Top Health Benefits of MSM for Pain Relief, Skin and Lungs

Dosage and Tips

18 User Reviews
5 star (18) 
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Posted by Hardlymoving (Union, Nj, Usa) on 10/15/2010
★★★★★

I've been using MSM for several years and it works. First started with DMSO but my wife and friends couldn't take the Sulphur smell. Switched to MSM to 2 tablespoons a day and got ALL the symptoms of detox; headaches, change in heart rhythm, extreme fatigue, etc. Didn't panic and lowered the dosage. All the problems gradually disappeared. I take 2 tablespoons in powder form with powered Vit C first thing in the morning with around 16 oz of water. Then my bladder get's filled every 20 minutes... Constantly urinating clear. By late morning everything's good.


Dosage and Tips
Posted by Maxine (Havana, Arkansas, USA) on 08/17/2008
★★★★★

For all you people who have had a bad reaction to msm. You must start out taking very small amounts and work up to a larger dose. You will have herxhimer syndrome (body getting rid of bad stuff) if you dont. I get mine from vet supply, 5 lbs at a time, msm for horses, it has no fillers 99.9 % pure. Start out with 1/8 tsp, put on back of tongue, because of taste. I have been taking it many years, but had some bad symptoms at first.

EC: Thanks, Maxine. Very good to know...


Dosage and Tips
Posted by Robert (Martinez, CA) on 03/22/2008
★★★★★

I have been taking msm 1 gm/day for years as well as family & friends in a combo supplement which includes vit. c & mineral ascorbates.No negative effects reported from anyone.


Fibromyalgia

1 User Review
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Posted by Susca (South Africa) on 07/24/2014
★★★★☆

Hi. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have about ALL the symptoms connected with the disease. Doctors couldn't help me at all and no amount of painkillers could give permanent relieve. I am taking 2 teaspoons in the morning, otherwise I can't sleep. Only thing I should mention to you, if you find your msm is working for you, check and see how much chlorine do you ingest per day from your drinking water? Msm should not be taken with tap water as the chlorine in the water "cancels out" the effectiveness of the msm. Sounds dumb but its true!!!!


Frozen Shoulder

1 User Review
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Posted by Marsh (CO) on 07/01/2021
★★★★★

My husband started taking MSM for his frozen shoulder. He believes it significantly helped. After taking it for about 2 weeks he came across an old interview with James Coburn, the actor. His RA was so debilitating, prescription drugs weren't helping. He discovered MSM and said that was the only thing that would help him get out of bed. (Me, I can't take it as it causes heart palps.)


Hair and Nails

1 User Review
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Posted by Belle (Los Angeles, CA)
★★★★★

I recently started to take MSM to help with neck pain. While it's too soon to tell if it is helping, I can report that it is making my nails grow like crazy!!

Replied by F
(WA)
04/13/2022

What dosage have you been taking?


Hip Pain

1 User Review
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Posted by Nickie (Ruislip, Middlesex England) on 02/01/2012
★★★★★

Hi

I started using MSM for a painful arthritic hip and noticed the difference within a couple of days. Don't know how it reacts with pharmaceuticals as I don't use them. By the way, as reassurance, they give MSM to horses so it must be OK since folks take good care and invest a lot of money in their animals. Matter of fact I'm getting my next supply from the local stables; much more economical.


How to Avoid MSM Side Effects

2 User Reviews
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Posted by Dave (Nampa, Idaho) on 09/02/2021
★★★★★

My positive effects from MSM top out at about 1500 mg.

Take it all before noon, or insomnia will be a feature. Taper downward, too. The biggest dose first thing. Lowest dose at noon.

Processing sulfur requires molybdenum. You will use up molybdenum consuming sulfur, whether from supp's, food, preservatives, or sulfur chemistry like antibacterials. If your sulfur intake overruns your molybdenum intake, bad things happen. With more sulfur than can be processed, you bacically become allergic to it, until you get more molybdenum and can process it. Insomnia and migraine-like headaches are the standout symptoms.

