What are and why take organic sulfur crystals?

By: Hesh Goldstein

The short version: because your health and well-being depend upon it.

Now for the long version:

MSM or methylsulfonymethane is an organic sulfur compound that is well known for its health benefits for joints. 

Dr. Stanley Jacob, professor of Surgery at the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland studied sulfur’s therapeutic benefits in more than 15,000 patients.

As the senior author of The Miracle of MSM and MSM: the Definitive Guide, Dr. Jacob presented facts how the sulfur crystals can significantly decrease the pains of arthritis, back pin, headaches, athletic injuries, asthma, carpel tunnel syndrome, autism, and a host of autoimmune diseases like lupus and fibromyalgia.

In fact, it has been so effective in helping patients with these problems that it extending beyond the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin as an analgesic dietary supplement, as well as for allergy relief and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Organic MSM, in nature, is a microscopic phytoplankton living in the oceans that eventually dies and begins to decompose. As it decays, it creates a gas called dimethylsulfide (DMS). It is also lignin based.

Oxygen and sunlight react with DMS causing it to go through a series of oxidation steps that include the formation of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), methylsulfonymethane (MSM) and other sulfates. Studies on how clouds form have demonstrated that microscopic particles of sulfate are requires for water vapor in the atmosphere to form clouds.

Water droplets than absorb DMSO and MSM since both are highly soluble in water. Eventually, when the clouds release their water droplets as rain, trace amounts of these compounds drop to the earth to be used by plants and trees or returned to the sea to repeat the process.

Most commercially produced MSM is not from a natural substance made from phytoplankton. It is the product of chemical industries and manufactured from petroleum waste and methane gas and is completely useless and worthless.

Commercially available MSM is synthesized by the catalytic reaction of hydrogen peroxide with DMSO. All DMSO is formed by the reaction of nitrogentetroxide and oxygen with DMS. The oxygen atoms for these reactions come from the atmosphere, the same source used in nature.

DMS is made commercially in one of two ways.

The most common method is the reaction of sulfur with natural gas (methane). Methyl alcohol made from natural gas is combined with sulfur in the form of hydrogen sulfide or carbon disulfide in a vapor phase catalytic reaction to form DMS and methylmercaptan (MM). MM is primarily used to make the amino acid methionine, another dietary supplement. DMS is sold for various industrial uses or converted to DMSO. This process is generally favored due to high conversion yield, low energy consumption and its independence from a paper mill waste stream. It is the least natural of the two processes.

The second method for manufacturing DMSO, which is used in the production of MSM (organic sulfur crystals), combines sulfur with paper mill pulping liquids to make DMS. Sulfur is added to black liquor and heated to about 450 F under high pressure. Crude DMS is stripped from the liquor after about an hour. The process is very energy intensive and limited by low yield and pulping capacity. The black liquor is burned in a recovery boiler to dispose of the remaining organic material from the wood and to reclaim the inorganic chemicals for recycle to make fresh pulping liquor. Crude DMS is purified by a series of extraction and distillation steps to make a product for sale or conversion to DMSO. If MSM is not manufactured properly, or is produced in a facility that makes multiple products with improper sanitation procedures, contamination is likely. There may also be a chance that impurities such as heavy metals or chlorinated hydrocarbons from the water used in the synthesis and crystallization process will remain in the final product. Other factors that determine the purity of synthesized MSM are consistent product formation and strict process control procedures. A good MSM manufacturer uses in-process control and rigorous product testing to ensure the product is indeed pure.

That test is a simple one. Unfortunately, many people marketing organic sulfur crystals (MSM) DO NOT KNOW THE TEST. I am hesitant to reveal that process here for fear that unscrupulous vendors will say they test their products not caring whether their product works or not. Suffice it to say that I test every batch to insure quality. In over hundreds of thousands of individuals there has never been any complaint that our product is not effective.

Bear in mind that deficiencies in biological sulfur can result in the less than optimal functioning of each cell in the body. Inorganic sulfur is poorly assimilated whereas organic, biologically active sulfur is therefore extremely important for the health of every living organism.  Organic sulfur crystals are the natural source of biological sulfur to which we have adapted through our evolution.

Dr, Stephanie Sennef, A scientist at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a dear friend, has made it quite clear through her independent research that once the body reverses its sulfur deficiency, cells are repaired and good health abounds. Also, a study at the University of South Hampton in Great Britain found that the organic sulfur crystals produce the essential amino acids and vitamin B-12 in the body.

