Immune support should be a primary focus during the cold and flu season, but many do not consider the need to keep the immune system balanced all year long, especially during times of stress. Stress plays a significant role in how the immune system responds to daily challenges. MSM is a sulfur-containing supplement, which has several mechanisms shown to support a healthy immune response.

When the immune system is suppressed by stress, exhaustion, or chronic inflammation, MSM conserves the immune system’s ability to respond to threats. This response may help boost immunity to fight off infections and improve resistance to viruses and toxic substances. Coupled with MSM’s ability to increase levels of natural antioxidants, prepares the body to fight off the worst of the cold and flu season.

Conversely, when the immune system overreacts and produces too much inflammation, MSM can mitigate the excessive response. This is especially important for the lungs, where excessive inflammation causes symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing, and can lead to secondary complications. Multiple studies have shown that MSM can inhibit lung-specific inflammatory paths and relieve upper and lower respiratory symptoms.

Clinical and pre-clinical studies suggest that MSM may:

  • Modulate a healthy immune response
  • Help the immune system adapt to stress.
  • Reduce oxidative damage
  • Lessen inflammatory markers
  • Sustain glutathione levels
  • Alleviate allergy symptoms

Also, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.