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Author Topic:   MSM
talaith
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posted March 18, 2004 10:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for talaith     Edit/Delete Message
i've started taking MSM...it seems to be a wonder repair supplement....good for everything from allergies to hypothyroidism.

i'm wondering if anyone here would care to share any experience he or she has with MSM.

Thanks!


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trillian
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posted March 19, 2004 09:33 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for trillian     Edit/Delete Message
Please tell me more about MSM, I am unfamiliar with it. And I am always interested in natural supplements that may help hypothyroidism, which I have.

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talaith
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posted March 20, 2004 01:13 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for talaith     Edit/Delete Message
hi trillian ~

the following is an faq on MSM that has lots of information....but know -- there is lots more! i'd rather discuss MSM with you, and i do have an excellent article on msm and hypothyroid, but, so sorry....i just have to head off toward dreamscapesville just now....i was due there hours ago!

quote:
What is MSM?
MSM is an organic sulfur compound. It is contained naturally in the food or it should be, but often it disappears or is significantly recuced because of the over processing done.

How much MSM should I take?
Best to start with between 500 mg daily. This for about one week and then rise to 1000 mg daily and take this for a week. Go on like this for several weeks adding 500 mg at one time, until you are taking 10 gr daily. This will makes up for the years of deficiency that your body has experienced. Then reduce the amount to a maintenance level for whatever works for you. This is a balance between addressing what you want to address and being able to sleep as well as you would like at night. For most people the maintenance level is between 1 and 2 teaspoons (4000 to 8000 mg) per day. Always drink LOTS of water when starting on MSM or when increasing the amount you are taking.

How many milligrams of MSM are in a teaspoon?
There are about 4000 mg (or 4 grams) of MSM in a measured level teaspoon.

What is detox?
MSM enables your cells and tissues to release toxins that have built up over the years. Apparently sulfur is a vital part of our waste management system, and if we have not had enough of it our bodies were not able to release some of the waste substances. If you take too much MSM, your body will release too much waste at one time for your kidneys and liver to handle. This waste in your blood stream can cause all kinds of problems ranging from flu-like symptoms to re-experiencing the effects of drugs that you have taken in the past. For example, heavy caffiene users may feel extra-jittery. The key to reducing or eliminating detox symptoms is to start on MSM slowly so that the waste in your tissues is released slowly and to drink lots of water so that the released toxins will be flushed out of your body quickly.

What do I do if detox symptoms happen anyway?
If the symptoms are not bad, you may just want to tough it out. They should go away in a few days. Be sure to increase your water intake--for most people this would be double the amount of water that they normally drink. If the symptoms are severe, cut back on the MSM and take baths with water hot enough to make you sweat, but not so hot that you might pass out. Limit the baths to 20 minutes in length. You may find it helpful to add ONE of the following to the bath water and perhaps alternating between these items for different baths: a cup of vinegar, a cup of baking soda, a cup of epsom salts, a half cup of chlorine bleach. These substances each help leach out diffent toxins through your skin.

I have arthritis. What works?
In The Miracle of MSM - The Natural Solution for Pain, the doctors that wrote the book used MSM in their medical practices for arthritis patients. They found that when MSM was combined with 1500 mg of glucosamine each day that it provided more pain relief than either the MSM or glucosamine alone. They did not find that chondroitin provided substantially any more relief. However, a recent article in a popular consumer magazine cited several studies where both glucosamine and chondroitin were found to provide substantial benefits when used alone. There is currently a major study being conducted to see if both glucosamine and chondroitin combined provide more benefit than either one alone. One of the glucosamine studies found measurable differences in the x-rays between the glucosamine group and the control (non-glucosamine) group which provides much more subjective evidence that glucosamine produces substantial benefits to those taking it. Again, remember that in clinical use it was found that MSM and glucosamine used together provided the most relief.

