Besides being a substance that is almost impossible to pronounce, Methylsulfonylmethane (abbreviated to MSM) is often misunderstood in terms of how it specifically can help the body. It is becoming clear, however, that sulfur supplementation is a necessity in our increasingly toxic world. In addition, current research is discovering the role MSM can play in preventing cancer and even shrinking tumors.
Methylsulfonylmethane 101
Methylsulfonylmethane is a naturally-occurring compound in humans and is also found in hundreds of natural foods. Amongst the many things that MSM provides in the body are protection against oxidative damage and assistance in helping the body produce its own internal antioxidants. It also lends support to structural proteins and improves cell wall permeability. This allows other substances, such as vitamin C, to enter cells.
The most important thing to remember about MSM is that it is a source of much-needed sulfur in the body. Sulfur is used for dozens of biological functions, such as detoxification and regulation of inflammatory responses. Sulfur is present in over 100 bodily compounds and is found in every kind of cell. Of note is sulfur’s participation in glutathione production. Without sulfur present, glutathione can’t function as the super-antioxidant that it is.
MSM is made up of about 34% sulfur (by weight). In addition to being a direct source, methylsulfonylmethane also seems to aid in the actual metabolism of sulfur in the body − although exactly how it does this is still widely unknown.
What’s the Difference Between MSM and DMSO?
MSM acts as a metabolite of another sulfur source, DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide). Until the 1960s, DMSO was being researched for its healing effects on cancer. Currently, however, DMSO is an FDA-approved “drug” only for use as an anti-inflammatory for horses and dogs. Many people, and some cancer clinics outside of the United States, still use DMSO as an anti-inflammatory and as a healing modality for cancer.
MSM, often called DMSOs “nearest cousin,” has some of the same properties as DMSO and is FDA-approved as a supplement for humans. Like DMSO, MSM can penetrate the skin. However, it cannot carry substances with it through the skin like DMSO can. Also like DMSO, methylsulfonylmethane has the ability to “open up” cell walls once it is inside the body.
Many details about MSM remain a mystery. There have been several key studies to date, however, which have demonstrated the effectiveness of MSM on conditions such as joint pain, inflammation, and arthritis when given in supplement form.
Because MSM is relatively safe (for most people, you cannot take “too much” of it), several clinical trials on MSM’s effects have taken place over the last ten years. A 2006 clinical trial conducted at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona, took a look at MSM’s effect on one of the most common forms of arthritis − osteoarthritis of the knee. The researchers found that 3 grams of MSM taken twice a day decreased pain and increased movement with no side effects.
How MSM is Being Used for Cancer
In terms of cancer healing, methylsulfonylmethane is increasingly being considered as a consistent and proven modality. As a stand-alone, it has been shown to reduce breast cancer tumors. This includes those in triple negative breast cancer, which often does not respond to conventional forms of cancer treatment. MSM also promoted cancer cell “apoptosis” (or cancer cell death) in certain gastrointestinal and esophageal cancer cell lines, according to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer.
The specific mechanisms by which MSM does its work on cancer are still being studied. However, many health experts point to its ability to rid the body of lactic acid in the bloodstream (thus changing the environment where cancer cells thrive). They also note its presence as an anti-microbial. These are thought to be two possible reasons why MSM alone can sometimes be effective against cancer.
MSM is also being used in conjunction with other modalities. Again, this is because of its ability to increase “cell permeability,” i.e. open up cells, so that other substances can get in to either strengthen healthy cells or induce programmed death in cancer cells.
MSM and Vitamin C
The main objective of combining MSM and high-dose lypo-spheric vitamin C is so that cancer cells can revert back to normal cells. In this modality, MSM is mixed with vitamin C so that it can be used as a “carrier” for the C. High-dose vitamin C itself, often administered intravenously, has a proven track record of destroying cancer cells. Adding MSM makes the C all the more effective at blocking the “cachexia cycle” (i.e. the lactic acid cycle that stimulates cancer cell growth), building the immune system, and targeting cancer cells directly.
