Sulfur is the 8th most abundant mineral in our bodies. However, since it is found in many foods, the FDA has never included it in its minimum daily requirements for adequate nutrition. This is unfortunate for the American public since twentieth century high tech farming methods such as the trend toward higher yields per acre, fertilizer excessively high in phosphates, and toxic chemical sprays have depleted sulfur in the soil, water, and in our foods.
 
This often “forgotten mineral” detoxifies heavy metals and radioactive carcinogens in our bodies and enables the transport of oxygen across cell membranes. It is thus probably not coincidental at all that since 1954 when pesticides and insecticides first started depleting sulfur in our soil, cancer rates have increased 4000%.
 
Dr. Stephanie Seneff, a senior research scientist with MIT, has asserted that one of the core underlying causes of obesity—as well as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)—may be due to sulfur deficiency. Dr. Seneff cites Dr. Daphne Miller’s research on Icelanders who enjoy remarkably low rates of depression (despite Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD tendencies, in this northern latitude), as well as one-half the death rate from heart disease and diabetes, less obesity, and a longer life expectancy as compared to North Americans. Dr. Seneff attributes this excellent health to the volcanic eruptions that enrich the soil with sulfur in this island nation. This geographical correlation between sulfur-rich soils and better health also holds true for Greece, Italy, Japan, and Argentina.
 
Sulfur is essential in the production of insulin, formation of the gut mucosal barrier, optimal liver detoxification of heavy metals and toxic chemicals, and in generating the most important anti-oxidant made in our liver—glutathione.
 
Clinical benefits of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) crystal supplementation observed in patients include increased energy, reduced joint and muscle pain, greater athletic ability with less post-exercise soreness, weight loss, improved cognitive functioning, more effective digestion and better bowel movements, and reduced anxiety and depression.
 
Suggested Dosage: Crystals – 1 scoop (3027 mg or ~ 2/3 teaspoon), mixed in warm/hot water until dissolved, and then drink “down the hatch!” Follow this with a glass of water. Take 1 scoop, one to two times a day, or as directed. Capsules – Take 2 caps (1000 mg each), one to two times a day, followed by a glass of water.
 
Please note that it is best to use filtered water since chlorine can block the uptake of sulfur in the body. Additionally, although many other companies recommend much higher dosages, it’s best to start low and build up overt time, or use according to your symptoms and your holistic doctor’s/practitioner’s recommendations.