Sulfur processing happens in the liver in the middle of the night. This is the key time when molybdenum is used up converting consumed sulfurs into forms usable by the body. So, while MSM is best taken in the morning, molybdenum should be reversed. Start dosing mid-afternoon, with the big bang at about 9 pm. If headaches pop up in early morning, increase the last dose of Mo until they disappear. In me, it takes around 1500-2000 mcg to cover 1500 mg of MSM. I don't store much, either. If I reduce the dose, early morning headaches soon follow.

Vitamin C is said to improve absorption. I eat a lot of fruit in the morning. More than about 500 mg of C per day starts to engage loose stool and 2nd and 3rd bowel movements in late morning. So I don't really take C.

Bowel issues from MSM have to do with not absorbing it out of the gut so that the sulfur goes to feeding organisms that should be in small amounts but instead proliferate on the excess sulfur in the gut. The very foul smelling stool is the big clue. Start low dose and work up. Include molybdenum from the start. Without the molly, you don't process. If you don't process, the sulfur in the MSM is in excess. If the sulfur is in excess, you have to stop absorbing. If you stop absorbing, the organisms get overfed deep in the gut. You have gut problems.

MSM and molybdenum are a team. Taking one without the other is the problem.

Replied by Angela
(Georgia)
09/15/2021

I take it for asthma - to breathe- so I have to take it morn and night.

Replied by Dave
(Nampa, ID)
11/16/2021
★★★★★

Reporting back in. The MSM experiment has been in play since April 15, 2021. It has solved several issues:

rosacea type acne: gone.

stiffened soft tissues, joints, ligaments, tendons--specifically achilles tendons, foot tissues, knee issues (I'm a backpacker): these are all pliable and flexible again--no morning stiffness either. I racked up 300 miles pain free this last season. I'm back.

My water bottles don't need weekly sanitizing. Monthly is fine. They don't ever really stink now.

Breathe is always good, even in the morning. No foot odor either.

No burping/farting immediately after carb consumption. I'm guessing small intestinal bacteria/fungal overgrowth is under control.

My dentist was shocked: very low plaque formation (probly the MSM) and lowered sensitivity (probly the moly).

Sleeping better: my liver isn't waking me up at 3am.

My liver felt a little swollen for years: that's gone.

Overall, I'd say the sulfur in MSM basically is used for all aspects of bacteria management.

So, I've raised and lowered the dose of both MSM and moly, using the acne from rosacea as the cue for the MSM and morning headaches as the cue for moly.

MSM: 1500 mg had a good impact, 2000 mg cleared up acne almost completely, 2500 mg has kept things immaculate for 2 months so far. And I mean immaculate--even the back of the scalp, along the hairline of the nape of the neck acne cysts are totally kicked (I'm 55 and that became an issue around 40 or so).

At 2500 mg of MSM (1000 mg at 8am, 1000 mg at 12pm, 500 mg at 5pm) it takes 1250 mcg of moly to balance (250 mcg, taken 5 times a day, 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8 pm). The shift of moly toward the evening failed. I began to tolerate the 5pm MSM after months of saturating with moly.

Replied by Madelyn
(Idaho)
11/18/2021

Hello Dave (Nampa, ID) from your neighbor in Kuna!

Fascinating post. I also experimented with taking a tablespoon of MSM once or twice daily for a couple months. I didn't notice anything too drastic but I did feel great! I plan on taking it again now trying it this time with molybdenum. was wondering if you could explain what you meant by your last 2 sentences: “The shift of moly toward the evening failed. I began to tolerate the 5pm MSM after months of saturating with moly.” thanks so much!

Dave
(Nampa, ID)
11/18/2021

Hey neighbor, Madelyn

MSM is stimulating, heightened alertness. It will give you whatever brand of insomnia you're prone to if too much is taken too late in the day. That's why some folks just bang the whole dose first thing in the morning. I like to spread it. So that last dose of the day takes a little experimenting to get right--where there's a little boost in the evening (no yawniness at 8pm), but no insomnia either. It also matters how quickly you process it using moly. If you've spent years moly deficient, you process very slowly. So a 5pm dose, day after day, isn't going to end well. After saturating with moly for a few months, processing speed comes up and a small late dose becomes possible.

