Fun Facts on Nutrition You’d Never Guess – Issue #3

facts on nutritionHappy Friday, and welcome to another round of “Friday Fun Facts on Nutrition!”

Did you know that …

1. Mushrooms Are the Only Non-Animal Source of Vitamin D

Mushrooms are unique in the plant kingdom for their ability to produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. This makes them a fantastic dietary source of this essential nutrient, which is crucial for bone health and immune function. Let your mushrooms sunbathe before eating them for a greater vitamin boost.

Reference: Koyyalamudi, S. R., et al. (2009). Vitamin D2 formation and bioavailability from Agaricus bisporus button mushrooms treated with ultraviolet irradiation. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 57(8), 3351-3355.

2. Cucumbers Are 96% Water, Detox the Body, and Heal the Skin

Cucumbers are one of the most hydrating foods you can eat, with a whopping 96% water content. This makes them perfect for keeping you refreshed and hydrated, especially in warm weather.  Cucumber helps cleanse the body by eliminating built-up waste and toxins. The fresh fruit juice nourishes the skin, providing a calming effect for skin irritations and reducing swelling. Plus, they are low in calories and high in vitamins K and C, making them a nutritious snack.

Reference: Sun, J., et al. (2013). Nutritional and phytochemical properties of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research, 11(1), 25-32.

3. Garlic Was Used as a Multipurpose Medicine in Ancient Times

Garlic has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. In earlier days, when antibiotics and other drugs weren’t in existence, the garlic clove stood in the place of the pharmaceutical industry for its large rainbow of potent health benefits. Modern science supports many of these uses. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and its ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  It also can prevent the common cold and arthritis.

Reference: Rivlin, R. S. (2001). Historical perspective on the use of garlic. Journal of Nutrition, 131(3), 951S-954S.

Fun and Health Go Hand-in-Hand

Isn’t nutrition fascinating? From hydrating, healing cucumbers to garlic being our first medicine, these fun facts highlight the amazing world of food. Stay tuned for next Friday’s issue and have a happy and healthy week-end!

This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original and effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.

Friday Fun Facts on Nutrition – Issue #2

fun facts on nutritionWelcome back to another edition of our “Friday Fun Facts on Nutrition!” Get ready to be intrigued by some fascinating and little-known facts about food. Here’s to your enjoyment of a fun and nutritious Friday.

  1. Potatoes Were the First Food Grown in Space

In 1995, NASA and the University of Wisconsin collaborated to grow potatoes in space aboard the space shuttle Columbia. This experiment was part of a larger effort to develop sustainable food sources for long-term space missions. Talk about out-of-this-world nutrition.

Reference: Wheeler, R. M. (2010). Plants for human life support in space: From Myers to Mars. Gravitational and Space Biology Bulletin, 23(2), 25-35.

2. Bell Peppers Have More Vitamin C Than Oranges

While oranges are famous for their vitamin C content, bell peppers actually contain even more. A single cup of chopped red bell pepper provides nearly three times the vitamin C of an orange. Plus, they’re low in calories and rich in health-giving plant chemicals known as antioxidants, making them a perfect snack.

Reference: Howard, L. R., et al. (2000). Antioxidant activity and fruit quality changes in bell pepper. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48(4), 1713-1720.

3. Avocados Are Actually Berries and Have Many Benefits

Surprise. Avocados are technically berries. They contain one large seed, fitting the botanical definition of a berry. Avocados are also nutritional powerhouses, full of healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, E, and K.

In addition, there are many studies showing the benefits of avocado for heart health, as well as for weight management and anti-aging effects.

Reference: Dreher, M. L., & Davenport, A. J. (2013). Hass avocado composition and potential health effects. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 53(7), 738-750.

Fun and Health Go Hand-in-Hand

Isn’t nutrition interesting? These fun facts on nutrition highlight the amazing world of food. Each Friday, we’ll bring you inspiring nutritional facts for your excellent health.

This health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.

Benefits of Chiropractic Therapy for Good Health

chiropractic careIn recent times, our society has been oriented to the medical approaches of drugs and surgeries for its health needs.

Currently, there is a shift and evolution toward a more natural health approach.  Remedies are being embraced that effectively enhance the body’s innate ability to rejuvenate and heal.

