Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a popular dietary supplement used for various purposes. Although it is mostly taken to combat joint pain, it can help promote the growth of strong, healthy hair. Keep in mind that there is little scientific evidence regarding its benefits for the body. If you want to give it a try, buy an oral or topical supplement to use every day. In addition to supplements, you can eat more foods containing MSM and other sulfur compounds, such as fish, kale, and onions. Before taking a supplement, in this case methylsulfonylmethane, you should always consult a doctor and ask him to recommend a dosage suitable for your needs.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Take MSM Supplements
Step 1. Take up to 6g of MSM tablets per day
Although the recommended daily dosage is a maximum of 6 g (to be divided into 3 doses), start with a smaller amount and see how your body reacts. Try taking 1 1-gram tablet 3 times a day and increase the dosage over a period of 1 to 2 weeks. Take them with meals and accompany them with a glass of water to prevent stomach pain.
- This active ingredient is available online, in pharmacies and in herbal medicine in the form of tablets, powder or liquid. It's often used to treat arthritis and muscle aches, so look for it in the sections focusing on joint health.
- People taking methylsulfonylmethane with positive results say it takes at least 2 weeks before they start seeing changes.
Step 2. Mix powdered methylsulfonylmethane with water if you prefer to avoid taking pills
Choose the oral delivery method that you find most convenient for your needs. If you can't or don't want to ingest 3 pills a day, choose the powder formulation. Read the instructions on the package insert to find out specifically how much powder and water you should mix.
Step 3. Try using an MSM shampoo or cream with a concentration of 5-10%, rather than opting for oral intake
Oral supplements are more popular and easier to find, but you can also give it a try with a topically applied product. Daily use of an MSM-based solution with a concentration between 5 and 10% can help fight hair loss. Read the product instructions and use it accordingly.
One study has shown that positive results can be achieved within 20 days of starting treatment
Step 4. Make an MSM shampoo at home in case you can't find one
If you can't find any MSM-based shampoo or cream on the market, or you want to avoid buying it, doing it at home is relatively simple. Bring 500ml of distilled water to a boil, then add 15g of each of the following ingredients: rosemary, sage, nettle, and lavender. Remove the solution from the heat and let it cool for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, add 2g of MSM powder. Let the mixture sit for 30-40 minutes, then strain it into a bowl.
- After filtering it, mix 1 part herbal solution and 2 parts liquid castile soap in a plastic bottle, such as an empty shampoo bottle. For example, mix 120ml of solution with 240ml of Castile soap.
- Castile soap can be found in many shops that sell body and hair care products.
Step 5. Store MSM supplements in a cool, dry place after opening
Products that contain MSM should not be refrigerated. The medicine cabinet, pantry or drawer will do. You should use them by the expiration date printed on the label.
Method 2 of 3: Eat Foods Containing MSM
Step 1. Eat lots of protein-rich foods
Methylsulfonylmethane is found in protein sources such as eggs, fish, chicken and legumes. Most health organizations recommend getting 0.8g of protein for every pound of body weight.
- For example, if you weigh 64 kg, your recommended daily protein requirement is 53 g. An 85g serving of tuna, salmon or trout contains 21g of protein. An 85g serving of chicken contains 19g of protein, while 1 egg contains 6g of protein.
- Eating more legumes, such as beans or peanuts, is the healthiest way to integrate more protein into your diet. Also, prefer lean cuts of fish and chicken to red meats, which are more fatty.
Step 2. Eat garlic and onion
Garlic and onion contain MSM and other sulfur compounds, but are more often eaten cooked than raw. Since methylsulfonylmethane breaks down during the cooking process, try adding raw onion and garlic to salads and dressings.
Step 3. Add larger amounts of Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale to your diet
Fruits and vegetables are generally good sources of sulfur compounds such as methylsulfonylmethane. Green leafy and cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage) are particularly good.
Leafy greens and other fruits and vegetables also contain vitamins and minerals that benefit the health of hair, skin, and nails
Step 4. If possible, eat foods that contain MSM raw
Cooking breaks down methylsulfonylmethane, so cooked foods contain less of it than raw foods. Although cooked foods still allow you to take MSM and other sulfur compounds, try to eat them raw, as long as they do not involve the risk of contracting a food-borne illness.
For example, snack on unsalted peanuts or make a kale salad with chopped onion and grated garlic
Method 3 of 3: Use MSM Containing Products Safely
Step 1. Talk to your doctor before taking dietary supplements
Methylsulfonylmethane is not associated with any health risks, interactions with other medicines or side effects. However, you still need to talk to your doctor about it to determine if you can take it. They may recommend other treatments or do tests to see if the early or unusual hair loss is due to an underlying condition.
Furthermore, there is little scientific evidence to show that methylsulfonylmethane is effective in promoting hair growth or counteracting hair loss
Step 2. Lower the dosage or stop taking methylsulfonylmethane if you notice any side effects
Although there is no scientific evidence showing adverse effects of this active ingredient, some people claim to have experienced stomach pain, diarrhea, headache and fatigue.
Stop taking it and see a doctor if you notice symptoms associated with an allergic reaction, such as a rash, difficulty breathing or swelling
Step 3. Do not take methylsulfonylmethane if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Doctors and other experts are not sure whether methylsulfonylmethane affects pregnancy or is assimilated by infants through breast milk. In any case, while it has no known adverse effects, it is best to avoid taking it if you are pregnant, planning to have a baby or are breastfeeding.
