Sulfur is an element that, when mentioned, makes you think of the occult, weapons and toxic chemicals. The history of this element is very rich, and the scope of its modern application is very extensive.
Previously, priests and shamans used sulfur vapors to perform ceremonies and rituals. Later, sulfur began to be added to flammable and explosive substances, that is, it was used for military purposes. Arsenic and other dangerous toxic compounds were also made from sulfur. Then one of the strongest inorganic acids, sulfuric acid, was made from it...
Using sulfur for militaristic, religious and other purposes, people began to subconsciously consider sulfur a very dangerous element from which they should stay away. But since the end of the 19th century, information began to appear that sulfur could be useful. The healing effect of sulfur springs, the discovery of sulfur in proteins and the identification of its valuable biological properties made it possible to understand that in small doses it is very important for us.
Signs of excess sulfur
Under natural conditions, when a person receives a mineral only through food, its excess cannot occur. But if the body is exposed to toxic sulfur compounds, this can cause an “overdose” and poisoning.
Symptoms of obvious excess sulfur are presented in the form of headache, severe weakness, convulsions, loss of consciousness, mental disorders, breathing problems, digestive disorders, etc.
Long-term consumption of foods containing sulfites may result in a less noticeable excess than exposure to industrial or household sulfur-containing substances. However, the health problems that arise from a “sulfite overdose” are also very unpleasant.
Sulfites are preservatives added to carbonated drinks, alcohol, vinegar and food coloring. With their excessive consumption, increased fatigue, nausea, inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, general poor health, etc. are possible. In order to reduce their negative impact, it is worth abandoning the corresponding products and consuming natural sources of sulfur.
MSM or organic sulfur – to whom and for what?
Science and medicine do not stand still; every day scientists are developing new drugs and methods for treating various diseases, including diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
In this article we want to tell you about MSM or organic sulfur, which has a powerful therapeutic effect in the treatment of joint pathologies, osteochondrosis, and is also a safe painkiller of natural origin.
Natural origin of MCM
Sulfur is a trace element that has its own cycle in nature. MSM
– one of the richest sources of sulfur, found in a number of fruits, vegetables and grains, in the form of amino acids: methionine and cysteine.
The characteristic smell of onions, garlic and horseradish is due to the sulfur they contain. And our hair curls thanks to the sulfur bonds of the amino acid cysteine. Hair straighteners are made to break sulfur bonds. Sulfur is a mineral that we get from food, and which is sorely lacking in the diet of modern residents.
The intake of MSM in the body normalizes the vital functions of key amino acids in the body, and their deficiency leads to the occurrence of physical and mental pathologies.
How our body uses sulfur
We all know that without substances such as air and water, human life is impossible. It turns out that sulfur is one of these vital substances.
Sulfur is necessary for the formation of all connective tissues in the body.
Without the constituents of sulfur, we (and other living things) would be nothing but shapeless puddles of protoplasm.
Sulfur provides structure, delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the cell, the effectiveness of the protective properties of mucous membranes, the ability of the intestines to absorb all nutrients, the elasticity of blood vessels and skin, and promotes healing processes.
MSM is an essential component in the treatment of joint pathologies.
Most often, the supplement is used to relieve pain in joints and muscles. The analgesic effect of MSM helps fight not only the symptoms of arthritis, but also has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
In addition, MSM promotes the restoration and treatment of cartilage, since it is a necessary element for the production of its own glycosaminoglycans - a building material for ligaments, tendons, synovial fluid, etc. The use of a dietary supplement allows you to reduce pain impulses without side effects and increases the mobility and flexibility of joints. The combined use of MSM and glucosamine increases effectiveness in the fight against osteoarthritis.
Sulfur is often called the “mineral of beauty”
for its ability to stimulate the production of collagen and keratin in the body. It is necessary in order to have thick shiny hair, soft skin and healthy strong nails.
Sulfur is one of the essential macroelements and is part of nervous and cerebral tissue.