Where does MSM come from?
MSM is a naturally occurring, sulfur containing organic compound found primarily in fresh fruits and vegetables and in every cell of the human body. The highest natural concentration of MSM is found in mammal's milk. MSM is an organic compound and commercial MSM is a pure, simple molecule that is indistinguishable from a molecule of MSM found in nature. MSM is derived from DMSO. MSM occurs when DMSO is oxidized. MSM is a naturally occurring compound found in significant amounts in nerve tissue, skin, hair and joints.

What happens if my body does not get enough sulfur?
Sulfur is found naturally in the human body. Sulfur is stored in every cell of the body. Your body won't be able to repair or replace damaged tissue fast enough. If this occurs, the body compensates by producing abnormal cells that may lead to illness and disease. You will also experience a sensitivity to pain. Sulfur deficiencies are also associated with gastrointestinal problems, a poor immune system, arthritis, and rheumatism, memory loss and acne. It can also lead to brittle nails and hair, dermatological problems and dry skin.

What are the available forms of MSM?
MSM comes in forms of capsules, crystals, flakes, powder, tablets, lotion and gel.

How much MSM should I take and in what form?
You should take whatever form is convenient for you. You should always take the least possible amount of msm that gives you the relief you desire. Drink lots of water with msm. For first time users of MSM, it is better to take with meals to help prevent heartburn. First time users start at a low level and build up. Try 500-1000 mg (eighth to a quarter teaspoon) per day. Take it for that way for one week then increase it another a little more. Once you have taken it a long time you will be able to take it without food. The recommended dosage is 2,000 to 6,000 mg. per day. Please be aware that a single dose of MSM will not help! The recommended dosage for a person weighing 150 lbs. should begin by taking 1/2 teaspoon once in the morning and midafternoon. MSM needs to be taken for at least 1-2 weeks or even up to two month before you may see results. When MSM is taken by mouth with meals whether it be capsule, crystal, flake, powder or tablet form, the body will distribute MSM where it is needed. The precise dose of MSM is not really that critical. For the first week or two, larger doses of MSM may be needed to compensate for an extreme deficiency and depending on your situation . For general maintenance start out slow, take 1/2 teaspoon 2-3 times a day. then take more each day until you build up to 6,000 mg. Then once you see improvements continue same dosage for about 1 month, then reduce intake as general maintenance (1/2 teaspoon 2-3 times a day). It works for me! Good luck! Remember taking large quantities of msm is not always necessarily better. I never take over 2 scoops that come in the msm container per day just because my body doesn't require more than that.

Is sulfur the same as sulfa drugs and sulfites?
No. Organic sulfur is a nutrient, a necessary part of natural chemical processes in the body. It should not be confused with sulfa-based drugs or sulfites, which are forms of inorganic sulfur. Sulfa drugs are synthetic, meaning that they do not occur naturally. They are used for the purposes as antibiotics, which in some people cause allergic reactions.

How does MSM help the skin?
MSM is great for your skin if you have acne. MSM acts to keep the skin's cells and the tissue soft. Keeping the skin soft ensures that it remains elastic enough to allow stretching and movement without damage. Smooth, flexible skin is less prone to wrinkles and dry flakiness. It even helps stretch marks. MSM benefits the skin and internal organs.

How does MSM help your hair and nails?
Sulfur helps the body to form keratin, the protein that makes up the main part of the outermost layers of your hair and nails. It is a tough, fibrous protein that is very resilient to the effects of damaging chemicals and other harmful agents. Each strand of hair has its own keratin supply, which is stored in the root. Sulfur is also contained in biotin, a B vitamin that is essential for shiny hair and strong nails. You may be interested to know that the natural inclination of hair to be straight or curly is maintained in part by the sulfur amino acids. MSM benefits dry scalp and hair and improves nail growth and benefits your cuticles and nails. My nails are nice and strong now along with being whiter!