So, lets take a look at some of the benefits:

PAIN RELIEF

MSM is a natural analgesic and blocks the transfer of pain impulses through the nerve fibers. The sulfur also blocks the inflammation process by enhancing the activity or cortisol, a natural anti-inflammatory hormone produced by the body.

SYNERGISTIC

The sulfur increases the effects of most vitamins and other nutrients, such as vitamin C, Coenzyme Q10, all B vitamins, vitamin A, D, and E, amino acids, selenium, calcium, magnesium and many others. The sulfur improves the cellular uptake of these nutrients and prolongs their lives, but should not be taken within 30 minutes of taking sulfur because anything synthetic typically found in supplements and meds will nullify the benefits of the sulfur if consumed within 30 minutes of taking the sulfur.

ANTIOXIDANT

The organic sulfur crystals are a strong antioxidant, capable of binding and inactivating harmful free radicals. Overproduction of free radicals is caused by physical and mental stress, malnutrition, air pollution, heavy metals and organic contaminants in drinking water and food (GMOS) and radiation.

DETOXIFICATION

The crystals dissolve in many organic and inorganic compounds and reacts with toxins, affects inactivation and speeds the excretion of parasites and more. Furthermore, the sulfur enhances the permeability of cell membranes, making it easier for nutrients to be taken up by the cells and for waste products to be eliminated.

NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

The brain is extremely sensitive to the effects of toxic materials such as heavy metals and organic compounds. Many of these compounds tend to accumulate in nerve cells where they can cause severe oxidative damage. Neurological disturbances may be the result. The organic sulfur crystals are one of the few antioxidants, which can easily pass the blood-brain barrier. It prevents and repairs oxidative damage and restores cell membrane elasticity and permeability. This allows the nerve cells to start excreting waste products. Remember that autism arises from heavy metals passing the blood-brain barrier. We have 22 reversals of autism that we know about. All within a week or so.

ALLERGIES

The sulfur alleviates the symptoms of a large number of allergies, including food allergies, contact allergies, inhalation allergies (asthma, bronchitis, etc), and others. The major anti-allergic characteristic of the sulfur crystals caused by its ability to bind to the mucosa and present a natural blocking interface between hosts and allergens. Besides, the sulfur crystals alleviate allergies through detoxification and elimination of free radicals, and improvement of cell permeability.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

Sulfur is very effective in fighting inflammations resulting from autoimmune reactions in which the body’s immune system turns on itself. For example, people who suffer from arthritis often benefit greatly form the sulfur crystals. Several studies have shown that supplementation with organic sulfur crystals significantly reduces joint degeneration and inflammation. In one study, 24 people with symptomatic osteoarthritis were treated with a regular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or with 3 grams of sulfur daily. After one month, both groups noted equal improvements in pain and stiffness.  The difference was that the sulfur group did not have to poison their systems with synthetic chemicals.

PARASITES

One of the most amazing discoveries on MSM is its anti-parasitic action against Giardia, Trichomonas, roundworms, nematodes, Enterobius and other intestinal worms. Animal studies include laboratory mice determined to have pinworms by fecal cast examination. They were given commercial food and drinking water, both containing 2% sulfur by weight. After 17 days, fecal examination indicated the feces were free of worms and eggs.

DIABETES

The sulfur containing B vitamin biotin is a critical part of glucokinase, the enzyme involved in the utilization of the sugar glucose. Sulfur is also a component of insulin, the protein hormone secreted by the pancreas that is essential to carbohydrate metabolism. Lack of nutritional sulfur in the diet can result in low production of biologically active insulin. Studies indicate the sulfur improves cellular glucose uptake by improving cell permeability, thus balancing blood sugar level and returning the pancreas to normal functioning.

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Say goodbye to Viagra or Cialis. It will reverse that problem in a short period of time.

NATURAL OR SYNTHETIC

The sulfur and its precursors return to the earth in rainwater, which contains a lot of sulfur. Fruits and vegetables will absorb this rainwater and sulfur can be found in most plants and trees, especially pine trees, with a content ranging from 1 to 4 mg/kg.

When animals eat these plants, they also assimilate sulfur. Unfortunately, the synthetic petro-chemical fertilizers, genetically modified herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides virtually killed all the sulfur in the soil.

