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Sulfur for Arthritis Pain

Sulfur is a mineral that is often found occurring naturally near areas such as volcanic craters and hot springs. It has been thought to help ease arthritis pain. It can be found in foods and supplements, or used externally in baths.

  1. Explanation

    • Sulfur is a component that the body uses to repair and build connective and joint tissue. Some studies suggest that sulfur may also help with arthritis pain.

    Foods

    • Ingesting foods with sulfur may help with arthritis pain. Those high in the mineral include vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and onions as well as eggs.

    Supplements

    • The most common sulfur supplements for pain are DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). Both are listed by "Arthritis Today," the magazine of the Arthritis Foundation, as supplements to benefit that disease.

    Baths

    • Just as hot springs have been touted as having healing properties, soaking in mud baths or mineral waters which contain sulfur may help to ease arthritis pain.

    Considerations

    • Sulfur products do not relieve arthritis pain in all individuals or in all forms of arthritis. Any positive results should be noticeable after a few weeks of use.

    Warning

    • Investigate where the sulfur products you are using come from. Industrial grade DMSO, for example, could have dangerous impurities.

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