With all of the dangerous side effects of pain medicine in
the news these days it's great news that there is a safer
alternative available to us. MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane)
is a natural and efficient source of organic sulfur, which
is necessary for the formation of collagen, and is required
by many of the body's structural molecules.

It is a safe and natural, assimilable food derived from the
ocean. It is a member of the sulfur family but shouldn't be
confused with sulfa drugs, to which some people are
allergic. It is completely safe, odorless, and non-toxic.

MSM is a naturally occurring compound found in significant
amounts in nerve tissue, skin, hair and joints. Tiny
amounts of MSM can be found in grains, legumes, and fresh
unprocessed vegetables like garlic, onions, cabbage,
broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs
and milk all contain MSM.

MSM is highly soluble - it is easily lost during the
cooking and processing of foods. Also, research has
suggested that most people are deficient and that
deficiency increases with age.

MSM has been proven essential to joint health and function,
and for all types of connective tissue in general. It is an
efficient analgesic and anti-inflammatory, and has been
shown to be very effective in the treatment of allergies
and asthma. It has also been found to provide nutritional
support for healthy energy levels and toxin elimination.

MSM is also effective at maintaining skin, hair and nail
health. MSM is completely odorless and does not create body
odor. It is sometimes referred to as the beauty supplement
for its noticeable effects of making your hair thick and
shiny. It helps to keep the skin elastic and healthy
looking. It's also noted for strengthening the nails.

MSM supports a healthy digestive system and helps calm the
nerves too. I personally use it to help fight depression.
Even though most of the research being done on MSM is for
pain relief, many people have noticed that it really does
make you feel in a better mood and has a calming effect on
the nervous system. I also take it for pain in my hand and
wrist due to typing and using the mouse. I always take it
before and after I go to the gym for a workout. It has been
known to help for post exercise soreness.

In its purest organic form it looks like white crystals,
similar in size to white sugar crystals but slightly
flatter so is sometimes referred to as flakes. It's very
important to only take a pure form of MSM. Be careful what
type you buy. Cheaper isn't always better when it comes to
health supplements. I only take OptiMSM as it's tested by a
third party to be 99.9 percent pure. You can get more
information about OptiMSM at
http://www.findustuff.com/info/optimsm.html.

I take at least four 1,000mg capsules every day. Research
has shown that MSM is as safe as water so I do take more
when needed. Also It is very inexpensive.

So if you're hesitant to take prescription drugs for pain
you might want to give MSM a try but always consult with
your doctor first before stopping any medication you may be
currently taking.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the author of many health
related articles and websites. He has been testing and
reviewing health supplements for many years. You can find
more interesting health related articles at his website:
http://www.findustuff.com