The benefits of chiropractic care are becoming more widely known and are growing in popularity.  Good nutrition, natural remedies, and health supplements are in greater demand.

Theory of Chiropractic Care: Improving Nervous System Function

The nervous system of the body is made up of the brain, spinal cord and nerves.  These nerves then extend throughout the entire body.  This system sends messages between the brain and other parts of the body, with electrical signals that initiate breathing, moving, talking, and chiropractic caremuch more.

Misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can press on the nerves and impede these communications, leading to health issues in the areas and organs served by the nerves.

A study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments positively impact the nervous system, promoting better overall health and reducing stress. Patients often report improvements in sleep, mood, and well-being.

The Backbone of Wellness:

At the core of chiropractic care is the understanding that the spine plays a pivotal role in general health. Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics highlights the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments in relieving pain and improving functionality for individuals suffering from chronic back pain. By realigning the bones of the spine, chiropractors can alleviate nerve interference and promote the body’s ability to heal.

Enhancing Joint Function:

Beyond spinal health, chiropractic care extends its benefits to the entire musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones and joints). A study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that chiropractic treatment significantly improved joint function and reduced inflammation in patients with hip osteoarthritis. This approach fosters mobility and flexibility, enabling individuals to lead more active and fulfilling lives.

Immune System Boost:

Chiropractic care isn’t just about addressing pain; it’s about empowering the body to function optimally. Research suggests that chiropractic adjustments can enhance and improve natural immunity. By removing interference in the nervous system, the body is better equipped to defend against illnesses, promoting resilience and vitality.

chiropractic careSupporting Organs for Optimal Function:

Several organs benefit from chiropractic care. The heart, for instance, may benefit from improved blood circulation resulting from chiropractic adjustments. Research in the Journal of Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that chiropractic care positively influence cardiovascular health.

Nutritional Support for Chiropractic Wellness:

Nutrition plays an important role in supporting the body’s healing processes and maximizing the benefits of chiropractic care. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements and many types of fish, have been shown to reduce inflammation and support joint health. Additionally, incorporating nutrient-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, raw nuts, avocado, mushrooms and artichokes into one’s diet can further enhance the body’s ability to heal and recover.

Magnesium, an essential mineral, is another ally in the quest for overall health. It plays a crucial role in muscle function and relaxation. A deficiency in magnesium can contribute to muscle tension, which may be alleviated through chiropractic care. Including magnesium-rich foods like almonds, spinach, and bananas in your diet can complement the benefits of chiropractic adjustments.

Vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is vital for bone health and immune function. Research in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine suggests a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and musculoskeletal pain. Adequate sun exposure and incorporating vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish (salmon, sardines), eggs, and mushrooms can contribute to the success of chiropractic care.

Choosing Innate Body Healing for Lower Back Pain:

Lower back pain is a widespread condition in the United States.  People who suffer with this may undergo costly treatments like injections, surgeries, and emergency hospital visits in an attempt to find some relief.  Use of chiropractic care or physical therapy has been found to reduce expensive healthcare visits and lower the costs.

A research study published in the journal “Healthcare” discovered that chiropractic care is a cost-effective alternative when compared with physical therapy.  The study involved adults with at least three weeks of lower back pain over a six-month period.

Choosing Benefits of Chiropractic Therapy Over Surgery:

In a world where pharmaceuticals and surgeries are often considered the default solutions, chiropractic care stands as a truly comparable alternative. A study in the journal “Manipulative Physiological Therapy” demonstrated that chiropractic was as effective as surgery for sciatica.  Sciatica is defined as pain in the back, hip or leg, caused by compression of a spinal nerve.

When two treatment groups were created and chiropractic therapy was compared with spinal disc surgery, significant improvement was seen in both patient groups.  The study concluded: “Sixty percent of patients with sciatica who had failed other medical management, benefited from spinal manipulation to the same degree as if they underwent surgical intervention.”

Conclusion:

Chiropractic care isn’t just another treatment; it’s a celebration of the body’s incredible capacity to heal and thrive. Scientific studies consistently support the positive impact of chiropractic adjustments on various aspects of health, from spinal alignment, to the health of the organs, to immune system function. By embracing chiropractic and incorporating supportive nutrition, individuals can unlock the door to greatly increased health and well-being.