I tried compressing the total daily dose of molybdenum into the late afternoon and evening, but early morning headaches erupted again. Went back to spread out over the day, back to normal. Apparently, when given an adequate amount of moly in the moment, I process. But doubling or tripling the dose of the moment doesn't increase the processing rate. I either eek along at the pace or I don't. Given all of this, the only real course of action is take MSM skewed toward the morning, tapering down toward evening. And then take the moly first thing in the morning, get the processing going, and keep it going through the whole day with further doses, taking care not to overrun the day's moly with the day's MSM. Until additional experiment bears fruit, this is where I'm at.

Replied by Madelyn
(Idaho)
11/21/2021

Aahhh, makes perfect sense now!
I appreciate the explanation.
I'll report back if I have any noticeable results.
Thanks :)


How to Take MSM

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Posted by Cindy (Illinois, Usa) on 07/06/2015 415 posts
★★★★★

Another way to take MSM is to mix a strong batch in a jar and add some of the strong solution to whatever water you drink throughout the day. I've been doing that a couple of days after doing a 5g dose and not sleeping well for a couple of days. I didn't take any for a few days and then started with the smaller amounts in my water. Enough to make the water taste really good but not enough to leave that "smoky" taste in my mouth. I can't really say what the amount is - it's just a "taste good" amount.

I'm going to do that for a while and then alternate between MSM water and ascorbic acid water. Just to see what happens.

Replied by Cindy
(Illinois, Usa)
07/08/2015
415 posts

Tried some water with no MSM in it for the first time in a couple of days and it tasted really...blah. As a huge fan of drinking plain water, I'm wondering if water with this small amount of MSM qualifies as "plain water". Of course, even filtered water isn't actually "plain"...

It sure tastes good so I guess I'll see what happens.

Other than just feeling good and not grabbing a snack every time I walk through the kitchen, I've experienced no symptoms of toxin release or die off. Everything's in working order.

Actually, the not snacking may be a symptom of toxin release, as I used a sort of diet pill when I was both working and going to school full time - WAY back when. So we'll see if the "not snacking" continues. On the other hand, I'm not actually skipping meals, so...I don't know. It's interesting. I wouldn't even notice the good feeling or the not snacking if I wasn't specifically noting changes. It's not like I've stopped eating or I'm feeling euphoric or anything dramatic. I always feel good but I just feel sort of extra good and I'm not craving sugar or salt (snacks) which, actually, might be why I feel extra good but I COULD eat a scoop of ice cream or some chips and salsa, no problem - I just don't crave them.

Replied by Cindy
(Illinois, Usa)
07/10/2015
415 posts

Again, it may be because of the flushing of old toxins, but noticed a change in the fit of my clothes and I've lost about 10 lbs...but...where did it GO, is the question.

Also have a rash on my chest that I thought was a regular heat rash, which I usually wash with coconut oil and powder and disappears but this one isn't disappearing. MSM lotion stopped the itch but the skin's still bumpy so - some kind of cleansing rash, I'm assuming.

It occurs to me that my feet are extra sweaty and I forgot I'm using MSM lotion on them - after showering and a couple of times between showers I cleaned them with coconut oil and applied more lotion, due to the sweat. I forgot that the lotion I'm using is MSM lotion. All of my skin is much softer. I would not have classified it as "dry", but, compared to how it feels now, it obviously was.

I've only been using the MSM lotion on my hands and feet. My hands are not sweaty but they are definitely not dry which, again, I wouldn't have classified them as "dry" before now but, comparatively, they must have been.

Could explain where the weight went. Just double the amount of sweat from the foot would be like an extra pound and my feet are sweating more than that. On average, one sweats about 2 lbs per day (1 quart) which can go up to that much per HOUR when one is actively sweating.

This would actually explain why MSM feels so good, initially, AND why symptoms return so quickly when one stops taking MSM - a flush of hydration, initially, and dehydration when stopped.

I will up my water intake to compensate. See what happens.

Replied by Cindy
(Illinois, Usa)
07/14/2015
415 posts

Increased water intake and had some sea salt to compensate for the sweating feet and weight is back up so was definitely acutely dehydrated.

