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Sulphur is the fourth most prevalent mineral in the body. Even though it is found in every cell in every plant and animal, it is probably the most under-appreciated mineral in our body. In its biological form, sulphur is called methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM for short.
About half of our body sulphur is concentrated in the muscles, skin and bones. It is also found in keratin, the tough substance in hair, skin and nails. It is needed for production of collagen, the primary constituent of cartilage and connective tissue. It is used in the formation of disulfide bonds that join proteins, and consequently hold connective tissue together. MSM is a key component in many amino acids, including methionine, cysteine and taurine. MSM, along with the necessary vitamins and amino acids, provides the body with the raw materials to create new cells. A body deficient in MSM cannot efficiently repair or replace damaged tissues and organs, and produces dysfunctional cells which can lead to illness.
MSM enhances tissue pliability and aids in repairing damaged skin. It minimizes wrinkles and scars and is used to treat burns. MSM, by keeping cells soft and pliable, helps the sweat glands to excrete toxins. This is why people with acne respond well to dietary supplementation of MSM.
Probably the most popular use of MSM as supplement concerns its ability to alleviate pain associated with systemic inflammatory disorders such as arthritis. MSM helps to sustain cell flow-through, allowing harmful substances such as lactic acid and toxins to flow out and nutrients to flow into cells. Therefore, it prevents the pressure buildup in cells that causes inflammation in joints and elsewhere. For years trainers have given MSM to million-dollar racehorses before a race to prevent muscle soreness, and after a race to prevent cramping.
Copyright (c) 2001 by Chip Engelmann
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