This health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, and more energy.

MSM for Hair Growth, Stronger Nails, Smoother Skin: Studies

msm for hair growthMillions of people worldwide would like to have stronger, longer, more brilliant looking hair and nails. 

There are very few nutritional supplements supported by research studies showing they help hair growth and nail strength, but MSM for hair growth is one of them.

According to the book “The Miracle of MSM” by doctors Jacob and Lawrence, “MSM is one-third sulfur and sulfur has the reputation for being nature’s ‘beauty mineral’ for keeping the hair healthy and the complexion youthful.”

MSM sulfur (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) is a white, odorless, water-soluble element found in nature and in foods such as milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat. It is especially high in eggs, onions, garlic, asparagus and broccoli.  Sulfur has a long tradition of healing and throughout history, doctors have prescribed mineral hot springs rich in sulfur to their ill patients.  Food processing methods such as heating, washing and freezing, all deplete MSM in foods, making daily replenishment beneficial.

While MSM is best known for its arthritis and pain relieving benefits, it also helps to form keratin, which is the main protein found in hair, nails and skin.  The ‘beauty mineral’ study was published in Total Health Magazine and was named: “MSM – Increased Hair Growth, Nail Length and Nail Thickness”.  It was conducted by Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D.

Dr. Lawrence says: “We completed a placebo-controlled trial over the course of six weeks showing that 100 percent of the subjects on MSM had increased hair growth, compared to the group on placebo. 30 percent of the subjects on MSM showed improvement in hair brilliance, while none of the subjects on placebo showed such an improvement.”

The hair trial involved a total of 21 patients; 16 women and 5 men. Data was collected by certified cosmetologists under the doctor’s direction. The trial measurements included hair length, brilliance, and diameter of the individual hair shafts using industry standard measurement scales. All subjects that supplemented with MSM were impressed with the changes in the health and appearance of their hair. The cosmetologists could literally see which participants had taken MSM for hair growth by the appearance of their hair alone after six weeks of use.

A second placebo-controlled trial, conducted simultaneously, showed that 50 percent of the subjects on MSM showed increased their nail length, nail strength, and nail thickness compared to the group on placebo. Dr. Lawrence says: ”Based on the results of the two trials, we concluded that oral supplementation with MSM is a valuable addition to hair and nail growth. Hair and nail health was significantly improved in a short term of six weeks.”

One example of a natural remedy that contains all the benefits of MSM is Joints and More from Nutrition Breakthroughs.  Joints and More is made from “organic” sulfur (meaning coming from living things) and is a 99% pure, simple molecule, indistinguishable from a molecule of MSM found in nature.

Stanley Jacob, M.D. the co-discoverer and ‘Father of MSM’ says: “MSM is a surprising supplement.  When you start taking it, you may notice a number of good things happening in your life in addition to natural pain relief, natural joint relief, and allergy relief – such as more energy, cosmetic benefits such as softer skin, thicker hair and stronger nails; as well as decreased scar tissue and relief of constipation.”

For more information, visit the Joints and More web page.

Can MSM be used for hair growth?

Yes it can. The ‘beauty mineral’ study was published in Total Health Magazine and was named: “MSM – Increased Hair Growth, Nail Length and Nail Thickness”. It was conducted by Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D. At the end of six weeks of use, the cosmetologists could literally see which participants had taken MSM for hair growth by the appearance of their hair alone.

MSM for hair growth how much to take?

Stanley M. Jacob, M.D. says “It’s best to take MSM during or after meals. Over the years, thousands of patients have experienced healing benefits by taking 2,000 to 8,000 milligrams of MSM a day.” (This would be 2 to 8 capsules containing 1,000 mg. each). Start slowly by taking 1 capsule per day and increase as your tolerance allows. If you overdo it, you may develop stomach discomfort or more frequent, looser stools. Just cut back if this happens. Avoid taking MSM in the evening as it can increase one’s energy.

Sleep Foods That Help You: Best Sleep Inducing Foods

Sleep better with Sleep Minerals II
Which foods help you sleep better? The Nutrition Breakthroughs Blog has provided several articles on the best sleep inducing foods, and those that follow below are the top five most popular articles of all time.

