pepper/eggplant). Biotin and vitamin C help the body assimilate MSM. Biotin and vitamin C are found in fresh fruits. Eating fresh fruits while taking MSM could be helpful.

In addition to arthritis, it may have other future uses. Dr. Stanley Jacob believes ,'most people are deficient' in sulfur (1). Insulin synthesis depends upon sulfur. Many vitamins require or contain sulfur. Some researchers claim it has many future uses such as in allergies (1).

A good MSM product is both safe and effective. The MSM source for MSM supplements is often lignin from pine trees. Lignin is a molecule in plants that is part of a plant's cell wall. Lignin oxidation in oak wine barrels results in the vanilla flavors of wines. The pine tree lignin is an ideal source for a good MSM product.

For those who do not want to take MSM as a supplement, food sources of sulfur are as follows: sunflower seeds, garlic, lentils, soybeans, and yogurt. Persons with kidney problems or recurrent kidney stones may not want to take MSM. Certain renal tubular defects can make a person susceptible to recurrent kidney stones (2). Other kidney defects include errors of metabolism in which processing of sulfur amino acids is altered (2). Such persons may wish to avoid MSM.

One thousand to three thousand milligrams per day is a typical dosage range, but some people take well above that amount. This author takes MSM alone.

From the cell walls of pine trees to the cells of the human body, a good MSM supplement can contribute to good health.

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Conditions That Have Reportedly Responded to MSM Supplements



Acne
Allergies
Arthritis
Asthma
Candida Yeast Infections
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue
Constipation
Diabetes
Digestive Disorders
Fragile Hair & Nails
Migraine Headaches
Muscle Pain & Cramps
Parasites
Skin Damage & Aging
Toxic Build-up
Ulcers


A body made up of healthy, flexible cells will not only feel better, it will look better too. The body is continuously at work replacing old, worn out cells with new ones. The process goes on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without stop. When all the raw materials needed for cell-building are available, it is a very efficient process. When there are deficiencies, the new cells may be weak, rigid or deformed.

One of the most important raw materials for building healthy new cells is a form of organic sulfur known as methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM). This element is so essential to life that it is found in every cell of every plant and every animal. Sulfur makes up 0.25% of human body weight. However neither plants nor animals can use elemental sulfur directly. Sulfur is not easily available to living organisms in its inorganic form.

MSM is not a medicine, a drug, or a food additive. It is a food. MSM is an organic form of sulfur that can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Although DMSO and MSM are chemically similar, each is unique. MSM is a pure, stable, white crystalline powder without the unpleasant smell or taste of DMSO. (1-3) Also, MSM does not give you a strong body odor like DMSO.

Since sulfur is a component of all cells, it is essential that the body have a plentiful supply of this mineral in its usable form. There is a positive synergistic effect on building healthier cells when MSM is taken in combination with vitamin C.The new cells are more pliable and permeable, allowing fluids to pass through the tissue more easily. (1) Internally this means more efficient elimination of toxins, a reduction in inflammation and pain - so you feel better. On the outside it shows up as a softer, smoother complexion, stronger hair and nails - so you look better.

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MSM for Relief of Pain and Inflammation


Approximately half of the total body sulfur is concentrated in the muscles, skin and bones. One of the most significant uses of MSM as a supplement is its demonstrated ability to relieve pain and inflammation. When rigid fibrous tissue cells swell and become inflamed, pressure and pain result. Since MSM can restore flexibility and permeability to cell walls, fluids can pass through the tissues more easily. This helps equalize pressure and reduce or eliminate the cause of pain. Harmful substances such as lactic acid and toxins are allowed to flow out, while nutrients are permitted to flow in. This prevents the pressure buildup in cells that causes inflammation. (1)

MSM has shown a remarkable ability to reduce or eliminate muscle soreness and cramps both in geriatric patients and in athletes. It's even given to race horses before a race to prevent muscle soreness, and afterward to reduce the risk of cramping. People with arthritis report substantial and long-lasting relief with MSM supplements. Taken along with glucosamine, a key substance in the process of rebuilding cartilage, MSM can relieve pain and help repair worn or damaged cartilage in joints, ligaments and tendons with healthy, flexible new cells. (1)

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How Does MSM Work?


MSM makes cell walls permeable, allowing water and nutrients to freely flow into cells and allowing wastes and toxins to properly flow out. The body uses MSM along with Vitamin C to create new, healthy cells, and MSM provides the flexible bond between the cells. Without proper levels of MSM, our bodies are unable to build good healthy cells, and this leads to problems such as lost flexibility, scar tissue, wrinkles, varicose veins, hardened arteries, damaged lung tissues, dry cracking skin, digestive disorders, joint problems, and inability to defend against allergic reactions to food, animals and plants.