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Taurine is an essential sulfur amino acid that is involved in the formation of neurotransmitters and is responsible for our mood and blood pressure levels. Additional intake of taurine is especially necessary for women
, since the female hormone estradiol suppresses the formation of taurine in the liver. Any additional intake of estradiol into the body, for example, in the form of a medicine, further enhances this effect.
Sulfur is also one of the main components in the process of insulin production and plays an important role in sugar metabolism. This substance is especially necessary for the treatment of patients suffering from diabetes and hypoglycemia.
Sulfur is a regulator and activator of vitamins B1, B5, B7, vitamin C. Without it, these vitamins are poorly absorbed.
Signs of sulfur deficiency in the body
- Decreased mobility and flexibility of joints (crunching in joints and spine)
- Muscle weakness and muscle pain
- Deterioration of the skin condition: it becomes dull and inelastic
- Hair loss, brittle nails
- The function of the liver, pancreas, diabetes mellitus may be impaired
- Decreased immunity and greater susceptibility to disease
In order for sulfur to be absorbed, it must be in a bioavailable form.
Despite the fact that MCM is a naturally occurring substance, its concentration in food sources is hundredths per million, which is not enough to fully compensate for the need for it from food.
Synthetically produced MSM allows you to take biologically active amounts without having to consume unrealistic amounts of food, and is no different in structure and safety from the naturally occurring compound.
Safety of use and daily doses
MSM is considered to be such a safe substance, almost the same as water, and does not cause significant side effects, does not impart an unpleasant odor to the body or breath, even when used in large doses. The daily dose can vary from 250 to 20 grams depending on body weight, health status and duration of the disease. However, the most commonly used is 1500-3000 mg per day.
MCM Dietary Supplement FDA Approved
(US Food and Drug Administration) and is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) up to 4845.6 mg/day.
Externally, MSM resembles sugar, easily dissolves in water or juice, and has a slightly bitter taste.
MCM should be taken with breakfast and/or lunch,
and in any case
avoid taking on an empty stomach
, as in this case it may have a laxative effect.
Mechanism of action of MCM
MSM is a highly soluble substance; when it enters the human body, it easily penetrates into cells and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. Reduces the activity of inflammatory cells, suppresses the production of reactive oxygen species and helps remove free radicals that have a damaging effect on the body. Modulates the immune response through crosstalk between oxidative stress and inflammation.
Interestingly, the sensations from taking it come on quite quickly, during the first week: pain in the joints and muscles decreases, the range of motion increases, and muscle spasms decrease.
An interesting fact is that during the study, which lasted more than 7 months, the improvement in results continued even after six months.
Indications for use of MCM
For arthritis (osteoarthritis)
With age, wear and tear on the joints of the body leads to osteoarthritis or, in medical terms, degenerative joint diseases. MCM has been scientifically proven to be ideal for non-toxic treatment of osteoarthritis. With its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce pain, slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue, and improve blood circulation. MSM is not only well tolerated, it is as active as pharmaceutical analgesics. But unlike them, MSM is non-toxic and has no side effects.
For rheumatoid arthritis
This disease is considered to be the province of the elderly and, according to statistics, 40% of people over 60 years of age suffer from some form of rheumatoid arthritis. However, it can occur at any age. The autoimmune nature of the disease involves a malfunction of the immune system, its activity against one’s own body. In this case, MSM reacts as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, allowing one to achieve disease control and achieve long-term remissions.
To eliminate pain and speed up recovery
MCM improves blood supply to tissues, saturates them with oxygen and ensures the flow of nutrients to wounds, scars, and inflammations. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the supplement help relieve symptoms and speed up the healing process.
For muscular rheumatism (fibriomyalgia)
The use of the supplement can alleviate the condition of muscular rheumatism. Regular use of MCM can soothe pain and provide an effective, safe source of relief.
For problems with teeth and gums
MCM can become an additional weapon in the fight against gum diseases, such as gingivitis and various inflammations.
For back pain
Based on the results of treating hundreds of patients, it is safe to say that MCM is effective in helping with back pain caused by osteochondrosis, disc degeneration, etc.