Skipped MSM for a day and felt a bit depressed, which is weird. Or maybe not depressed...I'm not sure. I don't get depressed so I'm not 100% sure what it's like but my mind was definitely attracted to the "less than fun" aspects of life and every little "problem" seemed bleak and blown all out of proportion.

Still have the rash and it has spread a bit. The bumps are flattened out but it's more itchy.

Hair seems super soft and more..."flexible" or something.

Still only taking the MSM as "good tasting water".

Might try some aloe with MSM for the itching.

Back to my happy self - very interesting.

Replied by Cindy
(Illinois, Usa)
07/15/2015
415 posts

I set out some MSM water for the dogs. I set it next to their regular water and they drank it down.

Second day, they didn't drink any but drank a lot of plain water.

Third day, same. No MSM water but plain water though not as much as the day before.

Fourth day (today) they're drinking some MSM but not as much as the first day.

Both dogs seem to be doing the same thing but they're not drinking together. Just consuming and abstaining at about the same intervals.

Same water I'm drinking - with just enough MSM to make it taste good.

Replied by Cindy
(Illinois, Usa)
07/16/2015
415 posts

Had some pain in the kidney area so refrained from drinking MSM water. Had some organic lemon aid and a couple swigs of olive oil.

It didn't really register in my mind until the pain, but initially I hadn't been urinating as much and the urine was darker than usual then, yesterday, I was going a lot and it was lighter. Anyway, with the discomfort, I'm assuming kidney stones.

I had gallstones a few years ago and after that cleared up I got in the habit of drinking organic raspberry lemonade but they quit carrying it a while back and I forgot all about it. Anyway, it makes sense with all of the flushing that there might be stones and this time it appears to be kidney stones, so, there's that.

They still carry the organic lemonade so I'll use that. It's not as yummy as the raspberry lemonade, but it's still pretty darn good!

Back to MSM water tomorrow and I guess I'll be drinking some lemonade, too, and flush out whatever stones there might be with a swig of olive oil every now and then.

Replied by Cindy
(Illinois, Usa)
07/17/2015
415 posts

A couple of thoughts regarding MSM and kidney stones:

It stands to reason that MSM, in opening cell walls, would flush loose any crystals that are attached to the walls of the renal system.

It also stands to reason that as the cell walls close up, trapping toxins inside, that the crystals COULD attach themselves and grow in the first place. Otherwise, the urinary salts would be suspended in the urine and flush themselves out.

Might not be a bad idea to add lemonade or the "lemon and olive oil" treatment for kidney and gall stones while you're taking MSM - or before you start.

The stones are no big deal as they're easily dealt with, but they can be uncomfortable and create various urinary symptoms that would tempt one to seek out harsh and dangerous "medical" remedies.

Also, vitamin C - ascorbic acid - would break down the crystallized organic matter that holds the stones together causing pieces to detach and creating discomfort that way. So, the occasional dose of olive oil or regular drinking of lemonade or limeade (even more acidic than lemon) in general is just a good idea, regardless - to keep the urinary salts in solution to facilitate natural flushing. Of course, the MSM would prevent them from attaching to the walls and growing in the first place but if they're already there, it's probably best to break them up as they can be extremely painful.

Just a thought.

Replied by Jacqui
(UK)
12/08/2016

How would any oil help your kidney's? Any oils are dealt with by your liver and bile, then absorbed by the small intestine - they are long gone as oil before the blood gets near the kidney. I eat a quite high fat diet, but have NEVER noticed any oil slick in my urine, and would be very concerned if I had.

Tom
(Calgary)
03/30/2021

I was using black salve on a fumigating tumour on my head. For about 2 days, I had yellow oil leaving my pisser. Now I see how oil goes through you in dramatic times. Very glad to start to understand what was going on. Thanks for the post!

Replied by Cindy
(Illinois, Usa)
12/08/2016
415 posts

If you have kidney stones, then you're dehydrated and one effect of dehydration is oil in the urine. So, in a way, it's the illness itself that allows the cure.

Olive oil has special properties that make it different from other oils to begin with, and it is only now being studied more closely to identify those differences.


