Question: What is MSM and can it help arthritis in my knees?

17 September, 2008 – 12:50

Answer: You’re not alone! Achy joints, caused by general wear and tear on cartilage, are one of the most common health problems.

Normally there is a smooth layer of cartilage that acts as a pad between the bones of a joint, but in some people this essential cartilage thins as the joints are used and the bones may begin to rub against each other. This causes pain, joint swelling and stiffness.

To make matters worse, as the body ages, cartilage doesn’t repair itself as effectively. This is because today’s diet often doesn’t supply enough of the nutrients required, especially sulphur. Sulphur is an important nutrient involved in the formation of collagen, one of the main components of cartilage.

Sulphur is found in onions, garlic and broccoli, but unfortunately we consume very little these days. MSM is a naturally occurring, organic source of sulphur, found in traces in all living organisms.MSM is the richest source of organic sulfur available. Sulfur is the Fourth most abundant mineral in all living things and is vital to the creation and regeneration of tissue. MSM is found in, and used by, every cell in the human body.

Luckily for us, natural MSM supplements are now available in supplement form, in tablets, vegetarian capsules and powder.