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SULFUR: LITTLE
KNOWN MINERAL
Article by herbalist
Dave
Hawkins, MH, CNC
A very important mineral
that is mostly overlooked as being essential is the mineral
sulfur. Despite the body’s abundance of this mineral, it
has not been well studied. Many of the sulfur bearing
compounds, such as cysteine and
methionine amino
acids, have had more attention.
This article will focus on how sulfur works in the body and
the health conditions that can be improved with the use of
sulfur bearing foods and nutrients.
Sulfur represents about .025
percent of our total body weight. It is mainly contained in
proteins but is also distributed in all cells and tissues.
Sulfur is present in four amino acids:
methionine, an essential amino acid, the non
essential cystine and
cysteine, which can be made
from methionine and
taurine that is part of bile
and aids digestion. Sulfur is also present in two B
vitamins, thiamin, and biotin both of which are components
of hair, skin and nails.
Sulfur is absorbed in the
small intestines from the amino acids mentioned above and
from sulfates found in water, fruits, and vegetables. It is
readily available in protein foods: meats, fish, poultry,
eggs, milk, and legumes. Egg yolks are one of the best
sources as well as blackstrap molasses. Onions, garlic,
cabbage, brussel sprouts, and
turnips contain sulfur as well as kale, kelp, and other
seaweeds.
Let’s look at some of the
functions of sulfur, but let’s not get confused. Many
people ask if they can take sulfur if they have an allergy
to sulfa medications. For clarity sake:
·
Sulfa drugs
are used for wound healing and to fight some infections.
·
Sulfites
are used as preservatives.
·
Sulfates
are used as preservatives in meats
Natural sulfur is a mineral,
and it doses not cause an allergy reaction. It is
considered nutritional. Sulfur performs a number of
enzymatic reactions and is involved in protein synthesis.
It is necessary for the formation of collagen, the
connective tissue protein. It is present in keratin which
is a protein necessary for healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Sulfur as cysteine and
methionine work with insulin to
regulate carbohydrate metabolism, aid liver detox processes
by helping glutathione production, and work with gags (glucos-amino-glycans)
to help with the joint health by building the joint lining.
Sulfur is also important for cellular respiration. It is
needed in oxidation-reduction reactions that help cells use
oxygen, which aids brain function.
The use of sulfur has been
used for numerous disorders. Elemental forms were prevalent
during the nineteenth century, but in the twentieth sulfur
containing amino acids have been the preference. It has
been used for skin conditions such as, eczema, dermatitis,
and psoriasis. The amino acid taurine
has been used in epilepsy treatment. A new form of organic
sulfur is now being recommended, MSM (methysulphonylmethane).
MSM is a metabolite of a compound better known as DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide)
It has a long history of use
topically on horses to reduce inflammation in joint and
injured areas. Both MSM and DMSO occur naturally in our
environment, but the MSM you purchase is a white odorless
crystalline powder. It may have a slightly bitter taste.
MSM allows cells to be more
permeable resulting in the free flow of excess water and
toxins to be removed. In a recent report by the New York
Academy of Science, doses of 250-750 mg/day given at their
clinic has shown effective results in problems of
inflammation, allergies, hyperacidity and chronic
constipation. In another study done at
Oregon
Health Science University, Dr. Stanley Jacob studied
the effects of MSM on his patients with degenerative
rheumatoid arthritis disc problems, acute and chronic
injuries and states, "MSM is a life-enhancing agent, an
important adjunct that gave long lasting relief". And yet
in a study by Dr. Herschler at Reagan State
Science University, clinical data supports
the use of MSM for relief of pain, swelling and
inflammation. One interesting side effect was that it
improved wrinkles and other age related syndromes.
MSM in
considered safe and non-toxic.
There is no specific RDA for sulfur or sulfur bearing amino
acids. Our needs are usually met through diet, but if
certain conditions are present, supplementation is
recommended. Dr. Earl Mindell
recommends 2,000 mg to 6,000 m daily for therapeutic
application.
The most cost effective form
is the powder, and 1/4 tsp. is equivalent to 1000 mg.
Basically take a teaspoon per
day.
It is important to research
this for yourself or consult with your health care
professional when considering this for therapeutic
applications.
A good book on the subject
is The MSM Miracle by Dr. Earl
Mindell, Keats Publishing.
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