Sulphur - A Natural Treatment For Arthritis and Skin Conditions

Sulphur is a micromineral that has become well knownhair, nails and skin strong).
for its healing properties. It is often used to treat3) RDA
arthritis and skin conditions. However, it also has aSulphur does not have an official RDA but most
number of other internal functions in the body. In thissources suggest you should consume between 800
article I will be discussing this nutrient in greater detailmilligrams (mg) and 1000mg per day. If you are using
and providing you with a summary of its mainthis nutrient therapeutically (for example, to treat
functions, the best food sources, the recommendedarthritis) then you may need to consume up to 5g per
daily allowances (RDAs) and the potentially adverseday. However, you should consult a doctor or
effects of consuming too much or too little.nutritionist before you start taking high doses of this
1) DISCOVERYnutrient.
Sulphur is a naturally occurring element that can be4) FOOD SOURCES
found in hot springs, meteorites and volcanoes.Sulphur is normally found within amino acids so high
Awareness of this element dates back to ancientprotein foods such as dairy, fish and meat are often
times. It is referenced throughout the Bible and also hasthe richest source. Cheddar cheese (230mg per 100g),
its own alchemical (an ancient pursuit that focussed onchicken (300mg per 100g), egg (180mg per 100g) and
converting metals into gold) symbol but the exactlobster (510mg per 100g) are some of the best food
discovery date is unknown. It was officially recognisedsources of this nutrient. Certain nuts (brazil nuts contain
as an element in 1777 when the French chemist290mg per 100g) and vegetables (spinach contains
Antoine Lavoisier proved to the scientific community90mg per 100g) also contain high levels of this nutrient.
that it was not an element and not a compound.5) OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS
2) FUNCTIONCurrently there are no overdose symptoms
Sulphur has become well known for its soothing effectassociated with sulphur. However, it is still advisable to
on various ailments such as joint and skin conditions.consult your doctor or nutritionist before consuming
However, it also promotes a healthy metabolism,high doses of this nutrient.
removes waste materials from the body and supports6) DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
cellular respiration (which allows your body to useSulphur deficiencies are uncommon and normally only
oxygen more efficiently). It is also assists in theaffect people on a very low protein diet. If you do fail
production of collagen (a connective tissue which helpsto become deficient in this nutrient it can lead to
the skin maintain its elasticity and assists in the healingarthritis, circulatory problems, muscle pains, impaired hair
of wounds), insulin (a hormone that moderates bloodand nail growth and skin problems.
glucose levels) and keratin (a protein which keeps your