MSM is an anti-oxidant that helps to clean the blood stream and flush toxins trapped in our cells. It is also a foreign protein and free radical scavenger. In order to maintain good health, we need to supplement our diets with MSM, to enable the body to heal itself. The body uses what it needs, and after 12 hours will flush out any excess amounts.

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The Beauty Mineral for Hair, Skin and Nails


Sulfur has been called nature's "beauty mineral" because it is needed to keep the hair glossy and smooth and keeps the complexion clear and youthful. It is needed for synthesis of collagen and is prevalent in keratin, a tough protein substance necessary for health and maintenance of the skin, nails and hair.

MSM is responsible for the flexible disulfide bonds between cells, including those that make up the skin. It blocks undesirable chemical and physical cross-linking or bonding of collagen which is associated with tough, aging skin. Con consequently MSM enhances tissue pliability and encourages repair f damaged skin. If there is insufficient sulfur in the body when new cells are being manufactured, the new cells will be rigid. This rigidity can contribute to cracking, wrinkling and unsightly scar tissue. When sufficient sulfur is present for new cells, the skin is softer, smoother and more flexible. MSM provides that sulfur.

Acne, including the severe acne rosacea, responds favorably to MSM supplements. Adequate sulfur and vitamin C are also needed for healing. When the body is deficient in these nutrients, the new tissue will be elevated leaving an unattractive, raised scar. Because MSM makes the skin more permeable and pliant, it can also help prevent blistering and promote faster healing from sunburn or wind damage.

With MSM supplements, nails show not only an increase in growth rate, but also increased toughness and resistance to chipping and cracking. This effect has been seen both in human nails and horses hoofs.

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Allergens, Toxins and Parasites


Flexible, permeable cells are also important in that they allow toxins, allergens and foreign substances to be flushed out of the body more easily . When skin cells are soft and permeable, many toxins can be eliminated through the sweat glands, which takes some of the load off the liver and kidneys. While MSM is not a cure for allergies, supplementation may reduce symptoms by allowing allergens to be removed from the body more quickly. Even reactions to insect bites, poison ivy and poison oak are less severe when the diet is supplemented with MSM. Vitamin C is also synergistic in this application in that it can lower histamine levels.

MSM has also shown amazing anti-parasitic action against Giardia, Trichomonas, roundworms, nematodes, Enterobius and other intestinal worms. When parasites attach themselves to the intestinal lining, they can live, reproduce and rob the body of nutrients indefinitely. MSM blocks parasites by competing for receptor sites on the mucous membrane. When parasites can not attach themselves, they are simply flushed out of the system.

The same is true with food allergens. MSM coats mucosal surfaces and occupies the binding sites that could otherwise be used by challenging food allergens. It can also bind with offending agents to produce harmless substances which are then excreted from the body. This facilitates normal digestion and assimilation and allows the body to get maximum nutritional value from foods that would otherwise cause a reaction. Individuals who experience an allergic response to certain foods have reported improved or complete tolerance to those foods when they take MSM supplements. Healthy flexible colon tissues along with improved digestion, can also relieve constipation.

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Diabetes


Sulfur is also a component of insulin, the hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism and insufficient sulfur may result in decreased insulin production. It is also possible that a lack of bio-available sulfur would make the cells so rigid and impermeable that they become unable to absorb sugar from the blood efficiently, leaving blood sugar levels elevated. Studies indicate that regular MSM supplements which cause the cell to become permeable, could help balance blood sugar and allow the overworked pancreas to return to normal.

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Why Supplement?


Buy MSM Today


Since sulfur is present in every cell of every living thing, it might seem that we would get plenty of this essential mineral from dietary sources and should not need supplements, but that may not be the case. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products are the main sources of dietary sulfur, but we have been advised to restrict or remove many of those foods from our diets. Vegetarians, especially those who do not eat eggs, are at particular risk for sulfur deficiency. Plants cells contain sulfur but not in abundant quantities and much of the MSM present in unprocessed foods is lost in washing, cooking or steaming. And, of course, MSM levels decline noticeably with age - doesn't everything? So, the older you get, the more important it becomes to maintain adequate sulfur levels in the body.

