Robertson <yaisha@sympatico.ca>
Hepatitis C and MSM
January 1998 was the first time that I had heard anything about an
organic mineral nutrient called MSM (Methyl Sulphonyl Methane). It was
recommended to me for relief of some of the symptoms that accompany the
Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
I was somewhat sceptical so I decided to do some of my own research
into this so-called miracle health supplement that was catching on in
the holistic world faster than Echinacea.
Through my research I learned that it has been used in Europe for years
calming the many ailments of arthritis, bursitis, allergies, diabetes,
among only a few. Veterinarians in North America have also been using it
for years within their practices.
These are just some of the documented results from the use of MSM;
*relieves pain *reduces fatigue and stress
*accelerates healing *increases hair growth and strength
*increases blood flow *increases nail growth and strength
*fights allergies and inflammation
*may increase joint lubricating fluid
*beautifies your skin
*reduces lactic acid buildup
It is a naturally occurring nutrient, a sulfur compound already found in
normal human diets. MSM is a natural source of the
sulfur that exists in every cell of our body and can be found in animal
protein foods such as fish, fruit, meat, milk and in vegetables. It’s
the very thing that felines and dogs are after when you see them out in
the yard chewing on the grass.
MSM also known as Dimethyl Sulphone is a natural bio-available source
of organic
sulfur. Sulfur is an element found in all living organisms and the
fourth largest mineral
found in the human body. It is not a sulfate, sulfite or sulfa to which
some people may be
allergic to.
It is commercially available as a 100% pure, natural white crystalline
powder, odourless,
slightly bitter and water soluble. It is sold in its powder (crystals)
form to be diluted and
taken in liquid, or encapsulated in its powder form, molded into caplets
or tablets and in all forms should be taken with Vitamin C for it to
work at it’s maximum.
When I first started taking MSM I was amazed by how much energy I
had. As fatigued as the Hep C made me, I never thought that I would
feel this kind of energy again. This is apparently due to the fact that
sulfur plays an important part in tissue breathing, the process by which
oxygen and other substances are used to build cells and release energy.
Sulfur is a good scavenger and takes out the free radicals and foreign
protein by constantly cleaning the blood stream and detoxifying cells.
It also helps maintain overall body balance between acidity and
alkalinity and works with the liver to secrete bile.
MSM is rated as one of the least toxic substances in biology, similar
in toxicity to water Common table salt is much more toxic than MSM .
MSM is a natural component of many fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and
meats. It is
also found in tea, coffee and chocolate. Cows milk is a particularly
rich source of MSM.
However, heat and processing can reduce the volatile MSM in our foods.
This is why
we should use MSM as a food supplement to compensate for this processing
loss...just
like we lose vitamins when processing our foods.
The only known negative side effect of taking MSM seems to be headaches
for the first 3 to 10 days during the beginning of the detoxifying
process. Some people experience this and some do not. However, the
beneficial side effects have been an increase in hair and nail growth
along with them being stronger. An improved appearance of the skin can
also be expected. Of what is know, people on blood thinning medication
should avoid taking MSM without first consulting their physician as MSM
seems to act in the same way.
As a food supplement, the following health conditions have responded
positively to the use of MSM. Researchers make no claim for cures;
acne, allergies, alcoholism, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, brittle and
soft nails, bronchitis, Breast & Colon Cancer, candida, constipation,
depression, diabetes, emphysema, eye health, headaches, high
cholesterol, lung disease, lupus, migraines, muscle pain and spasm,
rheumatoid arthritis, scar tissue, snoring, skin, hair and nails health,
stress, ...and others discovered everyday.
Bottom line…this organic mineral has definitely changed my life for
the better. My LFT count is down along with other inproved blood work.
My energy has not been at this level in 8 years. My headaches, muscle
and joint pain, swelling, and allergies have all minimized if not
disappeared. I tested myself for a stretch of time and stopped using
the MSM. My numbers went soring and I was hospitalized. Within 2 weeks
of starting back on the MSM my energy was back and my numbers
significantly inproved. It may not be a cure but it has increased my
quality of life and for that I am grateful.
MSM is available at most health food stores but like any supplement, you
should consult your doctor before taking it.
