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View Full Version : MSM and upset stomach?


notmybestday
04-26-2008, 08:49 AM
Hi all --

I've been taking 1000 mg of MSM for two weeks now in powder form. I
actually think it's starting to help me, but starting two days ago, I started to get the most awful stomach cramps and diarrhea -- I'm talking having the runs 3 times an hour. I have IBS and know my food triggers, and I'm certain that it's not anything I've eaten recently. And I've had enough stomach viruses to know this isn't one.

What's strange to me is that I had the same experience with Elmiron. I
had no stomach problems initially but then got terrible cramps and diarrhea a few weeks in. As soon as I stopped Elmiron, which didn’t do a thing for my IC, the symptoms stopped. My theory is that both times, the MSM and Elmiron had to take a while to build up in my body. I guess not enough had been absorbed during the first few weeks to trigger any kind of reaction.

What DOES puzzle me is that upset stomach seems to be a rare side effect
of MSM. I know it’s a common side effect of Elmiron. I did some online
research and apparently MSM and DMSO is supposed to HELP gastrointestinal upset. This is why I’m puzzled that MSM would trigger such a violent reaction from my stomach. It's even worse than when I was on Elmiron.

This is quite distressing because MSM is the first thing that had noticeable benefits for my IC. I'm planning to stop MSM tonight because I'm a student and can't afford to be having the runs three times an hour. I guess I'm frustrated because it seems to be one thing or another with this condition.

I would like to know whether anyone has had similiar experiences with MSM. Or what they think could help? If I start up MSM during the summer, should I take probiotics perhaps?

Thanks.

- S.

leelee88
04-26-2008, 09:19 AM
Maybe you should try it in the pill form. This is just a thought. I do believe someone else mentioned to me that the powder form of MSM was causing them stomach upset. Maybe there is an additive or something in it? I know I am on the pill form and I have had No problems at all with it. But this also could just be your IBS acting up.. You could try stopping it for a few days to see if things inprove. I wish you the best!

notmybestday
07-10-2008, 05:41 PM
I know this is an old thread, but if it should resurface during any searches, just wanted to let people know that my stomach symptoms were due to a severe bacterial infection not the MSM. For a few weeks, my IC was relegated to the back burner...though the colon spasms of course aggravated things like crazy. I'll be trying the MSM again soon.

leelee88
07-10-2008, 06:12 PM
Thanks for letting everyone know what it was.. And I hope you are doing better.. Good luck trying the MSM again..