Raw cow’s milk from pastured animals contains a considerable amount of sulfur: about 2 to 5 mg/kg. Due to the volatile nature of the sulfur, it is rapidly lost when consumerables are heated during food preparation or pasteurization. Pasteurized milk therefore contains less than 0.25mg/kg sulfur, roughly the same amount found in milk from cows fed dried, artificial food. Milk from goats and other animals contains a lesser amount.

Cooking and heating will destroy most sulfur in plants and meats. Sulfur is also lost when vegetables and fruit are frozen for a lengthy period of time, or when they are irradiated. Due to the realities of the modern food industry, in which a great portion of everything we eat is either heated, irradiated, frozen for a long period of time, or genetically modified, it’s no wonder that we suffer from a chronic shortage of sulfur.

DOGS TOO?

Yes, foods that dogs eat are screwed as well.

The therapeutic dosage for dogs is about 50 to 100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. Even dogs fed a raw, whole food diet might not be getting enough sulfur thanks to farming industrialization.

So, if your dog suffers from a chronic inflammatory condition or joint pain, you might want to give him the sulfur crystals. Because it is a synthesized product, extensive distillation is crucial to remove impurities such as heavy metals. Unlike most other supplements, the sulfur crystal can be manufactured in the US, so look for US made sources. Ours is extracted from the pine trees in Louisiana.

If you prefer to rely on food sources of sulfur, make sure your dog’s diet is raw and organic to keep as much of the naturally occurring sulfur intact. Smaller amounts of naturally occurring sulfur would be needed, so it might be possible for your dog to get enough from diet alone.

Adding sulfur rich foods to your dog’s diet might also help, since the sulfur is organic. Sulfur also plays an important role in the production of glutathione, another important antioxidant.

Sulfur rich foods include meats with a lot of collagen, such as bones, trachea and connective tissue. Raw, organic meats and bones are best, but only for dogs because by nature they are carnivorous while humans are not.

WHERE DO I GET THE BEST SULFUR?

www.healthtalkhawaii.com… Click on Products

Because the OSC have a cleansing or “detoxifying” effect on the cells within the body, it allows the body to remove toxins that have accumulated in all types of cells, including fat cells. Should you feel like you are getting the flu or other symptoms that make you feel like you are getting sick, please understand that you are not getting sick. It is simply the detoxification process in the removal of heavy metals, radiation, parasites and more. While this is happening do not stop taking the crystals. Once the detox is over it will never come back.

The suggested dosage is 1 teaspoon full twice a day – one in the morning and one in the evening as the sulfur leaves the body in 12 hours. Twice a day allows the body to be constantly oxygenated. It can be taken in a variety of ways – dissolved in hot water and drunk followed by more cold water; putting the crystals in your mouth and chewing them; putting 1 or 2 tablespoons in a quart container, squeezing in a lime or two, adding some mint and honey and drinking it all day. It will akin to a “virgin” mojito. Or, if you drink some orange juice immediately after taking the sulfur, it will taste sweeter than Kool-Aid.  It is very bitter tasting, so anyway you can get it down is good. In time, you will get used to it.

And most importantly, again, if you take meds or supplements there must be a 30 minute gap between taking the crystals and taking the meds or supplements as the synthetics in meds/supplements will kill the benefits of the sulfur.

Sources:

Herschler, R.J.: Methylsulfonymethane and Methods of Use.

United States patent 4,296,130: 1981

Herschler, R.J.: Methylsulfonymethane in Dietary products

United States Patent 4,616,039: 1986

Herschler, R.J.: MSM: A Nutrient for the Horse. Eq. Vet. Data, 1986

Mindell, E.L.: The MSM Miracle. Enhance Your Health with Organic Sulfur

Good Health Guides, Keats Publishing, Inc CT, USA: 1997

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Health Learning Handbooks, BL Publications, CA: 1998

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Jacob, S.W. and Herschler, R.J.: Introductory Remarks:

Dimethylsulfoxide after Twenty Years. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci.: 1983

Moore, R.D. and Morton, J.I.: Diminished Inflammatory Joint Disease in Mice Ingesting 

Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or Methylsulfonymethane (MSM). Fed. Of AM. Soc. For

Exp. Biol., Proceedings 69th Ann. Meeting 1985: 692

Richmond, V.L.: Incorporation of Methylsofonymethane into Guina Pig Serum Proteins.

Life Sciences 1986, vol. 39, pp 263-268

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Dimethylsulfonymethane (MSM) on Murine Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Disease

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