Natural Remedies for Sports Injuries (cont’d)
Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) |
MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane) (6,000 mg or more daily) – a naturally occurring organic source of nutritional sulfur found in ever-diminishing quantities in fresh fruits and vegetables, commonly lost during storage and cooking. MSM is a stable metabolite of DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), a substance popularized in the 1970s and 80s for its ability to reverse pain and inflammation in arthritis and other degenerative diseases. DMSO can be used as an enhancer of both nutrient and drug absorption into body cells. Unfortunately, the use of DMSO causes individuals to develop a severe garlic odor of the breath and body. MSM has all the same properties of DMSO but is odorless and has no side effects at any dosage.
Sulfur is a critical component of many important amino acids contained in cellular proteins, enzymes, hormones, and other body structures. In high doses, MSM is a powerful free radical scavenger, improves circulation, boosts nutrient absorption, reduces inflammation, and helps reduce lactic acid build-up, the chemical that causes muscle soreness and fatigue after strenuous exercise.
In addition, MSM fights fatigue, helps hair and nails to grow faster, and has been shown to be anti-parasitic. The efficacy of MSM is enhanced by vitamin C supplementation. The beneficial effect of glucosamine sulfate in the reversal of osteoarthritis is thought by some experts to be related to its sulfur component, something that can very effectively be delivered to the body by MSM.
Vitamin C (3 grams or more daily, depending on bowel tolerance) – shown to reduce muscle damage after working out and aid in muscle recuperation by reducing cortisol levels after intense exercise. Growth hormone, testosterone, and insulin are all, to various degrees, dependent on an adequate supply of vitamin C. The value of vitamin C as an antioxidant as well as a crucial nutrient in bone health is well documented.
Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) (100–200 mg daily) – protects against exercise-induced muscle injury and fatigue caused by exercise. Many reports also indicate that coenzyme Q10 is an effective remedy in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and other immune system diseases involving damaged cellular mitochondria. Its value is limited by its high price.
Glucosamine sulfate (1500–2000 mg daily) – supplementation may speed healing of recurrent joint injuries such as chondropathia patellae and thus prevent the development of osteoarthritis. MSM coupled with an adequate protein intake eliminates the necessity of supplementing this nutrient.
Proteolytic enzymes (3 or more capsules daily) – trypsin and chymotrypsin, usually considered enzymes that break down dietary protein in the gastrointestinal tract, have also been shown to promote the healing of many exercise-damaged tissues. Bromelain (from pineapple stalks) and papain (from papayas) have been reported to have similar beneficial effects.
(to be continued…)
Dr. Zoltan Rona
