Q: “I’ve heard that it’s OK to add a little MSM to my pet’s water for joint pain relief. Do you think it is OK? I have a 16-year-old cat.”
—Debbie, Asheville NC, via Facebook
Yes! It is more than okay to add a little MSM to your four-legged friend’s water for joint pain relief. MSM dissolves well in water; however, I mostly just tell my clients to add it directly to their food as it seems to be remarkably palatable. Cats can have up to 200 mg a day, and dogs should have 50–100 mg per ten pounds of body weight.
What is MSM? It’s an organic sulfur-containing compound that’s used to improve immune function, lower inflammation and help restore healthy body tissue. The reason so many benefits are attributed to the MSM supplement is because MSM provides biologically active sulfur, which is the fourth most plentiful mineral in the body and needed for many different critical bodily functions every single day. Organic, biologically active sulfur is therefore extremely important for the health of every living organism.
MSM is a natural and effective anti-inflammatory because of how sulfur impacts the immune system and facilitates normal cellular activity. Sulfur needs to be present for our cells to release many byproducts and excess fluids that can accumulate and cause swelling/tenderness. In this way, MSM can give relief from the pain of inflammatory ailments such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, muscle aches and sprains.
Another amazing bonus of MSM is increasing your buddy’s energy. When MSM goes into the body, the permeability of the cell walls greatly increases, enhancing the absorption of nutrients and oxygen and helping release the toxins which were stuck in cells. When these toxins leave the body, it helps to increase their energy.
In my Asheville, NC clinic, we carry an MSM powder, as well as other joint health supplements that feature MSM. If you are an Asheville local, stop by the clinic, or for remote readers, give us a call at 828-254-2221. We would love to help you find the right supplement to soothe your furry friend’s aching joints!
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