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Usage and Toxicity


Due to its positive effects, particularly in maintaining healthy cell formation, 2,000 to 6,000 mg. of supplemental MSM daily is recommended. Of course, the optimum daily dosage of MSM depends largely on body size, age and the nature and severity of any deficiency symptoms you may be experiencing. Since vitamin C provides a positive synergistic it should be taken along with MSM.

MSM ranks in the "extremely low" toxicity category with a toxicity profile similar to that of water. When oral supplements are taken, the body will distribute MSM where it is needed. After about 12 hours, any excess amounts will be flushed out of the body. MSM, a member of the sulfur family, should never be confused with sulfa drugs to which some people are allergic.

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References:



1. Total Health. 1998. "MSM". Feb/Mar, Vol., 20 No. 1. pp. 30-31.
2. Williams, S. 1997. Nutrition & Diet Therapy (8th ed.). Academic Press, N.Y., N.Y.
3. Thomas, C. 1993. Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, (1 7th Ed.). F.A. Davis Company, Philadelphia, PA.

 

[mcb]

I take a little MSM daily (1/4 tsp). I don't know if it helps or not, but something has been causing my arthritis to improve. There is a persistent pain in my neck, though, that looks like it is going to need DMSO (when I finish reading about it).

You weren't feeding garlic to cats were you? Don't know about dogs.

 

[nicklebleu]

I take a little MSM daily (1/4 tsp). I don't know if it helps or not, but something has been causing my arthritis to improve. There is a persistent pain in my neck, though, that looks like it is going to need DMSO (when I finish reading about it).

You weren't feeding garlic to cats were you? Don't know about dogs.

Cats are not stupid, they won't generally eat anything that is detrimental to their health - unlike dogs (fed macadamia nuts to our dog who happily took them - I didn't know that it slowly poisons and ultimately kills them).

Thanks for the MSM post, Hoadc, will look into this a bit more, sounds like a good substance to take.

I regularely take DMSO as part of my oral chelation regimen, next to EDTA, as the latter doesn't cross the blood-brain-barrier to remove heavy metals (mercury). The main mechanism here certainly is the chelation.
To clarify the chelation mechanism I have added a short quote that explains how this works - sorry, it's quite technical:

Source :_http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2922724/

Chelating agents are organic or inorganic compounds capable of binding metal ions to form complex ring-like structure called ‘chelates’. Chelating agents possess “ligand” binding atoms that form either two covalent linkages or one covalent and one co-ordinate or two co-ordinate linkages in the case of bidentate chelates. Mainly atoms like S, N and O function as ligand atoms in the form of chemical groups like –SH, –S-S, –NH2, =NH, –OH, –OPO3H, or >C=O. Bidenate or multidentate ligands form ring structures that include the metal ion and the two-ligand atoms attached to the metal [2] (Figure 1). Many donors act as bidentate ligands. Five-membered chelate rings are specially stable and they are often formed by ligands with YCCY skeltons such as Y-CH2-CH2-Y, Y-CO-CH2-Y etc. where Y is OR, NR2, O, S, NR, etc. There are also examples of inorganic chelate ligands which form five-membered ring with metal ions. Other types of chelating ligands are possible, like EDTA4−, which is a hexadentate ligand. In the simplest case a proton (H+) that can absorb the lone pair of electrons of ligand-binding atom(s) of the chelator may be involved in the coordination complex formation. However, the positive charge on proton remains since there is no loss or gain of electrons in the process.

To sum it up, sulphur (or oxygen or nitrogen) are part of the binding sites in chelation molecules that latch on to the metal ion.

 

[Horseofadifferentcolor]

From what I have been reading a lot of folks out there are saying "breaking the sulfur cycle" and talk about since the use of chemicals(1950s) on fields for food all most all sulfur can not be absorbed or is no longer there at all. It apparently is one of the most important minerals we need. I had never even heard of needing it before.

So my thoughts on this might be way off base, but I have been reading on this for hours and I have more questions than I started with. Most of my research was for animals but I found a lot of parallels between human and animal health on the subject of sulfur. What I noticed the most was how many sources say don't worry you get more than you need from your food.

I am wondering this..... When plants or animals are deficient in the things they need they start to decay. I have long been a believer that all bugs are beneficial, just part of the cycle. Let's not include mosquitos and fire ants in this. If your plant is dying it is lacking something, not the bugs killing it, the are only feeding on a dying plant(doing the job they do). So spraying it with toxins only prolongs a death that is inevitable due to nutritional needs not being met for cellular regeneration.
What if not having sulfur in normal healthy amounts for animals, people, and plants would make all of us unbalanced and sends the cues to nature that we are dying and enables what we refer to parasites to come in and do their job? I'm wondering if DMSO is only just giving you a life saving dose of sulfur?

