General Information
DMSO, or Dimethyl Sulfoxide has added itself as another renowned name in medical science for its remedial ability to diseases. This is another form of sulfur, a natural mineral.
Despite possessing different remedial capabilities, the use of DMSO is going through controversies and has got limited application approval from FDA, Food and Drug Administration in United States.
Food Sources
Usage of DMSO, Dimethyl Sulfoxide as dietary supplement is not allowed by FDA. DMSO originates as chemical by-product from wood pulp during paper making process. DMSO is available in various drug stores in the form of tablets, creams, lotions etc. and definitely as per doctor’s prescribed dosage instruction. A person, who follows a well balanced diet,will definitely not suffer from sulfur or DMSO deficiency.
a. Animal Sources
Several studies have found existence of MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), a metabolite of DMSO, which can be identified in several animal protein rich foods like eggs,meat,poultry, fish etc as nutritional supplement.
b. Plant sources
As a plant source of MSM – garlic, onions, Brussels sprouts, asparagus etc can be consumed.
Benefits and Therapeutic Effects
DMSO, Dimethyl Sulfoxide has various use as pain and ache reliever. Though application of DMSO is restricted to the use as preservative of organs for transplant and for treating interstitial cystitis, a bladder disease, it contributes also towards easing pain, reducing inflammation, and aiding Scleroderma.
DMSO has an incredible ability to penetrate membrane to ease pain. Different medical research has found that it reduces pain by blocking peripheral nerve.
Observation from different animal research has suggested that DMSO acts as an antioxidant to help reduce inflammation. DMSO contains oxygen and therefore helps to destroy virus, because virus can not sustain in a highly oxygenated environment.
Earlier research has showed that DMSO helped to recover from Scleroderma, a disease which results from excessive buildup of collagen in our body.
DMSO seems to aid the fast healing ability of wounds, burns and muscle injuries. It has been used as a liniment with good results.
Signs of Deficiency
Signs of deficiency of DMSO are not particularly clear. However it can be said that because of shortage of minimum amount of Sulfur in our body, we can suffer from eczema, poor growth of nails and hair, brittle nails and hair etc.
Dosages
Likewise other health products, we should be very careful about getting a highest quality of DMSO (free of impurities) for use. Amount of dosage of DMSO varies with the condition of illness and should be consumed only under strict medical supervision.
Side Effects and/or Toxicity
The first side effect one will notice through the use of DMSO is the taste of garlic in your mouth after applying DMSO to your skin. You can see first hand how quickly DMSO is absorbed through your tissues.
Results from few studies showed negative side effects of DMSO application. Few people have complained about allergic reactions during treating interstitial cystitis. Red and watery eyes, rash and swelling can be noticed as early symptoms of allergy.
Rare evidence from few earlier studies also confirmed the toxic effect of DMSO.
DMSO affects the insulin level present in our body. So, we need to take advice of medical experts to decide the dosage of DMSO to control its effect on insulin.
Nausea, vomiting, headache, skin irritation can be resulted from improper usage of DMSO.
Conclusion
Above discussion has made it clear that as the results and usefulness of DMSO, Dimethyl sulfoxide is still going through lots of struggle. Therefore we should undertake thorough medical consultation before exposing ourselves to the benefits of DMSO.