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With all of the dangerous side effects of pain medicine in the news these days it's great news that there is a safer alternative available to us. MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane) is a natural and efficient source of organic sulfur, which is necessary for the formation of collagen, and is required by many of the body's structural molecules.

It is a safe and natural, assimilable food derived from the ocean. It is a member of the sulfur family but shouldn't be confused with sulfa drugs, to which some people are allergic. It is completely safe, odorless, and non-toxic.

MSM is a naturally occurring compound found in significant amounts in nerve tissue, skin, hair and joints. Tiny amounts of MSM can be found in grains, legumes, and fresh unprocessed vegetables like garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs and milk all contain MSM.

MSM is highly soluble - it is easily lost during the cooking and processing of foods. Also, research has suggested that most people are deficient and that deficiency increases with age.

MSM has been proven essential to joint health and function, and for all types of connective tissue in general. It is an efficient analgesic and anti-inflammatory, and has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of allergies and asthma. It has also been found to provide nutritional support for healthy energy levels and toxin elimination.

MSM is also effective at maintaining skin, hair and nail health. MSM is completely odorless and does not create body odor. It is sometimes referred to as the beauty supplement for its noticeable effects of making your hair thick and shiny. It helps to keep the skin elastic and healthy looking. It's also noted for strengthening the nails.

MSM supports a healthy digestive system and helps calm the nerves too. I personally use it to help fight depression. Even though most of the research being done on MSM is for pain relief, many people have noticed that it really does make you feel in a better mood and has a calming effect on the nervous system. I also take it for pain in my hand and wrist due to typing and using the mouse. I always take it before and after I go to the gym for a workout. It has been known to help for post exercise soreness.

In its purest organic form it looks like white crystals, similar in size to white sugar crystals but slightly flatter so is sometimes referred to as flakes. It's very important to only take a pure form of MSM. Be careful what type you buy. Cheaper isn't always better when it comes to health supplements. I only take OptiMSM as it's tested by a third party to be 99.9 percent pure. You can get more information about OptiMSM at http://www.findustuff.com/info/optimsm.html.

I take at least four 1,000mg capsules every day. Research has shown that MSM is as safe as water so I do take more when needed. Also It is very inexpensive.

So if you're hesitant to take prescription drugs for pain you might want to give MSM a try but always consult with your doctor first before stopping any medication you may be currently taking.