1. Sleep Foods Chart: The Top Proven Foods for Insomnia

This article features a chart that summarizes research studies on foods that are high in the natural sleep hormone known as melatonin. What foods are high in melatonin?  Find out more about walnuts, cherries, almonds and more.  Also included in this article are good sources of potassium, calcium and magnesium – all proven to help remedy insomnia.

2. Melatonin Rich Fruits for Sleep: Studies from Nutrition Breakthroughs    fruit melatonin

Melatonin levels start rising in the evening and go up to a peak level in the early hours of the morning, perhaps around 2:00 or 3:00 a.m, and then they reduce.

This may partially explain why some people can sleep fine for a few hours and then suddenly find themselves wide awake and unable to go back to sleep.

Do bananas help you sleep?  Learn more about the research study that shows how tropical fruits such as bananas and pineapples increase melatonin in the body. It was published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.

3. Insomnia Remedies: The Best and Worst Foods for Promoting Sleep

What foods are sleep inducing? This article includes an informative, short chart that contains the five best foods and five worst foods for promoting sleep.

Some foods can act as natural sleep aids, while others can make your time in bed a struggle with tossing and turning all night.

heathiest foods4. Food for Sleep: Study Says Salmon Remedies Insomnia

Researchers in Norway have proven that eating fish has a positive impact on good sleep and overall daily functioning.

5. Insomnia Remedies: The Science Behind Sleep Inducing Foods

This article focuses on articles from research journals that have studied which foods are best for inducing sleep, and it also has some doctor recommendations on good bedtime snacks.

This collection of natural health articles on sleep helping foods is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of effective natural remedies since 2001.

Nutrition breakthroughs makes Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D, and also Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.

Which foods help you sleep better?

Studies have shown that certain foods are high in melatonin and magnesium and can help with a better night’s sleep. These include bananas, almonds, walnuts and tart cherries or their juice. Magnesium rich foods include yogurt, avocado, figs, nut butter, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.

What foods are high in melatonin?

Learn more about walnuts, tart cherries, almonds, bananas and more.  Also included in this article are good food sources of potassium, calcium and magnesium – all proven to help remedy insomnia.

Do bananas help you sleep?

Bananas are very high in potassium and a deficiency of potassium can interfere with restful sleep. Eating a banana before bedtime may help reduce nighttime awakenings and provide a better, deeper night’s sleep. Potassium is found abundantly in fresh vegetables and fruits, so these are a good focus as opposed to eating a lot of processed or packaged foods containing high salt.

What foods are sleep inducing?

Studies have shown that the following foods and beverages are sleep inducing: Bananas, tart cherries, tart cherry juice, almonds, walnuts, yogurt, salmon, pumpkin seeds, pineapple, nut butter, turkey, kiwi fruit and warm milk. Soothing teas shown to help sleep include chamomile, lavender, lemon balm and passionflower.

Remedy Arthritis with Natural Sulfur-Based Supplements

remedy arthritisArthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes a breakdown of cartilage in the joints. It causes chronic joint pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced motion, and usually affects the hands, knees, hips or spine.

Two recent landmark research studies have been done that tested natural sulfur-containing remedies for osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis.

Cartilage is the tough, elastic connective tissue that coats the ends of the bones inside the joints.

When cartilage deteriorates, the bones can begin to grind together, causing pain and limitations in movement and flexibility. Up until now, anti-inflammatory drugs have been the most common treatment for arthritis symptoms, but they can have many side effects and may even worsen the condition.

Sulfur-containing compounds such as glucosamine sulfate and MSM hold great promise for people with joint-cartilage problems. They have been shown in studies to remedy arthritis and provide relief.  Sulfur is particularly concentrated in the joints, nails, skin, hair and connective tissues. MSM sulfur is a white, water-soluble element found in nature and in foods such as milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat. Food processing methods such as heating, washing and freezing, all deplete MSM in foods, making regular replenishment beneficial.

In one study of MSM, University of California School of Medicine professor Ronald Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D., followed 16 patients with degenerative arthritis – a form of joint disease. The patients who took MSM daily for six weeks reported an 80 percent reduction in pain. Dr. Lawrence has also conducted studies showing that MSM increases hair growth and brilliance, as well as nail thickness and length.