MSM for athletes
The professional activities of athletes are often accompanied by injuries, sprains and require special care and recovery measures. In this case, MSM helps reduce the body's recovery period after strenuous weight training and endurance exercise, reduce muscle pain, and maintain normal cartilage in joints by promoting the production of its own glycosaminoglycans.
For hair loss and skin problems
Taking MCM has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails, promotes the production of collagen and keratin. Cosmetologists, dermatologists and trichologists often recommend MCM to their patients.
New generation of chondroprotectors
To treat joint pathology, doctors often recommend taking chondroprotectors - a group of drugs used to treat and improve the function of damaged joints.
Restobon and RestoFLEX
– new generation chondroprotectors. The main active ingredient is MSM - a new trend in maintaining joint health.
The preparations contain a complex of substances that help strengthen muscles, joints and bones.
Restobon is a complex of MSM, glucosamine sulfate, collagen, calcium and vitamin D3, used to restore and improve the function of joints, cartilage and bone tissue.
RestoFLEX is a complex of magnesium and MSM, recommended for use to eliminate muscle spasms, accelerate recovery after physical activity, and increase flexibility and mobility of joints and ligaments.
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What is sulfur and its role in the body
Sulfur, S (full name sulfur), is a macroelement assigned atomic number 16 in the periodic table.
This substance, known for its fetid odor in compounds and flammable properties, plays an important role in humans, being part of amino acids such as methonine, cystine, vitamins (for example, thiamine), hormones and enzymes (for example, insulin).
In the human body, the proportion of sulfur is 0.25% of the total mass.
Sulfur itself is not toxic, but compounds of the element with other chemical components, such as hydrogen sulfide, are poisonous.
It plays a key role in blood clotting. Its beneficial properties include protecting protoplasm from bacteria.
As part of the body's compounds, sulfur has benefits for the growth of hair, nails, skin, and also in protecting the body from aging.
Useful properties of sulfur
Sulfur is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The main task of sulfur is anti-allergenic and immunomodulatory effects, improving the functioning of the nervous system, cleansing the body of toxic elements and toxins.
Effects of sulfur on the body:
- protects against pathogens;
- maintains the required level of bile, which promotes better absorption of food;
- protects cells from the negative effects of radiation and other harmful external factors;
- stops the development of joint pathologies;
- prevents the development of anemia, ensures normal oxygen supply to tissues.
Sulfur interacts with vitamins B, H, lipoic acid, provides energy to brain cells, and promotes better absorption of glucose by muscles.
Sulfur maintains normal bile levels in the body
When can a person drink?
Considering the biological effect of sulfur, the scope of its application can be quite extensive. In dermatology, the drug is used not only for acne and boils, but also for other diseases:
- Seborrhea.
- Sycosis.
- Scabies.
- Demodecosis.
- Psoriasis.
- Mycoses.
Preparations containing sulfur for oral administration have anthelmintic and laxative properties, and therefore the list of indications for them includes enterobiasis (pinworms), disorders of the digestive tract with constipation. In addition, they can be used as an antidote for poisoning with heavy metal salts.
The benefits of purified sulfur for the skin are manifested in antiseptic, healing, drying properties, and the ability to accelerate hair and nail growth.
For what diseases are chondroprotectors used?
Glucosamine and chondroitin preparations help protect joints from “starvation” and chemically aggressive substances that accumulate in them as a result of inflammation. For this reason, they are recommended for adjuvant therapy of osteochondropathy - diseases that cause necrosis of spongy bone tissue (bone heads). Chondroprotective drugs are used for the treatment and prevention of:
- osteochondrosis;
- osteoarthritis (including rheumatoid and gouty arthritis);
- spondylosis (spondyloarthrosis);
- osteoporosis;
- tendonitis (dystrophic disease of the tendons);
- bursitis (inflammation of the joint capsule)
Chondroprotectors will become indispensable assistants in the fight against joint diseases
Drugs in this group are recommended for congenital and acquired pathologies of bone tissue (for example, bone deformation), hernias and protrusions. Chondroitin sulfate has proven itself as an auxiliary substance in the treatment of keratitis (inflammation of the eye cornea). Chondroprotectors for arthrosis are prescribed at stages 1-2 of the disease.
