Can anyone tell me the benefits of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Is it addictive and does it have benefits?!
Question:
Can anyone tell me the benefits of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Is it addictive and does it have benefits?
A friend has tried this MSM and she is amazed at how good it is but I am concerned it might be addictive. Her daughter is on it and she found if she went of it for a few days she felt felt down and depressed. I dont want to take anything that might be addictive but if it helps joint pain etc then I would be interested.
Answers: MSM is not additive as such, although many people have noticed a difference once they stop taking it, there are a variety of reasons for that from psychosomatic effects to an actual physiological response.
The latter is possible but that is not really an issue of addiction and more the body just trying to adjust to a difference (this could happen if you were a veggie eater and stopped eating veggies - but no one talks about asparagus being addictive).
MSM is good for many things, or at least that is what they say. My experience with it has been for joint pain and it seemed to have an effect but then again the possibility of the placebo effect cannot be ruled out.
I have never heard of anyone having a real problem with it even those people who are allergic to sulfa drugs (some manufacturers tout the fact that even people who are allergic to sulfa can take it but many medical sources still say to use caution).
Here are a couple places to look for information if you are concerned.
http://www.medicinenet.com/methylsulfony...
http://arthritis.about.com/od/msmdietary...
The fact is that we live in a world where we want everything to be fixed by taking a pill and for some folks that works. As long as the long term effects are not negative, it would seem that the benefits outweigh the other issues such as cost, and in some cases risk. But taking any medication should ALWAYS be preceded by a discussion with your physician as possible drug interactions for many drugs (over the counter and prescription) can be dangerous. There is no evidence to show that MSM is addictive. I don't think there is any possible way that taking MSM can lead to an addiction. MSM is a natural part of every cell function and is concentrated in the connective tissues of the skin, nails, and hair. So taking more of it can not lead to a addiction if it is already something naturally occurring in your body. MSM is basically a compound containing sulfur. In some studies, it was found that people with joint issues such as osteoarthritis had a lower sulfur count in their joints and MSM was able to restore the sulfur and ease a significant amount of pain. MSM is very safe and is not at all toxic. MSM has also been shown to help people with depression which may be the reason why your friend's daughter felt depressed after she stopped taking it. If she found it helped her, It may be a good idea for her to continue taking it. If you do decide to take it, make sure you give it a few days to work. Many medications and supplements require time to work. I have used it for colitis for inflamation : I didn't notice any change when I stopped ; I am reading a lot about vitamin d deficiency which may be more beneficial research than MSM You have to understand a great deal of people say oh this doesn't work. blah blah blah.
First off I believe that the some of these herbals like msm flax seed CQ1010 selium. I believe that its what brand you buy.
You have to find one that can be trusted.
Back to your question.
I personally take msm and all the above and its not additive.
I really haven't notice any effects when I stop using except the pain returns its good for joints and bones, and also for viruses.
Hope this helped.