 

[Horseofadifferentcolor]

I take a little MSM daily (1/4 tsp). I don't know if it helps or not, but something has been causing my arthritis to improve. There is a persistent pain in my neck, though, that looks like it is going to need DMSO (when I finish reading about it).

You weren't feeding garlic to cats were you? Don't know about dogs.

I have read this a few times now.....

Interstitial cystitis[edit]

In 1978, the FDA approved dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for instillation into the bladder as a treatment for interstitial cystitis. Since DMSO is metabolized to MSM by the body, it is possible that MSM is the active ingredient in DMSO treatments
My cats do not have any fleas so no I have not tried with them, but I tried to get some into the dogs. I'm just trying to do things without chemicals and I get frustrated with not having all the answers. I have come to trust some things while for the most part even well meaning vets have no clue what the are talking about. I have read many conflicting things about this. Most more recent info talks about how garlic is bad while old timers swear by it. I think for animals the results of testing are skewed just like with humans, because of the crappy diet they are eating in the first place. If you read an article about how garlic is bad and then read about what sulfur does for oxygen and many other functions it seems that one of them has to be wrong. I'm just not getting it maybe.

 

[monotonic]

MSM has not been popular on this forum because of reports that it causes nerve damage. Laura in fact asked the C's about it but they did not really answer the question IIRC. Maybe more has come out since then?

 

[mcb]

MSM has not been popular on this forum because of reports that it causes nerve damage. Laura in fact asked the C's about it but they did not really answer the question IIRC. Maybe more has come out since then?

Yeah, I wouldn't take it myself in high doses. I have done long-term testing with/without it and have not observed any negative side effects at low dose, but it's hard to say if there has been a positive effect directly from the MSM (it might have been other factors). The LD50 dose is > 17.5 g/kg and small amounts are probably pretty safe.

 

[Galaxia2002]

MSM has not been popular on this forum because of reports that it causes nerve damage. Laura in fact asked the C's about it but they did not really answer the question IIRC. Maybe more has come out since then?

The remark was about DMSO no MSM, I remember that Laura said that direct channeling session was probably corrupted and she explains that session piece by piece here:

http://cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php?topic=17617.0

 

[Horseofadifferentcolor]

MSM has not been popular on this forum because of reports that it causes nerve damage. Laura in fact asked the C's about it but they did not really answer the question IIRC. Maybe more has come out since then?

Is this what you are talking about? If so it's about DMSO
What other reports are you speaking of? I have searched and have not found much.


Q: (L) We have one other question that is personal. Can you describe the action of DMSO on the body tissues, and can it be detrimental?

A: Please define "detrimental."

Q: (L) Just leave it and describe the action on the tissues.

{I was getting a little testy here myself.}

A: Pores of the skin are stimulated to open up in ways in which they do not normally open up, due to chemical reaction that is taking place between the oils that are normally present on the skin, and the chemical compound in the DMSO, which allows for rapid absorbing of the chemical compounds into the skin, to such an extent that nerve endings are equally stimulated to produce the desired result that is what could be described as numbness. But, one must remember that this numbness is merely a result of deadening the nerve endings as opposed to any medicinal treatment of the cause of the discomfort. Therefore, it is not particularly helpful for one to use the product described if the desired result is long term treatment and healing. It is merely short-term comfort on a temporary basis, then this is feasible, however, it is not advisable for long term health.

{This description is not very accurate. The benefits of DMSO are well described. Certainly, it is not a cure-all, but rather, and solving the problems that it is being used to treat is desirable, but here again, one must ask: is there any reason for this answer to be skewed? Like to discourage me from using something that might have helped me a great deal?}

 

[monotonic]

Thanks for clarifying that. I thought it specifically had to do with MSM, but I can't find anything about it now. I thought that C's response was something like "what do you think?".

 

[Horseofadifferentcolor]

Just for fun..... I saw this on Sott


http://www.sott.net/article/264335-Floridas-radioactive-fountain-of-youth-may-prolong-life

" The water from the well is also heavy in sulfates, which give it a distinctive smell of rotten eggs. This hasn't stopped the locals from drinking from it regularly"

 

[Horseofadifferentcolor]

Well, I just found this link

_http://drsircus.com/medicine/sulfur/beginning-sulfur-story

So, I guess I am just now showing up to the party late on the importance of sulfur. It took me three days of reading different things before finding that our resident doctor has already done interviews on this very subject. It took me reading in circles for a few days but I think I got a pretty clear picture now.