MSM has also been used effectively with vitamin D3. Based on the microbial theory of cancer, a mixture of MSM, vitamin D3 (which is actually more of a hormone than a vitamin), colloidal silver, and ionic magnesium acts as an antibacterial super-solution. This mixture targets and destroys microbial life inside cancer cells, thus reverting them back to normal cells.
Again, the MSM acts as the mechanism through which the other substances can go into cells and do their work. The MSM-D3 combo is a fairly new natural protocol. It is said to enhance the potency of chemotherapy drugs as well, but should only be considered as an adjunct to other modalities until further research is done on its effectiveness.
How to Get the Most out of MSM
Getting nutrients in the form of food is always the most efficient and effective way to go for your health. Some whole foods that are particularly rich in sulfur are:
- bone broth
- green leafy vegetables
- raw milk
- organic eggs
- grass-fed meats, fish, and poultry
There was a time when the soil overall was purer and more nutrient-rich and our diets consisted of significantly more raw, simple, organic foods. During that time, our diet provided all of the sulfur that we needed for health.
Unfortunately, cooking (and processes such as pasteurization) neutralizes most MSM-based sulfur in food. With the majority of everyone’s plates these days consisting of cooked food and pasteurized dairy (while glaringly absent of raw veggies), sulfur supplementation in the form of MSM is pretty much a necessity. Many experts feel that the majority of Americans are deficient in sulfur.
MSM supplementation has proven to be the safest and also one of the most effective ways to get the sulfur that our bodies need on a daily basis. There are a few guidelines to keep in mind, however, when you are searching for an MSM supplement that is right for you:
- Stay away from MSM pills and stick with all-natural, organic powders or flakes. To manufacture an MSM pill, harsh chemicals inevitably must be used in to prevent the MSM granules from sticking together in the capsule.
- Start slow, just a few milligrams to begin with, and then gradually increase your dose as you build tolerance. MSM can sometimes be hard on the stomach.
- The best way to ingest MSM is to make “MSM water.” According to CancerTutor.com, this involves mixing a half gallon of purified water with 5 tablespoons of MSM in a glass jug. Shake well and allow 30 minutes for the MSM granules to dissolve. Then keep the mixture in the refrigerator to use daily. Experts recommend 3-5 tablespoons of this “water” every day for health maintenance (and much more if you are using it as part of a cancer protocol). Also, be sure that the water that you use is chlorine-free as chlorine will tend to neutralize the effectiveness of the MSM.
- Finally, avoid taking any kind of organic sulfur is you are also taking a blood thinner or high doses of aspirin.
So there you have it — methylsulfonylmethane demystified. The most important thing to keep in mind about MSM is that it is the safest, most effective form of sulfur that comes in supplement form.
If you are considering MSM for everyday health, as a cancer preventative, or as part of your own cancer protocol, take time to think about how you can also incorporate needed sulfur from the foods you eat as well. Green leafy vegetables, farm-raised eggs, and hormone-free, grass-fed meat sources not only contain high amounts of sulfur, they are also packed with brain-healthy fats and other nutrients as well.
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Article Summary
Methylsulfonylmethane (abbreviated to MSM) is a naturally-occurring compound in humans and is also found in hundreds of natural foods.
Amongst the many things that MSM provides in the body are protection against oxidative damage and helping the body produce its own internal antioxidants.
MSM is a source of much-needed sulfur in the body. Sulfur is used for dozens of biological functions, such as detoxification and regulation of inflammatory responses.
MSM acts as a metabolite of another sulfur source, DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), which has been researched for its healing effects on cancer. Currently DMSO is only approved in the U.S. as an anti-inflammatory for animals, but some cancer clinics outside of the U.S. use DMSO as both an anti-inflammatory and as a healing modality for cancer.
MSM, often called DMSOs “nearest cousin,” has some of the same properties as DMSO and is FDA-approved as a supplement for humans.
Some whole foods that are particularly rich in sulfur are:
- bone broth
- green leafy vegetables
- raw milk
- organic eggs
- grass-fed meats, fish, and poultry
As cooking and pasteurization neutralizes the sulfur in foods, MSM supplementation has proven to be one of the safest and most effective ways to get the sulfur that our bodies need on a daily basis.