Instructions for using sulfur
When purchasing sulfur at a pharmacy, you can always read the instructions, which indicate indications for use, contraindications, and dosage. But a prerequisite is a preliminary consultation with a doctor, who, in addition to prescribing the drug, writes in the prescription exactly what dose a person should take.
Sulfur powder for internal use
Powdered sulfur is often used as a treatment for obesity, enterobiasis, or when there are problems with blood circulation.
Eg:
- If a person has skin or fungal diseases, then purified medical sulfur is prescribed as a medicine. It should be taken three times a day, 0.5-1 grams, and the course of treatment should not exceed 3-4 weeks.
- For enterobiasis, 1 gram of sulfur powder is used for an adult, and for children under 5 years old, no more than 0.25 g, but for children over 6 years old, the powder rate should be no more than 0.5 grams. The duration of therapy can be only 5 days, and after that there must be a 4-day break. The course of treatment until complete recovery is 3-5 times.
- As a general tonic or expectorant, sulfur powder can be used 0.25 grams before breakfast every day.
Sulfuric ointment
As already noted, sulfur is an essential trace element for the human body, but it can be used externally to treat some skin diseases. The thing is that, for example, sulfur ointment has disinfectant, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
It is used to treat diseases such as:
- lichen;
- psoriasis;
- seborrhea;
- scabies;
- demodicosis;
- fungal infections.
To do this, you need to apply sulfur ointment to the damaged area of the skin. The course of treatment is 5-10 days and, depending on the degree of complexity of the disease, is applied 1-3 times a day.
Brewer's yeast with sulfur
It should also be noted that at the pharmacy you can buy brewer's yeast containing sulfur, namely a vitamin food supplement with the indicated components.
Thanks to this supplement, you can not only maintain the health of the body, but significantly improve the condition of the skin, nails and hair. This supplement is also often used to rejuvenate facial skin.
Chewable sulfur
In addition to these pharmaceutical products, you can purchase chewing sulfur. This is a kind of alternative to conventional chewing gum, but consists of larch resinous compounds. One of the main advantages of chewing sulfur is that it has good antimicrobial properties.
It is often used for:
- periodontal disease;
- periodontitis;
- inflammatory processes of the oral cavity;
- stomatitis;
- sore throat.
It also helps cleanse tooth enamel from plaque, caries and helps quite well in eliminating toothache. Experts recommend chewing designated natural larch as a preventive measure twice a day for no more than 30 minutes.
What foods contain sulfur?
It is worth saying that every adult needs only 1 gram of sulfur per day. If a person performs work that requires large force loads, then the daily norm should be at least 3 grams.
The same applies to teenagers. Which products contain the most sulfur need to be considered in more detail.
Among the sulfur-containing products the following can be noted:
- egg powder – 625 mg;
- dry low-fat milk – 338 mg;
- pink salmon – 190 mg;
- peas – 190 mg;
- flounder – 190 mg;
- chicken – 186 mg;
- chicken eggs – 176 mg;
- turkey – 248 mg;
- beef - 230 mg;
- rabbit - 225 mg;
- pike – 210 mg;
- sardine – 200 mg.
But besides this, sulfur is also found in seafood, all dairy products and, of course, fresh fruits and vegetables, although in smaller quantities.
Contraindications and side effects
There are almost no contraindications to the use of this substance; only hypersensitivity to the element, the presence of malignant neoplasms, as well as pregnancy with lactation, and children under six years of age can be noted. It is strongly not recommended to treat young children with sulfur powder without a pediatrician's prescription. Despite the benefits that sulfur provides to the human body, in some cases its intake can cause great harm, especially in cases of weakened immunity.
