Methylsulfonylmethane, better known as MSM in the supplements world, is a source of sulfur in the human diet. It's also one of the primary ingredients in our Joint Health Kit and a popular supplement to promote healthy, comfortable joints.

Sources

Unfortunately, you can't obtain sulfur simply by soaking in hot springs as the Snow Monkey is doing in the picture.

However, you can obtain MSM by simply consuming it as part of your diet. Foods rich in MSM are yogurt, lentils, sunflower seeds. Other sources are meats and eggs but it's not recommend to start eating more of those simply to obtain sulfur. Supplementation is often an attractive option especially for vegetarians and vegans and those who are older. As you age your body contains lower levels of the essential sulfur.

Uses

MSM has many uses. From being a crucial nutrient in every cell in your body, to joint discomfort, hair and nail beauty, to detoxification.

It's most well known use is in the treatment of joint discomfort. MSM works by softening the cell walls making them more fluid and permeable to other nutrients. It also allows for waste to be flushed out more easily. In fact, it can reduce the workload of your kidneys and liver by allowing waste to travel out via your sweat glands.

MSM has several studies backing it up showing that it can greatly alleviate joint soreness and promotes a full range of comfortable motion. It helps to keep you that way by actually helping to rebuild tendons and ligaments.

Since MSM helps cells regenerate it helps to cut down on scar tissue formation. It can help form glossy, healthy hair and its effect on skin gives it a youthful, clear appearance. Hard cells in the skin, due to lack of sulfur, cause wrinkling and cracked skin

Remaining flexible, comfortable, and strong are high priorities for individuals concerned about their health. Yoga provides those things along with greater mental capacity, decreased stress, feelings of well-being, and even anti-aging effects. It's a key component, along with proper diet and regular cardiovascular exercise, to a long and healthy life that you enjoy.

Reposition & Realign

By doing regular yoga poses, or asanas, you're moving in ways that you don't move in normally during day to day activities. This stretches and strengthens ligaments, tendons, muscles, and joints that are often underused but critical for supporting proper posture and the like. Don't forget about your vital organs as well; by doing twists and inversions, you're compressing and releasing vital organs, pushing out old blood and letting fresh, oxygen rich blood flow into them.

Live Longer

Clearly being stronger and more active can lead to a longer life. Yoga also gives a sense of lightness and naturally decreases appetite. It has been shown in study after study that a diet with caloric restriction and optimum nutrition (CRON) extends life. In addition, many yogis not only live a long life but are active and strong even during their later years, showing little signs of aging.

Stay Happy

I've been practicing yoga for years and it never ceases to make me feel joyful, calm, collected, and centered. Whether it's a release of endorphins, a sense of accomplishment, or just doing something good for myself, it works. Every major US city and many, many smaller cities have places to practice yoga these days. Now even gyms offer some yoga classes. Get out and try many types of yoga and teachers to see what works best for you, your body, and your schedule. You'll never regret it.