Thank you for your work! It give me great hope. Question about using the MSM, does it have to be on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before food?
Thank you!
msm can be taken on an empty stomach and can be paired with other nutrients to help cells better absorb those nutrients
Where do you buy the good grade pure supplement?
Hi Jody,
We don’t have a specific brand that we recommend at this time.
I buy mine at Vitamin Cottage.
What is the best MSM to buy and where can I buy it? Thank you.
I use an organic Sulfur that is called Gold Standard Sulfur.
Can I take MSM with Colostrum(or colloidal silver) along with one Garlic on empty stomach? Hope it will not destroy the properties of colostrum. I get recurrent fungal infections so wanted to start some morning protocol.
Hi Monica,
Thanks for your comment. We unfortunately cannot provide you with this type of advice. We would suggest speaking with a trusted professional. Best wishes!
MSM is amazing. I have an inoperable tumor the size of 6cm from lymphoma in my lung and I have undergone chemotherapy. The Chemo only left damage and didn’t help tumor shrinkage. I declined further chemo and tried Cannabisoil and other natural treatments. They helped to keep the cancer under control, especially since I switched to an all vegan diet, or more widely acceptable: plant-based. Since I am taking MSM, I feel a vast difference. MSM opens the cell walls and it is true, I finally feel that my natural cures are getting to the tumor. I will update the progress after my next pet scan in January
Wishing you good results and good health!
How encouraging. It sounds like you are on the right track with the MSM, Nina! Hope all goes well with your scan. I’ll be coming back to check for your update later this month.
How are you taking the MSM Nina? MSM water? Are you following the regime from Cancer tutors website? Hope the scan brings good news, looking forward to your update.
I made a gallon of msm water in a plastic jug before I saw in other places that it needs to be in glass … is it still viable msm now?
I wouldn’t recommend saving it, if it was in plastic
Ive been taking at least 5 grams a day for years,however cant say i feel any different with or without it.Im generally healthy,same weight 150lbs for 35 years,but have chonic neck pain.Have tryed 100s of supplements,with no decernable benefit.unfortunately only help comes from antinflammaties or optoids.Dont know what esle to do.Any suggestion?
Hi Mick –
We appreciate you reaching out to us about this.
Unfortunately, we are unable to give any kind of medical advice. The best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors we interviewed in the Global series.
Please note that we are not able to select an expert for you.
We’ve created a page with the experts’ contact info as it was available to us.
Here’s the link to the actual webpage:
http://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
We do have one more resource you may be interested in. During our Live Event 2017 series, Dr. Patrick Quillin suggested contacting The Institute of Functional Medicine to locate a practitioner in your area.
If you are interested, here is the link to search for a Functional Medicine Practitioner in your area: https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/
Blessings and love!
This will sound crazy concerning your neck pain. I’ve had neck pain for years and years. I’m almost 59 years old. My sister and brother have the same problem. I got botox injected into my front neck muscles and my neck pain completely disappeared. The first time the Doctor did it he could barely get the tiny needle into the tight neck areas. You can see what needs to be injected by grimacing and tightening the ligaments etc. Anyway, after about 4 months the botox wears off and I know when I need it again. It has been a life saver for me. This is not done for cosmetics so it won’t make any difference in appearance. But it works!
There is a typo in the article, the 2006 study used 3g (3 grams) 2x per day, NOT 3mg.
Thank you for pointing this out, Alan. We’ve corrected this in the article. 🙂
At this moment my son has a relapse. Two years ago he had a Medulloblastoma. (Was 12 at the time) Refused further treatment after operation. Got taken out of my house by Child Services. Got forced radiation and chemo treatment. Kept saying he wanted to refuse. Got a second psychiatrist not hospital related who stated him mentally competend. (Got him back home!) He won courtcases because others wanted to force the one year chemo treatment on him.