How does MSM help with allergies?
Allergies are reactions set off by a breakdown in the normal functioning of the body's immune system. When this happens, a varied range of symptoms are manifested, including sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, headaches, and sleepiness, other reactions include hives, stomachache, and sore throat. MSM goes straight to the cause of allergic reactions. In this website you learned that MSM softens the skin. It does this by softening the walls of the body's cells, which are then more easily penetrated, allowing enemy substances to be flushed out. Flushing these allergens out of the body eliminates the need for the body to react allergic ally to get rid of them. This process cannot happen when the cell walls are hard and impenetrable. MSM prevents allergic reactions by coating the gastrointestinal tract in a way that makes allergen bonding impossible. Research has shown that daily doses of MSM have substantially increased resistance to environmental, food, or drug allergens.

How does MSM help with parasites?
MSM has proven to be a very effective treatment for parasites. Research shows that MSM works by laying a coating over the intestinal areas where some types of parasites normally attach themselves. This coating makes it impossible for parasites to attach themselves to your body. Since they are not attached to your body, the parasites are simply flushed out of your system through the process of elimination. MSM can be used against worms, giardia, trichomonas, and other types of parasites. Making sure that you have an adequate daily intake of MSM can help to ensure that the parasites do not have a chance to make themselves at home inside your body. MSM has the ability to return the parasite susceptible tissue to normalcy with no impairment or injury to host. MSM has an alleviating or curing effect on a variety of parasitic systemic microbial infections.

How does MSM help with constipation?
MSM has been shown to bring prompt relief for chronic constipation.

How does MSM help with heartburn and ulcers?
Stomach acid is used by the body to breakdown food during digestion. The stomach lining releases a form of acid known as hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for the digestion of proteins. Standard treatment for heartburn involves the use of antacids and other products that neutralize hydrochloric acid. These may give temporary relief by counteracting the effects of hydrochloric acid, but a reduction in hydrochloric acid can in turn lead to indigestion and poor absorption of nutrients. Overuse of antacids can destroy the body's natural acid/alkaline balance, while neutralizing the excess stomach acid. MSM will allow patients with peptic ulcers and chronic heartburn to experience fewer symptoms.

How does MSM help alleviate pain?
When the body's cell walls are supple, fluids can easily pass out of the cell, resulting in equalized pressure inside and outside the cell. It is the difference of pressure that causes pain and inflammation. By equalizing the pressure, MSM helps to reduce pain and inflammation. MSM can relieve post-athletic fatigue along with relieving muscle pain and cramps.

How does MSM help with arthritis?
MSM brings relief to arthritis sufferers not by dulling the nerves so that pain cannot be felt, but by mending some of the damage that causes arthritic pain. The two main forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Both conditions cause pain, stiffness, and, sometimes complete deformation of the joint. Osteoarthritis usually effects one joint at a time, gradually destroying the cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis, attacks the whole body at once and is accompanied by swelling. The conventional treatment for arthritis is nonsteroidal anti-flammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naprosyn, and only provide temporary relief. Sometimes these drugs can cause unpleasant side effects and can cause stomach upset or stomach bleeding. Studies have shown that taking glucosamine, a sulfur dependent compound, which plays an important role in the formation of ligaments, tendons, and other membranes, is more effective in the treatment of arthritis. So taking MSM supplements with glucosamine can enhance the health benefits of glucosamine.

How does MSM help with cancer?
MSM can change a cancer cell into a non malignant cell. Studies have shown that MSM slows the growth rate of cancerous tumors. MSM does not prevent cancer but it will delay the disease. There is still much to learn about msm and cancer but at least you can increase your life span by at least 10 years if you take msm to aid in the prevention of cancer.

How does MSM help diabetics?
MSM has been shown to be effective in the treatment of diabetes, which occur when the body produces or uses insulin inefficiently. Sulfur is an important component of insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas to metabolize carbohydrates. Without sulfur, the body cannot produce enough insulin, leading to excess blood sugar, so MSM may be an especially important supplement to include in your diet. Diabetics should not take glucosamine for it contains sugar.

Is MSM safe for my pets?
Horse trainers give MSM to their racehorses before races to prevent the buildup of lactic acid in muscles, which causes stiffness and cramps after exercising. Use of MSM to your pets can enhance their overall health. They will acquire attractive glossy coats, and strong toenails.