Glucosamine is licensed in parts of Europe as a drug, but it is widely available in the UK and USA as a nutritional supplement.  An arthritis study was published in “The Lancet” that researched the long term use of glucosamine sulphate as a natural arthritis treatment.

Researcher Jean Yves Reginster of Belgium and his colleagues discovered that glucosamine sulphate not only improves the uncomfortable symptoms of arthritis, but can protect and benefit the actual structure of the joints as well.  Both MSM and glucosamine are natural substances found in cartilage that tend to be lost as people age.

In the trial, 212 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned 1500 mg. of glucosamine sulphate or placebo once daily for 3 years.  Researchers measured the joint space width in the knee joint at the beginning of the study and again after 1 and 3 years.  The patients on placebo had a progressive joint-space narrowing, whereas there was no joint-space loss in the patients on glucosamine sulphate.  There was reduced pain and increased function after treatment with glucosamine.

This news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, provider of natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Joints and More, the natural solution with pure MSM for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.

8 Effective Home Remedies for Arthritis

Here is a helpful chart that contains some effective home remedies for arthritis.  Some of these include honey and apple cider vinegar, mustard oil, cinnamon, turmeric, and Epson salts with magnesium.

The eighth natural remedy for arthritis, and one that’s supported by scientific research studies, is the mineral MSM.  MSM sulfur (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) is a white, odorless, water-soluble element found in nature and in foods such as milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat.

Food processing methods such as heating, washing and freezing, all deplete MSM in foods, which makes daily replenishment beneficial. Many people with joint pain may be deficient in MSM.

In an arthritis study done in Arizona, MSM produced significant decreases in pain and beneficial improvements in physical function.  MSM use also resulted in improvement in performing the activities of daily living, and improvements in stress and cardiovascular health.  One example of a natural arthritis remedy that contains MSM is Joints and More from Nutrition Breakthroughs.

To your good health,

Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
home remedies for arthritisThis chart is provided by www.ConsumerHealthDigest.com

Study Shows MSM Reduces Knee Pain and Improves Activities

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, arthritis is the number one cause of disability among adults.

It is defined as painful inflammation, aching, stiffness and swelling in or around the joints.

Arthritis can occur in any joint, but usually it affects the hands, knees, hips, neck or spine.  The cartilage covering the surface of joints can wear away.

In a study published in the journal “Osteoarthritis Cartilage”, researchers noted that MSM (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) is a popular dietary supplement and they set out to conduct a placebo-controlled trial to find evidence to support its use as a remedy for knee pain.

MSM sulfur (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) is a white, odorless, water-soluble element found in nature and in foods such as milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat.

Food processing methods such as heating, washing and freezing, all deplete MSM in foods, which makes daily replenishment beneficial. Many people with joint pain may be deficient in MSM. In one study, sulfur concentration in arthritic cartilage was shown to be about one-third the level of normal cartilage.

The recent study published in the journal “Osteoarthritis Cartilage” was done at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona. Fifty men and women, 40 to 76 years of age with knee pain, were enrolled in an outpatient medical center. Part of the group received 3,000 milligrams (3 grams) of MSM per day, twice a day, for 12 weeks – 6 grams per day total.  The other part of the group received a placebo.

The results showed that compared to placebo, MSM produced significant decreases in knee pain and significant improvement in physical function.  MSM use also resulted in improvement in performing the activities of daily living. Important improvements in stress and cardiovascular health were also observed.  These are good advantages, as there are many side effects from the usual drugs used for arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation’s web site lists the most common side effects of the medications used to treat arthritis.  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can create edema (swelling of the feet) heartburn, stomach ulcers and possibly increased risk of blood clots and heart attack.

Corticosteroids (cortisone) may contribute to cataracts, elevated blood sugar levels and bone loss.  Injections at the arthritis site can create redness and swelling and increased risk of infections.

One example of a natural arthritis remedy that contains MSM is Joints and More from Nutrition Breakthroughs.  Joints and More is made from “organic” sulfur (meaning coming from living things) and is a 99% pure, simple molecule, indistinguishable from a molecule of MSM found in nature.

