MSM & Weight Loss
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound in the body. The levels of MSM in the body are typically low and continue to decline with age. Supplementing MSM into your daily diet can be advantageous in many ways, including aiding in weight loss, relief from muscle and joint pain, and maintaining balance to your overall health.
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What Is MSM?
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MSM is a natural form of sulfur and is present in the cells of your body. According to certified naturopathic practitioner Rebecca Prescott, MSM is beneficial for many different ailments because of the normalizing effect it has on various functions of the body. In nature, levels of MSM are present in fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood. However, the only way to achieve desired levels of MSM from our food is to eat all of these items raw, including the meat and seafood.
Function
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MSM is important for maintaining our blood sugar and energy levels, as well as for insulin production. MSM helps break down carbohydrates, which in turn speeds up the metabolism and can aid in weight loss. MSM is also effective in helping the liver manufacture bile, which is vital to the digestive process. The sulfur levels in MSM help maintain an acid/alkaline balance in the body that is essential for maintaining overall health.
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Considerations
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Author and professional athlete Dave Draper has extensively studied the effects of MSM. He found the biggest advantage to implementing MSM into your diet is the relief it brings to sufferers of muscle and joint pain. Draper's research found that MSM aids in cell regeneration, which helps reduce inflammation. If you suffer from osteoarthritis or autoimmune deficiencies such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, MSM can bring immediate relief.
Warning
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In an online forum moderated by biochemist Dr. Loren Pickart, certain individuals attested to gaining weight when taking MSM supplements. This might be because of an adverse reaction to the sulfur compounds, which can make a person bloated and retain water. If you experience weight gain when taking MSM supplements, discontinue use immediately.
Additional Benefits
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In addition to speeding up metabolism, MSM supplements are also advantageous for strong skin, nails and hair because of their involvement with the collagen formation in the body. According to author and professional athlete Dave Draper, additional benefits of MSM include the slowing down of the aging process, detoxification, elimination of allergies and relief from asthma, premenstrual syndrome, headaches and cramps.
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