Sulfur

Sulfur

Brimstone, the ancient name for sulfur, provided fuel for the mythical fires of Hades. Inorganic sulfur ignites gunpowder, matchsticks, and is present near volcanoes and hot springs. It has been used in the vulcanization of rubber. Farmers and growers are aware of its value as a fungicide and as a phosphoric fertilizer. It has been used in tonics, is found in Epsom salts, and is even found on the Moon. Homeopathic physicians use trace dilutions of sulfur to "speed up" run-down fatigued patients Sulfur is the fourth most plentiful mineral in the body and is so essential to life that it is found in every cell of every animal and plant. Sulfur is essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Sulfur helps maintain oxygen balance necessary for proper brain function and stimulates bile secretion. It works with B-complex vitamins for basic body metabolism, and is part of tissue-building amino acids. Sulfur works synergistically with vitamin C to disinfect the blood, resists bacteria and protect the protoplasm of cells against toxic substances. Because of its ability to protect against the harmful effects of radiation and pollution, sulfur slows down the aging process and extends life span. While sulfur is found in abundance in fresh meats , fruits and vegetables, and legumes, ( especially in foods containing the sulfur amino acids: methionine, cysteine, taurine, and glutathione), heating sulfur containing foods changes or destroys the action of sulfur in the body. The inorganic form of sulfur may cause allergic reactions in many individuals, but the organic form of sulfur (methyl sulfonyl methane) or MSM, for short, has been clinically shown to be a critical component of maintaining the basic integrity of every cell in the body. Because of the body's basic need for organic sulfur, MSM has been shown important therapeutic value in treating arthritis, diabetes, allergies, asthma, wound healing, pain relief, eye problems, cramps ( and PMS) , stress, snoring, skin problems, parsitic infestation and toxic metal poisoning. MSM has also proven effective in treating a variety of psychological problems by helping the body attain mental normalcy. Deficiencies of organic sulfur, in its useable form, may exhibit the symptoms of food allergies that may include skin problems ( acne, eczema, and rashes) , arthritis, and digestive problems ( constipation, diarrhea, spastic colon, indigestion, malabsorption, ulcers, parasitic infestation). It is believed that organic sulfur goes to where the body needs it the most, to those cells that are replacing themselves most frequently, as in the digestive system and the skin. This may attribute to its effectiveness in all areas of the body as it aids in the absorption of vital nutrients by normalizing the function of the digestive system first. Food Sources: Asparagus, garlic, onions and green leafy vegetables, especially water cress and Swiss chard. Other sulfur containing foods include brussels sprouts, dried beans, cabbage,eggs, fish, kale, meats, soybeans, turnips, wheat germ. Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, burdock, cayenne, coltsfoot, eyebright, fennel, garlic, Irish moss, kelp, mullein, nettle, parsley, plantain, raspberry, sage, shepherd's purse, thyme. Supplementation: Available in the sulfur containing amino acid supplements L- cysteine, L-lysine, L-cystine, and L-methionine. Organic sulfur recently became available in the form of MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane), usually in 1000 mg doses, best if combined with Vitamin C+ bioflavonoids. Also available from veternarians in powdered form. Available in eye drops, and powdered mix from some supplement providers.