Stanley Jacob, M.D. the co-discoverer and ‘Father of MSM’ says: “MSM is a surprising supplement.  When you start taking it, you may notice a number of good things happening in your life in addition to pain and allergy relief — more energy, cosmetic benefits such as softer skin, thicker hair, stronger nails; as well as decreased scar tissue and relief of constipation.”

For more information on Joints and More visit https://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/joints-and-more-natural-joint-relief-hair-growth-more-energy-nutrition-breakthroughs/

Announcing Joints and More: Natural Joint Support and So Much More

Joints and More
An estimated 50 million U.S. adults (about 1 of 5) have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, arthritis is the #1 cause of disability among adults.

It is defined as painful inflammation, aching, stiffness and swelling in or around the joints. Millions of people are seeking joint support from natural supplements.

Arthritis can occur in any joint, but usually it affects the hands, knees, hips, neck or spine.  Common limitations from arthritis include difficulty with climbing stairs, walking, lifting, reaching, bending or kneeling.

Nutrition Breakthroughs of Clearwater Florida is announcing their newest product called ‘Joints and More‘, which contains a natural form of sulfur known as MSM.

According to research studies, MSM is known to help aching joints, muscle soreness, headaches, allergies, hair growth and more.  This is done by supporting collagen in the cells and reducing inflammation. Collagen is the main protein in connective tissues. The body’s hormones, enzymes and immune system also depend on MSM on a daily basis.

MSM sulfur (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) is a white, odorless, water-soluble element found in nature and in foods such as milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat.

Food processing methods such as heating, washing and freezing, all deplete MSM in foods, which makes daily replenishment beneficial. Many people with joint pain may be deficient in MSM. In a 1995 study, sulfur concentration in arthritic cartilage was shown to be about one-third the level of normal cartilage.

The Arthritis Foundation’s web site lists the most common side effects of the medications used to treat arthritis.  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can create edema (swelling of the feet) heartburn, stomach ulcers and possibly increased risk of blood clots and heart attack.  Corticosteroids (cortisone) may contribute to cataracts, elevated blood sugar levels, increased appetite, and bone loss. Injections at the arthritis site can create redness and swelling and increased risk of infections.

In the breakthrough book called “The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain,” Stanley Jacob, M.D., the co-discoverer and ‘Father of MSM’, and Ronald Lawrence, M.D. share their experiences with successfully treating people with MSM. Together they have treated over 12,000 people with MSM for a variety of conditions at the Oregon Health  Sciences University in Portland  Oregon.

Dr. Jacob says: “MSM is a surprising supplement.  When you start taking it, you may notice a number of good things happening in your life in addition to pain and allergy relief: More energy, cosmetic benefits such as softer skin, thicker hair, stronger nails, decreased scar tissue and relief of constipation.”

Ellen N. of Littleton, Colorado says: “I had developed painful arthritis in both knees. The orthopedist prescribed physical therapy, knee braces, ibuprofen daily and an eventual surgery.  Someone I know who works for a nutritional supplement company offered me a sample of MSM. I started taking it, I began noticing improvement, and this continued.”

“Soon I had the same spring back in my legs just like before all this started.  I was feeling major relief. Now I’m walking faster and even climbed on my roof to trim some trees. I feel like a new woman.” (from the book “The Miracle of MSM – the Natural Solution for Pain” by by Stanley Jacob, M.D., the co-discoverer and ‘Father of MSM’ and Ronald Lawrence, M.D.).

In one research study, patients suffering from degenerative arthritis were treated with either 2,250 mg per day of MSM or placebo. Sixteen patients were enrolled in the study. With the MSM group, the researchers reported “A better than 80 percent control of pain within six weeks of beginning the study.”

There is no known cure for arthritis.  According to Dr. Stanley Jacob, “Steroidal drugs such as cortisone are widely prescribed to reduce the inflammation associated with a wide array of painful conditions.  These frequently lead to unhealthy weight gain, high blood pressure and even diabetes…..MSM offers a natural way to reduce pain and inflammation without serious side effects.”

For more information on joint support, allergy relief, hair and nail growth and more energy, visit the Joints and More page.