Your joints are crucial parts of your body that give you mobility. Anatomically speaking, joints are areas where two or more bones meet, and they’re what makes your skeleton flexible. Without these mobile parts, it would be impossible for you to move.
Your joints belong to a large network of different body parts known as the musculoskeletal system. This organ system is composed of your bones, smooth cartilage, joints and your body’s main connective tissues (i.e., tendons and ligaments). [1]
Aside from being your body’s support structure, your musculoskeletal system serves many important functions, such as protecting your organs, connecting the various tissues of your body and supporting your weight and movement. [2]
Your bones perform the critical task of shielding your organs and nerves from injury. They also serve as storage space for some essential nutrients, such as vitamin D, phosphorus and calcium. [3] What’s more, your red and white blood cells are produced in your bone marrow.
The ends of your bones are joined together by fibrous connective tissues called ligaments to form joints. These joints are flanked on each side by strong, flexible tissues called tendons that connect your muscles to your bones. [4] The interplay between these different body parts is what allows you to move your limbs and control your movement.
Although most of your joints allow a wide range of motion, some are only semi-mobile, while others limit the movement of your bones completely. The joints in your elbows, shoulders and knees are examples of movable joints, while those in your rib cage are examples of partly movable joints. The joints between your skull bones are perfect examples of immovable joints. [5]
The ends of the bones which form your joints are protected by a strong, flexible connective tissue known as cartilage. This elastic tissue not only prevents your bones from rubbing together, but it also cushions them against impact and keeps your joint motion fluid. [6]
Because cartilage doesn’t have any nerves or blood vessels supplying it with nutrients, the cells that make up cartilage divide at a slower pace than other cells of your body. Cartilage also can’t repair itself easily once damaged, which is why your joints are generally considered the weakest part of your musculoskeletal system. [7]
Unfortunately, cartilage tissues are prone to damage caused by injury or the normal wear and tear that comes with age. Once cartilage wears away, the friction between the ends of your bones can cause excruciating pain. It can also trigger swelling in your joints and cause them to become stiff, which can severely limit your movement and even lead to disability. [8][9]
But all of these changes are not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, being physically active is said to be beneficial for your joint health, as it helps keep your synovial fluid moving. [10] This thick liquid lubricates your joints and, together with cartilage, allows ease of movement. [11]
You can also maintain healthy joints by supplying your body with readily utilizable sulfur, an essential component of biomolecules that support the structural integrity of your bones and cartilage.
Incorporating sulfur-rich foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy products, organ meats and poultry into your diet is one way of getting enough sulfur to meet your daily needs. [12] But you can also get this all-important element – along with some incredible health benefits – by taking supplements like methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
MSM and what it can do for your body*
MSM is an organosulfur compound that naturally occurs in humans, some green plants and animals. In fact, it can be found in animal products like eggs, meat, fish and poultry, and plant-based foods like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, garlic, kale, legumes, onion and wheat germ. But because these edible plants get their sulfur from the soil, their MSM content varies greatly. [13]
MSM is one of the main components of the Earth’s sulfur cycle, which describes the circulation of sulfur through nature in various forms. [14] The sulfur cycle starts with the production of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) by marine microorganisms, such as phytoplankton and algae. About 1 to 2% of this DMSP is converted into dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and then aerosolized. [15]
DMS in the atmosphere is oxidized by ozone, ultraviolet radiation or hydroxyl radicals to form sulfur dioxide or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Sulfur dioxide contributes to increased condensation and cloud formation, allowing DMSO to be cycled back to Earth. DMSO is then converted into either DMS or MSM and eventually absorbed by plants from soil. Because MSM is 34% elemental sulfur, it is considered a great source of organic sulfur. [16]
Your body requires sulfur for the synthesis of many important biomolecules, such as the sulfur-containing amino acids (SCAA) cysteine, homocysteine, methionine and taurine. These 4 SCAAs are part of your cellular antioxidant system and play an important role in the support of normal cell functions. [17] Methionine and cysteine are also used by your body in the synthesis of various proteins. [18]
As noted by a study published in the journal Nutrients, people may not always get adequate amounts of methionine and cysteine – the principal dietary sources of sulfur – from their diet. On the other hand, research shows that supplementing with MSM can help spare your body’s stores of these crucial SCAAs. [19]
Aside from providing sulfur, methionine and cysteine also fulfill other important functions inside your body. Freeing up more of these SCAAs by supplementing with MSM will allow your body to use them in critical metabolic processes. [20] Having an abundant supply of sulfur also brings many benefits, especially additional support for your joints, bones and cartilage.
