Science-Backed Benefits of MSM

January 18, 2023

By Ryan Greendyk

Sulfur plays an essential role in some of the body’s most fundamental functions, including:

Enzymatic activity
Regulation of inflammatory response
Detoxification (it’s a “sticky” molecule that easily binds to toxins and carries them out of the body)
Mitochondrial energy production
Oxygen transport (without which your cells literally can’t function)
Proper protein binding (which optimizes the health of your bones, joints, hair, and skin).

Despite limited recognition by regulatory agencies, sulfur still has gained some fame as an anti-aging and joint support supplement. The most popular form is methyl-sulfonyl-methane, or MSM, due to its high stability and bioavailability. While the mechanisms by which MSM works are incredibly complex and not fully understood, research has confirmed its benefits.

A pilot clinical trial at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences found that daily supplementation with MSM decreased pain and increased mobility for osteoarthritis patients, with no side effects.¹

Other studies have demonstrated the remarkable support that it provides for cardiovascular health, diabetes, mood disorders, and more. But perhaps one of the most developed areas of MSM research is its potential as an anti-cancer agent.

How MSM Fights Cancer

Oncology is one of the most prominent and fastest-growing areas of medical research in the world. Whether or not the medical mainstream is willing to admit it, the current repertoire of conventional cancer treatments just isn’t working well enough (and even when chemotherapy and radiation therapy do work, they bring along with them an assortment of side effects).

For this reason, research into functional foods, anti-cancer nutrients, and other alternative cancer treatment modalities (eg, Stanislaw Burzynski’s antineoplaston therapy) has expanded in recent years.² Researchers have quickly discovered that sulfur (particularly in the form of MSM) offers great promise as a powerful and versatile cancer treatment.

According to one groundbreaking study published in PLoS One, MSM can significantly reduce the size of breast cancer tumors. Study authors noted, “MSM is an organic sulfur-containing natural compound without any toxicity. In this study, we demonstrated that MSM substantially decreased the viability of human breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner.”³ Another study published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer supported the finding and further explained MSM’s therapeutic mechanism by demonstrating that it promotes apoptosis (a process by which cancer cells are induced to destroy themselves) in gastrointestinal and esophageal cancers.

Importantly, MSM fights cancer cells and tumors without any of the known side effects of conventional cancer treatments, such as lymphedema (a condition commonly experienced by breast cancer patients who have undergone surgical tumor removal or radiation therapy) and immune system dysfunction.⁴

MSM increases the effectiveness of other anti-cancer agents. In fact, MSM not only is effective as a stand-alone treatment modality but also as a complementary oncological tool. It acts as a superior delivery method when taken in conjunction with vitamin C, which in high doses has been shown to be an effective measure against cancer.⁵

Additionally, MSM dramatically boosts the absorption and efficacy of vitamin D3, colloidal silver, and magnesium, all of which exhibit powerful antimicrobial properties and play an important role in the holistic treatment of cancer. MSM has even been shown to increase the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. By combining chemotherapy with MSM supplementation, patients can help attenuate some of the negative side effects, while increasing the effectiveness of the overall treatment.

How to Benefit from MSM

Whether you’re interested in augmenting a cancer treatment protocol or simply want to enjoy MSM’s many other benefits, adding more sulfur to your life is simple.

As with all nutrients, optimizing sulfur levels in the body begins with proper diet. Eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet is effective, but for best results, include sulfur-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, organic eggs, and raw milk (heating neutralizes sulfur compounds). Grass-fed meat, fish, and poultry are also good sources of sulfur.

One of the most efficient methods of getting sulfur, however, is simply to take an MSM supplement. Avoid capsules, which may undergo chemical processes, and instead choose organic bulk powders and flakes. Mixing your MSM in water aids absorption and optimizes results.

MSM can be hard on the stomach at first—consider starting with just a few milligrams and build up to five tablespoons daily. While high doses should be avoided if you’re taking blood thinners or aspirin, MSM is known to be safe for daily, long-term use.

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Ryan Greendyk is a contributor to Natural Mentor—a forum dedicated to fostering optimal health and personal growth. The mission of Natural Mentor is to share the latest research and help encourage readers to achieve lasting physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.

This article is featured in the Summer 2022 edition of Well Being Journal.

Well Being Journal adapted this excerpt from the previously published original article in Green Medicine Newsletter titled “Is MSM an Underrated Cancer Treatment?” published February 2022. Learn more and subscribe at https://greenmedicinenewsletter.com/

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