Inflammation

“MSM appears to be another natural substance promising substantial benefits, such as relief from pain, inflammation and allergies, for those who take it as a nutritional supplement”. William Regelson MD, Professor of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia. MSM (methylsulphonylmethane) is naturally present in food and the human body. It is a source of biologically active sulphur, a mineral element critical to the normal function and structure of the body. Sulphur is a raw material for protein and connective tissues that make up body mass, enzymes that conduct countless chemical reactions and powerful natural compounds that protect us against toxicity and harmful oxidative stress. MSM is the oxidized form of DMSO, which has been approved by the FDA since 1978 for use with interstitial cystitis, a painful, inflammatory condition of the bladder.

Pain and Inflammation

The actions and benefits of MSM were presented at the New York Academy of Science in 1982. With the explosion of interest in alternative medicine and natural remedies and the recent publication of the book “The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain”, MSM is rapidly establishing a reputation for providing natural assistance for many conditions. By providing nutrient support in a general sense, we report it may inhibit pain impulses along nerve fibre, modulate factors that may promote inflammation, increase blood flow, reduce muscle spasm, soften scar tissue, and help normalise general functions as observed in some auto-immune diseases where the body’s immune system becomes deranged and starts to attack its own tissue (such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis). The effectiveness of MSM in pain relief for some people may allow the dosage of prescribed medication to be reduced.

About Asthma, Allergies and Sinusitis

Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the bronchial tubes. The airways become inflamed and spasm, excessive amounts of mucous develop and muscles surrounding the airways become constricted. Many chronic cases of sinus infections are allergic in nature. Food, dust, moulds, pollen and chemicals can inflame the sinus tissue. MSM may provide relief from allergic symptoms and reduce the requirement for bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs. Inflammation is a reaction by the body to infection, trauma (mechanical), toxic exposure and allergen exposure. The body responds to these stimuli by producing inflammatory substances or mediators which precipitate a cascade of events resulting in symptoms such as swelling, pain, and fever, etc. The causes of inflammation can be quite diverse; from acute inflammatory conditions such as muscle sprains, joint pain, sporting injury and infection, to chronic inflammatory conditions such as those associated with arthritis, rheumatism, and gout, etc.

Inflammation generally involves the production of inflammatory mediators called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins in turn, mobilise other inflammatory mediators to the site of injury. Most conventional anti-inflammatory medications target the blocking of these inflammatory mediators, therefore reducing inflammation, which results in a reduction of pain.

Dietary Recommendations. There is much scientific evidence that food selection is a primary factor in helping prevent the advent or progress in chronic disease. Some populations tend to do well on their native food intake, but when they consume a western diet they suffer rates of disease similar to western populations. A major beneficial factor in fundamental food consumption is the intake of many anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing phytochemicals. These can provide significant protective effects against disease. Western foods not only have protective agents depleted or removed but also include trans-fats and other additives that increase inflammation and disturb metabolic pathways.

Inflammatory processes may also be caused by improper food selection. Red meat and heated fats and oils should be restricted in at risk groups as they stimulate harmful prostaglandins that promote inflammation. Fish consumption should be encouraged. Omega 3 (Fish Oil essential fatty acids) should also be considered as it has been shown to manipulate prostaglandin pathways reducing inflammation and allergy.

Recommended Reading: “The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain”. Authors: Stanley Jacob MD, Ronald Lawrence MD, PhD and Martin Zucker. ISBN # 0-399-14474-9