What does MSM do for the body?
MSM detoxifies the body and increases blood circulation. MSM plays many different, but equally essential roles in the human body. MSM is a required structural mineral for healthy hair, skin, and nails. MSM is also necessary to help maintain the flexibility and elasticity of most all bodily tissues and is needed to maintain cell membrane permeability. Proper permeability allows cells to absorb nutrients and expel waste. MSM supports sulfur-containing amino acids such as methionine and cystine which are necessary for the healing and repair of most bodily tissues especially skin, blood vessels, organs, and joints. Because there are few nerves in the bones, our pain comes from soft tissue. Aspirin shuts off the nerves, but the muscles are still damaged. MSM takes out the inflammation, permits the muscles to heal and prevents them from becoming sore. MSM is a free radical scavenger, so allergies to food and pollens will go away. MSM also prevents overreaction to other medicines.

Is it safe to mix MSM with other prescribed medications?
MSM has been observed in clinical settings some indications that it may have a blood-thinning, aspirin like effect on platelet aggregation. Therefore, you should consult your doctor if you are taking high doses of aspirin, or blood-thinning medication such as heparin or dicumarol.

What is the difference between taking MSM flakes, capsules versus MSM powder form versus MSM tablet form?
Studies have shown people receive better results from taking MSM in the powder, crystal or flake form rather in the table form. Any form you take of MSM (meaning capsule, crystal, flake, powder) will be helpful. Tablets would be my last choice due to the fact they take the longest to digest because they come compressed which takes longer to dissolve in the stomach. A lot of people prefer to carry capsules to work just because it is more convenient.

Does MSM help with mental alertness? Yes, MSM has been shown to increases alertness, reduce mood swings, and lessen depression. MSM has been shown to relieve mental depression within hours after taking it rather than days.

Does MSM help people with migraines?
Studies have been show that migraine suffers have been know to get substantial relief from taking MSM by taking it on a daily basis.

Is it safe to take Glucosamine with MSM?
Yes they work well together. Glucosamine plays an integral role in the formation of ligaments, tendons and is more effective than NSAIDs. Glucosamine makes cartilage strong, healthy and resilient. Glucosamine reduces inflammation, and studies show glucosamine to have no known side effects. Glucosamine also contributes to the growth of new cartilage. But keep in mind that glucosamine is a charged sugar molecule and if you are a diabetic you must watch your sugar intake.

What does MSM actually do?
MSM keeps the glands properly balancing your bodily functions, in order for diseases and illnesses to keep it from starting it's degeneration process.

What will happen when one takes too much msm?
You may develop minor gastrointestinal discomfort or more frequent bowel movements. If this happens just reduce the amount of msm you are taking. If you take your MSM dosage and divide in into 3 times a day instead of all at once you shouldn't experience this problem.

Why don't doctors recommend MSM?
Very few doctors will because the American Medical Association does not endorse, nor do the Pharmaceutical Companies produce, MSM. This does not mean that there is NO cure for your disease, there certainly may very well be, and it may have existed from the beginning of time itself. This only means that within the politics of the current medical bureaucracy, doctors are instructed to tell you that there in NO cure for your disease.

Are there any food sources of MSM?
Yes there is. MSM occurs naturally in the environment, and is present in rainwater, and is absorbed by plants. Small amounts of MSM are available in fresh fruits, grains, vegetables and even un-pasteurized milk because of the way we process our food. Unfortunately, MSM is chemically altered and destroyed when foods are processed, heated, or dehydrated. So your most reliable dietary source for adequate MSM intake is through supplementation.

Who can take MSM?
Everyone because organic sulfur is a basic component for overall human wellness, everyone can benefit from supplementing their diets with MSM. Please consult your physician before using MSM if you are pregnant, while nursing or for children under 2 years of age or have heart problems.

Does MSM help whiten the teeth?
As we age our teeth begin to become darker. MSM is starting to appear in toothpaste. Brush your teeth as normal then brush again using msm powder or crystals or flakes. Allow yourself two weeks for a noticeable change.

