Sulphur: an essential mineral
As a mineral, it leads a shadowy existence, yet it is essential and the third most abundant element in our organism after calcium and phosphorus: sulphur. There are no reference values for the daily requirement and little is known about deficiency symptoms. Yet sulphur has numerous important functions in our body. Why does your body need sulphur, what is special about sulphur in food and what is the miracle cure MSM all about?
Sulphur at a glance
Sulphur is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. Elemental sulphur is a yellow, non-metallic solid at room temperature that forms a variety of allotropic modifications. In inanimate nature, it occurs in pure form and in the form of numerous minerals. Sulphur compounds are also a component of all plants, animals and humans, for example as essential amino acids or coenzymes.
Occurrence
Sulphur occurs in nature in pure form, i.e. in elemental form, or bound in various minerals as sulphide, disulphide or sulphate. Almost 1000 sulphur-containing minerals are known. High-grade sulphur is released in large quantities by volcanic eruptions and can be found there in powdery form as so-called sulphur bloom. In combination with various minerals, sulphur is present as sulphide, disulphide or sulphate. One of the best-known minerals is the iron disulphide pyrite, which is also called fool's gold because of its golden colour. Another source of sulphur are fossil fuels such as crude oil, natural gas or coal, which can have a sulphur content of up to ten percent.
Environmental aspects
Although sulphur is a natural substance, the effects on nature are not always positive. Sulphur dioxide released during energy production from fossil fuels forms a component of smog, which is hazardous to health. The decomposition of smog takes the form of acid rain and contributes to the acidification of the soil. In Germany, measures for flue gas desulphurisation have therefore been prescribed by law since the 1970s.
Use
Sulphur is used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. About 90 per cent of the sulphur is converted into sulphuric acid, 60 per cent of which is used to produce fertilisers. Another area of application is the vulcanisation of rubber, in which raw rubber is mixed with sulphur or sulphur-containing compounds to make it particularly resistant. Sulphur is also used in the production of black powder or other explosives, for example in the fireworks industry. Other uses of sulphur are in the production of sodium-sulphur batteries and in the dye industry.
Sulphur springs
You can experience the anti-allergic, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect of sulphur in a sulphur spring. There, sulphurous, pleasantly tempered water seeps out of the earth. The warming effect of the water is additionally increased by the sulphur, the muscles in the whole body relax. The blood circulation in the skin is increased, so that oxygen and minerals can be better absorbed. Hydrogen sulphide enters the blood through the skin and helps to heal inflamed joints, for example.
Do you remember the stink bomb from your childhood? The popular joke article spreads gases with the smell of rotten eggs in the immediate vicinity. In fact, it is the gas hydrogen sulphide that spreads this unpleasant smell. As soon as the protective glass ampoule is destroyed, the stinking gas escapes.
Why does your body need sulphur?
Our body consists of about 0.2 percent sulphur, which is about 150 grams for an adult. Two important amino acids, methionine and cysteine, contain sulphur. Methionine is important for the course of various metabolic processes and for building certain protein molecules. Cysteine is the basis of skin, hair and nails. Sulphur also contributes to the detoxification of the body, promotes metabolism and strengthens the immune system. The mineral is a component of enzymes, antioxidants and hormones, including the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin. Sulphur helps with impure skin, rheumatic diseases and arthritic inflammations.
Sulphur in food
The mineral sulphur is found in many foods. In a normal diet, we consume it in sufficient quantities. Sulphur is also found in various preservatives that preserve food and prevent colour, flavour and vitamins from degrading on contact with oxygen. Different foods have different limits for added sulphur dioxide. Most people can tolerate sulphur dioxide and sulphites well, only a few show intolerance reactions. These people particularly benefit from the mandatory labelling of sulphur dioxide and sulphites.
MSM - a miracle cure?
The organic sulphur compound MSM is said to have numerous effects. Studies have partially proven the positive effects, but the scientific effectiveness has not yet been fully clarified. MSM is not approved as a medicine and is sold as a food supplement without indication. While conventional medicine is of the opinion that the body is sufficiently supplied with sulphur in a normal diet, alternative medicine is convinced that many ailments, especially joint diseases, can be alleviated or even cured with MSM. MSM in high doses can cause symptoms of intoxication, which are interpreted as the removal of toxic substances from the body during a detoxification cure. Applied externally as a cream, MSM has a positive effect on the skin.
Conclusion
Sulphur is an essential mineral that we take in daily with our food. The chemical element occurs in nature in doses and bound in minerals. Sulphur is used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The gases that escape during processing can harm the environment as smog or acid rain. In the human organism, sulphur is important, among other things, for the course of various metabolic processes and the building of certain protein molecules. Numerous foods contain natural sulphur, and it is also added to certain foods as a preservative. The organic sulphur compound MSM is said to have numerous effects, but its scientific effectiveness has not yet been fully clarified.
