Ahh Chooo: MSM is effective for seasonal allergy symptoms

Ahh Chooo: MSM is effective for seasonal allergy symptoms

MSM is a natural mineral made from sulfur that has been shown in studies to relieve arthritis, headaches and back pain and also contributes to stronger hair and nails. MSM is known as “Factor N” to return cells to normal. A recent study by the Genesis Center for Integrative Medicine in Graham, Washington, found another study that adds to the benefits of MSM - its effectiveness as a remedy for seasonal allergies.

MSM sulfur is a white, odorless and water-soluble element found in nature and in foods such as milk, fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat. It is particularly rich in eggs, onions, garlic, asparagus and broccoli. When foods are heated, washed, frozen or processed, their natural stores of MSM are depleted, making supplementation beneficial.

Seasonal allergies affect more than 23 million Americans each year. Symptoms may include sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, congestion, cough, itchy throat and fatigue. Side effects of antihistamines include drowsiness, and decongestants can cause insomnia or irritability. The aim of the MSM study was to evaluate whether a natural mineral can relieve allergy symptoms and determine whether it has any possible side effects.

The study was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Fifty-five patients with seasonal allergies received MSM at 2,600 milligrams per day. The use of MSM resulted in a significant reduction in upper and overall respiratory symptoms within 7 days. Lower respiratory symptoms were significantly improved by the third week. There were few side effects associated with MSM use, and no patient discontinued the study due to side effects. Additionally, participants' energy levels had increased significantly by day 14.

The researchers concluded that 30 days of MSM supplementation at 2,600 mg/day is an effective and “side effect-free” means of reducing seasonal allergy symptoms. An unforeseen and valuable benefit of MSM was a significant increase in energy. For this reason, it is best to take MSM early in the day rather than in the afternoon or evening too close to bedtime.

When it comes to vitamin C, some people with allergies have seen an improvement in their symptoms after taking 1-2 grams of vitamin C per day (1,000 to 2,000 milligrams). A buffered form of vitamin C such as calcium ascorbate may work better than regular vitamin C for people with allergies or asthma, according to a study in the American Journal of Digestive Diseases.

A group of researchers showed that vitamin C reduced the tendency of the lung's bronchial passages to go into spasm (Annals of Allergy), and another study in China showed that people with more vitamin C in their diet had larger lung volumes - meaning they were able to exhale more air than those who ate less vitamin.

Natural remedies can go a long way in providing effective allergy relief without the side effects of medications such as drowsiness or headaches.

Inspired by Jobee Knight