IBS, Arthritis, Gum Problems

1 User Review
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Posted by Irene (Brisbane, Australia) on 02/03/2008
★★★★★

My husband and I have had wonderful success for over 6 years taking MSM orally and using MSM topically. We each take a teaspoon daily - about 4 grams. It has stopped irritable bowel syndrome and arthritis and been fantastic help in gum problems (gargle).

The gel has reduced scars, insect bites, sunburn and creams are anti-ageing. We are passionate about MSM and will always take and apply it. Results have been so dramatic we started a skin care company.


Increases Energy

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Posted by Maz (Sydney, Australia) on 01/18/2010
★★★★★

I have started using 3000mg of pure MSM (capsule form) and also found my energy levels are through the roof! I'm taking msm for melasma but this is a fantastic side effect

Sorry for all the posts but I think this website has changed my life!

Maz :)


Inflammation

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Posted by Sdm (Northern New Jersey ) on 12/27/2017
★★★★★

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

It's very interesting that you speak of headaches as this is supposed to be a brief side effect when starting this supplement. Another side effect I found was hair loss in the beginning but it levels out & soon there's new hair growing in. I'm not sure how much in need of this supplement my body was, I took it to relieve inflammation in the body & for that, after one month, I felt the difference & had no more discomfort or pain, plus your skin begins to feel softer. I wish there was a blood test which could reveal every single nutrient or vitamin a human may be seriously lacking in their life!

Replied by Jay Sc
(USA)
07/19/2021

https://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/organic-acids-test

"I wish there was a blood test which could reveal every single nutrient or vitamin a human may be seriously lacking in their life!"

Fabulous test to tell you just that.


Joint Pain

3 User Reviews
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Posted by Paula (Mississauga, Canada) on 11/12/2013
★★★★★

I totally agree that too many people aren't taking the right dosage and the right brand of MSM to see result. I was experiencing really bad headaches that were 24/7. I had low energy and I hate to say I was having trouble sleeping.

But the pain relief in my joints has been amazing and getting better by the week.

I have arthritis in both knees (bad), in both hips and lower back. I have terrible pain in both feet. (Sport injuries) Had surgeries on one foot and both knees, one twice.

I started off I thought on a low dose and increased gradually over the weeks but still suffered the headaches. I went for acupuncture 2x and got amazing relief. I will gladly suffer the detox symptoms knowing they are releasing from my body and knowing MSM is healing my body pain.

I take absolutely no medication for anything other than Advil when in dire straits. I will try anything natural and give it ALOT of time before I give up. It has been 6 weeks since starting on MSM and I am up to 8 grams a day. I plan to get to 12g. Every week I feel improvements and I am hopeful for a complete remission from my arthritis within the year with the help of acupuncture or other natural means to assist MSM to get me there.

I gotta say I love what MSM is doing for my skin, hair and nails. My hair is staying beautiful and curly and FULL when it always goes flat and pretty straight in our Canadian winter climate. My skin is hydrated and healthy for the 1st time in my whole life. This is only after 6 weeks. I can't wait to see how I feel months from now. Pain has been my mate for too long and finally I am feeling the distance from it. Give it time. Give it at least a year. You all owe yourselves that. Change the brand if you have to until you find one that works. Don"t just try one.

Distilled MSM and a reputable brand is paramount.


Joint Pain
Posted by J. Episcopo (Fredericksburg, Virginia (USA)) on 05/06/2007
★★★★★

I have successfully used MSM (the recommended Lignisul type) for many years to allleviate allergy symptoms and pain in my wrists, elbows and knees. It is important for anyone considering a new remedy to read about it beforehand. Some people think that more is better and learn the hard way that each of us has limitations. I like this forum and found it very helpful.


Joint Pain
Posted by Aujah (Huntington Beach, CA) on 01/06/2006
★★★★★

When i was a child my right hip would make a popping sound when i walked. Later on in life, after having a full pain in my hips i found out that my legs are different lengths and was on my way to having arthritis at the age of 21. A friend recommended MSM to help with my nail and hair growth (i can't keep up with how fast my hair and nails grow now). After a week of taking MSM my joint pain was completely gone!!! i was not expecting it at all. Every once in a wile i will forget to take MSM for a few days and my hip pain is back in full swing. I am hooked and it sure is nice to have such strong nail's and healthy long hair.



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