Can too much msm be harmful?

If you’re someone who’s into supplements or looking to improve your joint health, chances are that you’ve heard of MSM. It’s a sulfur-based compound found in plants and animals that is often used as a dietary supplement for its potential benefits.

But with any supplement comes the question: can too much of it be harmful? In this article, we’ll explore what exactly MSM is, how it works in the body, and whether taking excessive amounts of this compound could potentially cause harm.

What Is MSM?

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural compound found in some foods such as garlic, onions, and green vegetables. However, it’s typically harvested from pine trees through steam distillation. This process results in pure white crystals which make up the majority of commercial MSM on sale today.

MSM has gained popularity over the years due to its potential health benefits ranging from reduced inflammation to improved joint flexibility among others (It also makes an excellent addition to shrimp scampi) .

The exact way that MSM works inside bodies still remains unknown; however experts have two prevailing theories:

1) Sulphur Donor

One theory says that when taken orally or applied topically on skin – like lotions & creams- sulfoxides present within methylsulfonylmethane will break down into dimethyl sulfide (DMS).

This bioavailable sulphur compound then enters systemic circulation via capillaries present underneath the skin surface where it acts

  • As a donor molecule helping cellular processes;
  • Such as contributing towards amino acids synthesis.

2) Anti-Inflammatory

Another prevalent theory states that msm powder exhibits anti-inflammatory effects which work by preventing chronic oxidative stress caused by free radicals along with other inflammatory mediators including cytokine signalling proteins.

MSM has been suggested to have many health benefits, which can range from treating symptoms causing ailments such as:

  • Arthritis
  • Joint Pain
  • Allergies
  • Digestive issues

To improving overall bodily functions including:

  • Joint flexibility & cartilage formation (essential if you’re keen on your yoga).
  • Skin tone and texture (the secret to get that instagrammable skin)
  • Hair growth and strength.

MSM supplements come in various forms ranging from powder caps, gummies, salves-topical application aids. When taken properly they may be effective for pain relief especially towards reducing osteoarthritis symptoms

Can Too Much MSM Be Harmful?

Like any supplement or medication even with multiple benefits taking more than necessary amounts is detrimental toward general health

But under normal conditions an average adult shouldn’t experience adverse effects when following Typical dosages: (Upto 6 grams a day ).

However taking excessively high doses is linked some negative impacts , although — it should be noted – studies demonstrating “toxic” levels do not exist at present-day limits:

1) Diarrhea:
As digestion systems process excess compounds there’s a potential for watery stools-pesky diarrhea– triggered by altered gut microbiome due to bioactive sulfur.

2) Headaches:
The most frequently reported side-effects include headaches caused by matrix metalloproteinase activation of disulfide bonds within tissues leading shooting pain across cranial nerves.

3/ Reported allergies:
Considering MSM was originally extracted using pine-bark traces amounting too much in some pills is considered risky
Allergic reactions manifest as itchiness flushing rashes hives shortness breath.

4/Liver toxins : Just like anything else liver – another “natural toxic processor” may experience damage when processed overthreshold quantities msm resulting issues-digestion malfucntions loss body weight.

This is why it’s essential- especially with supplements having high dosages to always consult a practitioner beforehand.

So, can too much MSM be harmful? In normal doses, MSM appears to be relatively safe and very beneficial for human consumption. With moderate consumption of msm crystals between 2-6 grams daily). However in higher-than-recommended amounts,
possible adverse effects could trigger untoward incidents prompting medical attention (Better get buying those gummies then).

In essence, the key idea like many things we consume healthily: moderation.

Random Posts