Methylsulfonymethane, i.e. MSM, is a naturally occurring sulfur compound. MSM comes from plankton which releases dimethylsulfonium into the water. It is then oxidized into MSM as it reaches the surface of the water due to the presence of ozone and ultraviolet light. MSM then dissolves into the atmosphere moisture and returns to the earth in the form of rain and snow. Plants then absorb MSM into their structure. In the plant MSM and other minerals are bonded with carbon making them into a compound that animals and humans can absorb. MSM is essential for our nutrition. It is found in every cell in our bodies and is a vitally important for the structure and function of other compounds such as hormones, enzymes, antibodies, antioxidants, collagen and immunoglobulin. MSM maintains cell membrane flexibility and permeability helping to make the exchanges of nutrients and waste products function effeciently.

People have sought out hot springs containing large amounts of natural sulphur to soothe muscle aches and pains. In addition, we have obtained MSM from the food that we eat. However, now in an age of fast and processed foods, our foods no longer contain enough MSM for our bodies to use to repair connective tissue and muscle wear and tear that results in joint, back and muscles pain. Health authorities and doctors have recognized the benefit of MSM supplements in the treatment of pain. We are often able to lower the dosage of prescription pain medication with its possible harmful side effects, with the addition of MSM supplements to our diet. Prescription pain medications block our brains from perceiving pain, whereas, MSM repairs the tissue injury that originally caused the pain. Since MSM is essential for connective tissue health, it is very effective in treating the inflammation of arthritis and joint injury with it's accompanying pain. MSM helps improve joint flexibility, reduce stiffness and swelling, improves circulation, reduces scar tissue, dissolves calcium deposits, and prevents cartilage degeneration. MSM also appears to inhibit pain impulses along nerves.

In addition to pain relief and tissue repair, MSM provides raw materials to create new cells to repair organ tissue. MSM helps with energy as a componenet of insulin and a prerequisite for normal carbohydrate metabolism. As plants absorb MSM from the soil they change them into amino acids such as methionine, cysteine and taurine that protect against radiation and chelate heavy metals for elimination from our bodies. MSM also contains keratin which is a protein that is the primary component of skin, nails, hair and teeth. Collagen, found in MSM, is a protein that forms bones, tendons and connective tissue and is the building block for tendons ligaments, heart valves, membranes, eyes and skin. MSM is also helpful in preventing nail and hair breakage and splitting as well as promoting the growth of hair and nails. MSM has been used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus, to prevent the onset of breast and colon cancer and to lessen or cure parasitic, microbial and fungal infections. MSM has been used to treat asthma because it regulates the fluid that covers the airway surface of the lungs, prevents an inflammatory response and helps to regulate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. MSM helps alleviate allergies by detoxifying cells and eliminating free radicals. MSM is a natural and effective source of organic sulfur found in keratin and collagen which helps slow down the effect of aging on our skin and repairs skin damage.

For those of us who experience pain associated with joints and muscles due to aging or to strenuous work and activity, MSM provides us with an effective way to keep our connective tissue repaired and pain free. MSM also provides safe way to prevent and treat pain as studies has shown that no toxic effects due to MSM have been found in human use of MSM supplements. It seems like a natural occurring substance that repairs the tissue damage that is the original source of pain is a more wise choice than synthetic prescription pain medication that only masks the pain and does not address the original source of pain. MSM can be taken internally in capsule form or applied directly to a painful area with topical formulas containing MSM.