It is important to know that a healthy person does not need additional consumption of the chemical element in powder form, since with proper nutrition it is perfectly absorbed in the body.
Only in the presence of pathologies indicating a lack of this substance, there is a need for its additional intake. There are no known side effects from consuming purified sulfur.
Use of sulfur in folk medicine
Sulfur is often used in folk medicine as a remedy that helps eliminate dermatological problems. To do this, you can take 1 gram of sulfur with plain water three times a day.
Also make an ointment based on the indicated product in the same quantity and add 1 spoon of fat sour cream to it. This mask can be applied to problem areas of the skin 1-2 times a day.
Another effective remedy, and it is popularly called “talker”, is made from 7 grams of medical sulfur, 1 tablet of acetylsalicylic acid, 50 ml of boric acid with ethyl alcohol. All these components are mixed and placed in a glass container (dark color). This mixture is stored in the refrigerator and is used to eliminate inflammatory skin diseases.
Despite the fact that sulfur is a vital trace element for the human body, it should be taken only when necessary and only after consultation with a doctor. Since the wrong dosage or its use has some contraindications, and this can lead to unpleasant consequences.
Where is it used?
Pharmacy sulfur is used to treat various diseases; medicines based on this trace element can quickly eliminate the manifestations of articular and dermatological pathologies.
What does sulfur help with:
- allergies and dermatological diseases;
- bronchial asthma;
- arthritis, scoliosis, bursitis, osteoarthritis, myositis, sprains;
- convulsions;
- as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic;
- to strengthen the immune system, speedy recovery after long-term illnesses;
- to reduce the body's need for insulin in diabetes mellitus.
Read also: Beneficial properties of whey
In cosmetology, products with sulfur are used to prevent early aging, improve the appearance of the skin, give strength and shine to hair, and strengthen nail plates.
Sulfur is used in cosmetology
For external medicinal preparations, precipitated (purified, combustible) sulfur is used; it is part of sulfur ointment, which is prescribed for the treatment of scabies, seborrhea, and psoriasis. In combination with lanolin, petroleum jelly, and stearic acid, the microelement has an anthelmintic, exfoliating and anti-inflammatory effect - such drugs are prescribed to eliminate rosacea and scalp lesions.
Purified sulfur in the form of tablets is used in the treatment of enterobiasis, constipation, and as an external remedy for the treatment of dermatological pathologies. In the form of a yellow powder, the product is used in folk and traditional medicine; it can be used internally and in the preparation of medicines.
Homeopathic sulfur has a weak therapeutic effect; it is produced in the form of granules; the drug must be taken for a long time under the supervision of a specialist.
Sulfur is useful not only for people, but also for animals - the feed product is included in vitamins for animals. This microelement is also used to enrich fertilizers in agriculture, in the production of steel and rubber, explosives, and pyrotechnics.
Buy sulfur in a pharmacy, cost
As for the cost of sulfur, the price may vary depending on the dosage form. But it is worth saying that not all pharmacies can buy pure sulfur, although the price is not high.
Basically, sulfur can be either in veterinary pharmacies or ordered from institutions that are directly involved in the manufacture of medicinal substances.
And preparations containing sulfur are available at any pharmacy, and the approximate cost can be:
- sulfur ointment, 25 grams - from 42 rubles;
- sulfur powder – from 45 rubles;
- in tablets (0.25g) – from 56 rubles.
But in addition to the pharmacy chain, you can purchase sulfur by ordering it in online stores directly from manufacturers at lower prices, although sales are carried out in large quantities.
Products containing sulfur
Many organic products contain this useful element. Their daily use can bring benefits comparable to taking sulfur powder orally:
We recommend reading: The benefits and harms of leeks
- bulb onions;
- peas;
- a pineapple;
- zucchini;
- tomatoes;
- turnip;
- watermelon;
- nuts.
Recommended reading: Benefits of pineapple
Quail and chicken eggs contain the largest amount of the element.
There are also useful organic sulfur supplements on the market, such as chewable Siberian larch gum.