Does MSM help with snoring?
Tests have shown that MSM in a 16 percent water solution provided a significant reduction in snoring in 80 percent of humans.

How does MSM help with Candida?
We have a yeast that lives in our colon called Candida that keeps bad bacteria out, which lives on the food created by acidophilus. When you take antibiotics it kills the bad and the good bacteria. Your pH then gets out of balance and the Candida gets hungry and starts spreading. When it gets in the vagina, women have yeast infections. When the tongue gets a white coating, that is Candida yeast. When it gets in the ears and the eyes, they change the name and call it thrush. When it gets in the blood stream, they call it chronic fatigue - "an incurable disease". There is no such thing or we would have all died 6,000 years ago. When you digest the food and it goes into the bloodstream, the Candida steals it. So you do not assimilate your nutrition, the glands do not get their vitamins and minerals, so you develop allergies to foods, pollens and fragrances. You also do not have any energy because the Candida is a living organism and digests food like you do and puts out toxins that are floating in your blood stream. When those toxins are added to your toxins, it can stimulate 80 different diseases that you do not have. When it stimulates strep throat, the doctor gives you an antibiotic and kills the acidophilus, keeping the pH out of balance. It then stimulates pneumonia… the doctor gives you more antibiotics and it then stimulates sinus infection. Every three or four weeks, you have a cold or flu and you feel terrible. This becomes a vicious, painful and costly, cycle. Candida is a living yeast and can turn any bread you eat into blood alcohol. Blood alcohol is a blood sugar. When the body has adjusted to a high blood sugar content and it suddenly drops, you go into a mood swing like a diabetic and feel terrible. So, you crave bread, cookies or alcohol to kick up the blood sugar. Some people can actually eat 4 or 5 pieces of bread and get drunk. This is why bars have so many pretzels, bread sticks and popcorn for their patrons because it satisfied Candida's craving for bread and keeps the blood sugar content high. It makes them feel good. When they are driving in a car they always have cookies, soda pop and candy at hand or when they are watching TV, they surround themselves with junk food. When you take MSM you pH goes normal. Candida cannot live in your body when you pH is normal, except in the colon (where it belongs) so the Candida dies out. This is how MSM cures people of Candida. It makes it possible for an 'alcoholic' to come down off the alcohol in your blood sugar without any of the withdrawal side effects.

Is MSM safe for my child to take?
Most children don't need MSM. Those who are afflicted with ailments such as allergies, asthma or inflammation from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at an early age can take MSM. Studies have shown that many children have taken high dosages of msm without any problems.

Do I have to take Vitamin C with MSM supplements?
You do not have to take vitamin C along with MSM supplements in order for MSM to work better. If you are unable to take vitamin C, MSM still works for you. Vitamin C is still a great supplement though and can enhance recovery!

Why is Vitamin C suggested when using MSM?
MSM promotes healing and healing involves forming new cells. Vitamin C is a required raw material in forming healthy new cells. Yes, other raw materials are also required and each of us should be eating properly or taking the proper supplements. A recent study found that at least a quarter of us are deficient in Vitamin C to start with. While this deficiency is not enough to cause scurvy, it did cause several other problems including weak immune systems and fatigue. If we are already deficient in Vitamin C and we need more when we are healing, then most of us need to supplement with more Vitamin C.




MSM FAQ

(i didn't include the entire faq here in order to ease the reading time just a wee bit.)

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Nephthys
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Posts: 1001
From: California
Registered: Oct 2001

posted March 20, 2004 08:50 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Nephthys     Edit/Delete Message
Woooooooo, if anybody gets through that last post and finds my post waaaaaayyyy down here........

I took MSM for quite some time and I bought a good quality one, and I really didn't notice much improvement. I've had other people highly praise it, so I guess each body is different.

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Eleanore
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Posts: 239
From: North Carolina
Registered: Aug 2003

posted March 20, 2004 10:38 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Eleanore     Edit/Delete Message
I'm kinda interested in this since I'd never heard about it before and it certainly sounds ... interesting I noticed that the link didn't mention a way to order it (unless I missed it, lol) and I was wondering if anyone knew, generally speaking, where to look into purchasing some, etc.