Sulfur is involved in the synthesis of many structural biomolecules, one of which is collagen. [21] The most abundant protein in your body, collagen helps provide structure to your skin and bones. Collagen is also a crucial component of cartilage that helps maintain its integrity. According to experts, healthy collagen levels can help support healthy cartilage as you age, which is key to keeping your joints healthy. [22][23]
Sulfur plays a critical role in collagen synthesis. As a cofactor, or helper molecule, sulfur helps stabilize newly produced pro-collagens so they can be converted to a useable form. [24] Supplementing with MSM benefits your joints, bones, cartilage and skin because it supplies your body with metabolically active sulfur to support its natural production of collagen. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology also found that MSM can support healthy bone formation, thanks to its positive influence on the activity of bone-forming cells. [25]
The sulfur in MSM can also be used to form sulfate, an important component of major structural molecules like glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate is a natural constituent of glycosaminoglycans, which are found in your cartilage matrix and synovial fluid. [26] Glycosaminoglycans are needed for the formation of proteoglycans, which are integral components of joint cartilage. Proteoglycans play a huge role in the maintenance of optimal cartilage health. [27]
Aside from glucosamine sulfate, sulfur can also be found in other biomolecules, such as keratin and insulin. [28] Keratin is a protective protein that gives strength, shape and hardness to your skin, hair and nails. Hard keratins, such as those found in your hair and nails, contain about 5% sulfur, while soft keratins like those found in your skin contain less (about 1%). [29]
Insulin also contains sulfur, which links the hormone’s two amino acid chains together. [30] A study published in the journal Glycobiology also describes the role of a sulfur-containing glycolipid called sulfatide in stabilizing insulin hexamers, the form in which insulin is produced and stored in your body. [31]
Because many biomolecules need sulfur to help create or hold them together, it is important that you support your body’s synthesis of sulfur-containing biomolecules by supplementing with MSM. Doing so not only benefits your joints, bones and cartilage, but also your skin, hair and nails.
The two SCAAs, methionine and cysteine, are used by your body for glutathione synthesis. [32] Known as your body’s “master antioxidant,” glutathione is produced by your cells as part of their antioxidant defense. Glutathione is not only involved in your body’s natural detoxification process, but it also helps protect your cells from harmful free radicals. [33]
High levels of free radicals inside your body can trigger an event called oxidative stress, which is extremely damaging to your joints. But supplementing with MSM can help protect your cells from oxidative damage because it supports your body’s natural production of glutathione. Sulfur-containing glutathione is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants capable of neutralizing harmful free radicals. [34]
Glutathione is also an important molecule for your immune system. According to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, lymphocytes, or white blood cells, need healthy levels of glutathione in order to perform their functions optimally. [35] By supporting your body’s natural production of glutathione, MSM can help you maintain a healthy and functioning immune system.
Supplementing with MSM can also benefit your digestive system. Sulfur is not only needed for the production of proteins and other biomolecules, but also of bile acids that support healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. [36] [37] MSM has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in human and animal studies. [38]
To recap, here are 7 incredible health benefits of supplementing with MSM:*
- Supports healthy joints and cartilage
- Supports strong and healthy bones
- Supports healthy hair, skin and nails
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Supports a healthy digestive system
- Supports your body’s natural production of glutathione
- Supports your body’s production of sulfur-containing biomolecules
Where to find clean, glyphosate-tested MSM supplements
The health of your bones, muscles, joints and connective tissues has a great influence on your mobility. Unfortunately, as you age, your body’s ability to maintain these important body parts decreases, which is why you need to ramp up the support you’re providing. Supplying all the nutrients your body needs is one way of doing this, and you can get these essential nutrients from your diet or with the help of supplements.
For physically active individuals and older adults who want to further support their joint health, the Health Ranger Store is offering Chief Originals® MSM Capsules and Flakes for Joint Health. A unique compound that contains 34% elemental sulfur, MSM delivers metabolically active sulfur, which is needed by your body for the production of structural biomolecules that help support the health of your bones, cartilage and joints.
Chief Originals® MSM Capsules for Joint Health and Chief Originals® MSM Flakes for Joint Health went through a multi-stage filtration and distillation process to ensure that they are pure, clean and capable of providing the support your body needs. Our high-quality MSM supplements can not only support your body’s production of sulfur-containing biomolecules, but also the healthy functions of your digestive and immune systems. What’s more, they can help you maintain healthy skin, hair and nails.
Chief Originals® MSM Capsules for Joint Health and Chief Originals® MSM Flakes for Joint Health are two of the cleanest MSM supplements you’ll find on the market. They are verified by the Health Ranger Store’s Consumer Wellness Lab to contain no contaminants, fillers, preservatives or additives. Our premium MSM supplements are non-GMO, certified Kosher and non-shellfish-derived, so they are suitable for vegans. They are also thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Maintain optimal bone and joint health by supporting your body’s natural production of sulfur-containing biomolecules with the help of OptiMSM!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[1] https://www.disabled-world.com
[2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org
[3] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu
[4] https://my.clevelandclinic.org
[5] https://www.visiblebody.com
[6] https://my.clevelandclinic.org
[7] https://www.summitortho.com
[8] https://www.mayoclinic.org
[10] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
[11] https://www.healthline.com
[12] https://www.healthline.com
[13] https://healthyeating.sfgate.com
[14] https://www.britannica.com
[15] https://www.mdpi.com
[16] https://www.medicinenet.com
[17] https://www.eurekaselect.com
[19] https://www.mdpi.com
[20] https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com
[21] https://www.versusarthritis.org
[22] https://www.healthline.com
[23] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[24] https://blog.designsforhealth.com
[25] https://www.frontiersin.org
[26] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[27] https://www.goodliferx.com
[28] https://www.sulphurinstitute.org
[29] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[30] https://www.britannica.com
[32] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
[33] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[34] https://jissn.biomedcentral.com
[35] https://www.cambridge.org
[36] https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org
[37] https://www.mdpi.com
[38] https://www.mdpi.com
