Sulfur & Sulfur Supplements – A Complete Guide

After calcium and phosphorus, sulphur grabs the third spot for being the most plentiful mineral found in the human body. It is a robust chemical element that can be found in all living tissues. 

You wouldn’t find sulphur widely discussed in the books and essays dedicated to nutrition, this is because sulphur isn’t thought to be as essential as other minerals because sulphur deficiency is not followed by any visible ailments.

Following potassium’s footsteps, Sulfur is said to hold approximately 0.25% of our total body weight. Around 140 grams of sulphur is contained by our body in the form of protein. And that 140 grams are further spread across inside cells and tissues in small amounts.

Importance of Sulfur In The Human Body

Known As The Beauty Mineral

As mentioned earlier, sulphur is stored in all cells and tissues, it is mostly stored in the skin, hair and nails. The protein that acts as the building block for our hair, skin and nails is high in amino acid cysteine which is found abundant in sulphur. 

Hence sulphur has gotten the coveted name of being the beauty mineral as it helps in maintaining skin’s complexion and takes care of the skin keeping it healthy, glowing and young.

Builds Key Proteins

The existence of sulphur is crucial for the production of key proteins in our bodies. For example, sulphur generates glutathione which is a potent antioxidant that works by safeguarding our cells against external damage. 

Another example would be the production of collagen. Collagen provides our skin with its strength and structure and sulphur aids the synthesis of collagen.

Produces Insulin

No one is unaware of the importance and key role of insulin in our bodies. 

Insulin is the hormone that enables the cells in the body to use glucose as a source of energy to carry out the tasks at hand and guess what? sulphur is an important component in the production of insulin.

Produces Amino Acids

Amino acids are responsible for producing proteins which in turn give life to enzymes that are crucial for life. sulphur is an important element in the production of these amino acids.

Alleviates Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that reduces the range of movement in the joints by causing pain and stiffness. 

The MSM supplement that is prescribed for increasing sulphur levels contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and stiffness and improve overall physical movements.

Boost Immunity

sulphur compounds such as MSM work towards keeping your immune system strong and prevents it from weakening due to everyday things like stress, poor diet and insufficient sleep patterns. 

Since sulphur supplements help reduce inflammation, consistent usage may reduce the stress that falls on the immune system as well. Hence sulphur boosts the immune system by decreasing the severity of inflammation and raising the levels of glutathione.

Sulfur Intake Requirements

Although there is no set daily intake limit of sulphur, you need to make sure you include the following food items in your diet to get a healthy amount of sulphur into your system.

• Dairy
• Eggs
• Fish
• Milk
• Legumes
• Onion
• Beef
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Legumes
• Turnips
• Garlic
• Broccoli

If you are a vegetarian who does not consume eggs, poultry or dairy products, then you may not be getting a sufficient amount of sulphur resulting in a sulphur deficiency. In that case, sulphur supplements can come to your aid. Speaking of which, our next segment is all about sulphur supplements and their uses.

Sulfur Supplements – All You Need To Know

Sulphur supplements are available in two forms – capsule and powder. They are taken orally to increase the levels of sulphur in the body which helps to protect again allergies, osteoarthritis and muscle pain. sulphur is also used as a supplement to apply externally over the body to treat skin conditions. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) are two types of sulphur supplements available.

Methylsulfonylmethane Supplements (MSM)

Widely known as organic sulphur, MSM is a sulphur-containing chemical that is found naturally in plants, animals and human beings. It can also be generated in the labs in order to create its supplement form of capsule or powder. 

It is used by people who are looking for natural ways to treat pain in the joints, decrease inflammation levels in their body or improve overall immunity against diseases.

Apart from that, MSM is prescribed to gain the following benefits,

• Decreases joint or muscle pain.
• Benefits people with joint disintegration which causes pain in the knees, back and hips.
• Prevents breaking of the cartilage, a tissue that protects the bones in the joints.
• Reduces pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints.
• Reduces pain upon movement.
• Increases glutathione, a potent antioxidant.
• Speeds muscle recovery after exercise.
• Decreases symptoms of allergies.
• Contains cancer-fighting properties.
• Promotes healthy skin.

MSM is generally considered safe with minimal side effects on the overall health. However, some people may experience mild reactions like dizziness, diarrhea or skin reactions.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide Supplements (DMSO)

DMSO gained popularity after its ability to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin was discovered. Scientists found out that DMSO could be used as a transportation element to transfer tiny molecules through the skin. 

Apart from external usage on the skin, DMSO is prescribed for the prevention of arthritis and cancer along with repairing the skin damage caused by chemotherapy sessions.

Here are some of the benefits of DMSO supplements,

• Applied topically on the skin to expedite wound healing and burns.
• It helps decrease symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Treats stomach ulcers.
• It helps heal skin after surgery.
• It improves pain and joint movement.

DMSO, if used correctly in moderation, has no side effects although some people’s bodies may not agree with the supplement and show certain side effects. 

Side effects of DMSO include the digestive system not working properly, irritation on the skin, excessive body odour and foul breath.

Minerals are such an important part of our diet please explore this site to learn more about them.