The relapse is in his spine..doctors already told him he is going to die within 9 -12 months with their best chemo treatment otherwise he will die sooner. We are all vegan now and using msm, chaga and a lot more natural supplements. Together with Chinese massages and excercises. Working on unsolved emotions as well. Next week we will have his next mri. This one is a month after the relapse mri with a new tumor (size green pie). I will keep you posted.
Hi Susanne –
Wow – what a journey. Yes, please do keep us posted.
And we’ll be sure to keep your family in our prayers. And we’ll definitely pray for positive MRI results.
Blessings and love always!
Fingers crossed for improvement showing in all future MRIs, Susanne. DMSO is a more-active form of sulfur source, DMSO + colloidal silver is a formidible combination against any cancer. Add it to your arsenal and go on to prove those doctors and their last-century medicine wrong on all counts! Keep up the cannabis oil doses, and add even more as undecarbed cannabis oil—lots of it because being undecarbed the raw oil is low in THC but high in THCA, CBDA and terpenoids. Best of luck!
I have a Spring Spaniel who has numerous masses in her abdomen area. She is almost 13 years old, and was never spayed. Don’t want to have her cut open now to remove all this, it might be malignant. Could we give our pets MSM?
My sister is in her last stage of ovarian cancer which has lspreade bowel and now has bowel obstruction, she has lost almost all her weight and not have any strength left doctors aren’t doing anything they are just waiting we wants to try anything is out there to help our young sister only 47 with 3 lovely children, I am eager to try MSM on her I have already ordered it online any other advice with be very much appreciated. Many thanks
Hi Shrity –
We appreciate you reaching out to us about this.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister’s diagnosis – I’ll be sure to pray for her.
Unfortunately, we are unable to give any kind of medical advice. The best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors we interviewed in the Global Quest series so they can give you the most appropriate advice based on your sister’s exact condition.
Please note that we are not able to select an expert for you.
We’ve created a page with the experts’ contact info as it was available to us.
Here’s the link to the actual webpage:
http://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
We do have one more resource you may be interested in. During our Live Event 2017 series, Dr. Patrick Quillin suggested contacting The Institute of Functional Medicine to locate a practitioner in your area.
If you are interested, here is the link to search for a Functional Medicine Practitioner in your area: https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/
I’m also attaching the info about the Hope4Cancer clinic in Tijuana, MX if you’d like to reach out to them.
http://www.hope4cancer.com/
https://hope4cancer.com/schedule-a-call/
Please also see the resources below in case they will be helpful to you.
From our beginning, we have supported charities that really help these cancer patients.
HealingStrong:
http://healingstrong.com/
https://www.facebook.com/healingstrong
HealingStrong supports MANY cancer patients and are amazing. HealingStrong, a nonprofit organization, is supported 100% by volunteers, who are experienced in using natural strategies. The organization’s mission is to educate, encourage, equip, and empower those seeking comprehensive natural strategies to heal strong and stay strong.
HealingStrong Connect Groups meet monthly in various areas of the U.S. and South Australia to link others interested in natural strategies, holistic protocols, and local resources. Their groups focus on mind, body and emotional healing based on Biblical promises, as they believe the God of the Bible is our healer. For more information on how to start a group, or become involved in one, please go to http://www.healingstrong.org/groups, and like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healingstrong.
Cancer Crackdown is so awesome and helps patients without a lot of money get supplements and treatments and even helps them raise money:
http://cancercrackdown.org/
https://www.facebook.com/CancerCrackdown
Also, the Independent Cancer Research Foundation is another charity that we support, also known as Cancer Tutor. They have been a TREMENDOUS help for cancer patients and have a TON of life-saving information they give out freely and they do real research into treatments for cancer that are outside of the toxic Big Pharma Big 3:
https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/independent-cancer-research-foundation/
The best that we can suggest is to contact Healing Strong and Cancer Crackdown for any need in financial resources.
We also support Mary Beth’s “Nick Gonzalez Foundation” which is bringing Nick’s protocol to the people…which is one of the most powerful cancer-killing protocols out there.
I hope this is helpful! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us again if there’s anything else we can help with.
Wishing you and your family endless blessings and love!