Nephthys, I hope I'm not prying, but about how long did you try it? Also, if you don't mind, were you using it for any of the reasons the article lists (though I don't mean to ask you specifics about your personal health issues, of course)?

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trillian
Moderator

Posts: 1459
From: The Boundless
Registered: Mar 2003

posted March 21, 2004 03:27 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for trillian     Edit/Delete Message
I noticed some sites on the web where you can buy MSM, and I am intrigued...thank you for all the info talaith. But I haven't found any info on MSM and hypothyroidism, which of course is pertinent to me...so I'm looking forward to your article! Thank you...

Nephthys, I'd also be interested in the answers to the questions posed by Eleanore, if you don't mind sharing.

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Nephthys
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Posts: 1001
From: California
Registered: Oct 2001

posted March 22, 2004 09:11 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Nephthys     Edit/Delete Message
You can buy MSM at your local Health Food Store. I bought mine at Whole Foods. It's good and healthy for you so there's no harm in trying it.

Well I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 2 years ago. I was also diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease which is autoimmune low thyroid. I had a car accident 4 years ago and I really believe that led to other health problems. I have always had a lot of problems with my hormones my whole life. So basically those are my health issues.

I used the MSM for several months. One of the reasons I stopped, is I didn't notice much difference. Another reason is, I take vitamins at breakfast and lunch. I try to eat really healthy and also started juicing about 1 1/2 months ago. Rather than buy so many supplements, I am trying to solve my health issues with diet. I just don't like popping so many pills.

These are the Vitamins and Supplements I currently take:

Vitamin B-Complex 100
Vitamin A
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Multiple Minerals

EFA (Essential Fatty Acids) (it's an oil I mix in 1 T. in juice every a.m.)

Barlean's Forti-Flax (ground up flax seeds to sprinkle over breakfast cereal. provides amino acids, trace minerals, and protein.)

Emergen-C (a packet of powdered drink mix to mix with H2O, provides Vitamin-C and some other vitamins and minerals.) I have 1 with lunch every day and sometimes a 2nd in the afternoon.

5-HTP (an all natural supplement) I take this at bedtime and it helps you sleep. It is good for migraines, fibromyalgia, sweet cravings, and other issues I forget.

Well that's all I can think of right now.

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talaith
Knowflake

Posts: 105
From:
Registered: Feb 2004

posted March 26, 2004 02:32 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for talaith     Edit/Delete Message
well.....

i can't go into much depth right now....but i will get back soon, i promise! from what i've gathered, i've determined that hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia and other hormone related issues are all interrelated.

i have some good sources on this and i hope to share them soon; it's very involved though.

oh and the supplements thing....i try not to go too far in that direction, but i have to admit, they have helped tremendously!

i'm headed toward a more nutritious lifestyle, but it has to be slow-going. i would like to start juicing again....a restorative miracle!

these are the supplements i take:

super earth formula - a wholefood multivitamin & multimineral supplement

vitamin b12 sublingual tabs

calcium witn vitamin d

magnesium

kelp

dry vitamin e

vitamin c

iron

quercetin with bromelain (occasionally)

msm

green wheatgrass powder with chlorophyll


i have some flax seeds and flax oil i need to start adding to my diet (super smoothie anyone?) in addition to nutritional yeast and coconut oil.

i'd like to grow and juice my own wheatgrass, but that's a little way down the road....

and the msm is working really well so far.....i definitely feel the detox effects.

more soon....

love, talaith

p.s. i'm in search of high quality vegan supplements....any suggestions?

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talaith
Knowflake

Posts: 105
From:
Registered: Feb 2004

posted April 12, 2004 02:08 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for talaith     Edit/Delete Message
greetings....

i can't find that article, but i will. this hypothyroidism is a big thing....there's lots going on with it.

i know there is another thread about this; i learned some good stuff there.

and i think the link between msm and thyroid is important.

back soon, child permitting!

love, talaith

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