Introduction
Due to certain environmental factors and aging, hair and nails can appear dull and unhealthy. Sulfur supplements help in increasing hair growth and nail conditions. Sulfur supplements can improve the appearance and condition of hair and nail. An increased dosage of sulfur-containing supplements has an increased chance of faster and more immediate benefit than the lower doses of sulfur supplements. MSM or methylsulphonylmethane provides sulfur to the keratin in the hair and nails, which helps improve the strength of the keratin molecule in the hair and the nail. MSM is considered a safe and natural method to increase the condition and appearance of the nails and hair.
How Does Sulfur Help in Hair Growth?
A protein called keratin is present in human hair. Keratin has a higher concentration of sulfur. Sulfur can increase the strength and elasticity of the hair, nourish and gives healthy and strong hair. Reduced content of sulfur can lead to broken or brittle hair. Three stages or cycles in hair growth include the growing phase, the resting phase, and shedding. If a person has hair loss, treatments to increase the growth and resting phases of the hair growth cycle should be increased. Sulfur or sulfur-containing supplements increase the growing phase, and it helps in developing healthier hair reducing hair fall and thinning of hair. If the hair is brittle or there is increased hair fall, this can signify reduced sulfur in the diet. Certain diet can increase the amount of sulfur and helps in nourishing the hair and nails. Some food items like fish, eggs, asparagus, onion, garlic cauliflower, broccoli, wheat, green leafy vegetables, etc., can increase the sulfur content in the food items. However, sulfur supplements can decrease hair fall if the main concern is hair loss.
What Are Hair and Nails Made Up Of?
Hair is made up of keratin which is around 95 percent. Keratin is a fibrous and helicoidal protein that is a component of skin and is also present in the nails and other appendages. It is made by the keratinocytes, which are insoluble in water and protects the hair from the surrounding environment and heat. Hair comprises 18 amino acids like leucine, arginine, proline, and threonine. Keratin has a high amount of cysteine. Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that forms disulfide bonds between hair molecules and helps in strength and resistance. An increase in age and exposure to environmental pollution can cause dryness in the scalp, which reduces the strength of the hair and causes a rough surface texture. It can also cause the loss of color and stiffness, resulting in breakage and an unhealthy appearance. Nails are composed of alpha keratin which is the protein that causes rigidity. They help get the nail's shape, which is like the underline bone.
What Is Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM?
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is a chemical compound that contains sulfur. It is an oxidized form of dimethyl sulfoxide. It is usually found in plants, animals, and also humans. MSM can also be chemically made. MSM has a lot of anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for treating pain in arthritis or swelling. Oral supplements of MSM are administrated in case of tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons), osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), muscle cramps, headache, and improved immune functions and inflammation in the joints. MSM can also be used as a topical solution to reduce facial wrinkles, eliminate stretch marks on the body, or treat minor cuts. Recent studies show that MSM can also be used to treat hair growth.
How Methylsulphonylmethane or MSM Helps in Hair Growth and Nail Condition?
Methylsulphonylmethane, or MSM, has many inflammatory properties. It can also be used to increase hair growth and retention. MSM has a sulfur-rich compound. This sulfur will bond to the keratin in the hair and help strengthen and increase hair growth. MSM can also improve the condition and appearance of nails and hair. MSM helps in giving thickness to the hair and helps increase the shine of hair and nails. Increased concentrations of MSM can give immediate and pronounced effects on hair and nail than lower concentrations of MSM. The dosage range of MSM starts from 500 milligrams to three grams daily. MSM is available in powder form that can be added to hair conditioning solutions.
Natural sulfur present in the body helps in the transfer of keratin in the hair, penetrates the connective tissue, and supports the hair to get stronger and healthier, and it helps in nourishing the hair. Sulfur helps in the growth phase of the hair follicle, which subsequently helps increase hair growth. Sulfur also helps make the skin and nail condition strong and healthy. Sulfur is a main component in connective tissue like cartilage and skin. It will penetrate the skin easily and help in immediate treatment or reactions. Sulfur or MSM can improve hair conditions in people with autoimmune diseases with hair loss. The MSM's anti-inflammatory properties will help improve the growth of the hair. MSM can increase the shine of hair and skin it can increase the volume of the hair. The exact reaction needs to be clarified, but studies show that it helps strengthen the bonds or connection between the keratin molecules in the hair and nails. MSM can reduce wrinkles on the face and improve skin health.
Which Are the Methylsulphonylmethane or MSM-Rich Foods?
The common food items rich in MSM include coffee, tea, milk, apples, grains, onion, garlic, raspberry, leafy vegetables, beer, tomatoes, etc. These food items contain more MSM if taken unprocessed or raw. Cooking these food items may result in reducing the amount of MSM. Along with these food items, MSM supplements are also used to increase the growth of hair and nail conditions.
What Are the Side Effects of Methylsulphonylmethane or MSM?
The side effects associated with methylsulphonylmethane or MSM are very low. However, it can cause headaches, nausea, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, dizziness, or discomfort in the abdominal region. Avoid MSM supplements in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Apart from the calcium and phosphorus in the body, sulfur also helps improve healthy skin, nails, hair, and joints. Sulfur supplements can be administered externally or orally. MSM can be used to treat various health problems like neuropathy (weakness or damage to the nerve), osteoarthritis (inflammation of bone and cartilage), or rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of joints). It can also be used to nourish hair and can treat various skin problems. It can reduce the inflammation in the skin, causing an increased healing rate in scars or wounds. It can reduce chronic pain or osteoporosis and is used to treat various inflammatory conditions.
