Did you know that six chemical elements…oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus make up 99 percent of our body mass? The next 5…potassium, sodium, sulfur, magnesium and chlorine make up the remaining 1 percent. One of those elements that make up the 1 percent is sulfur. Although it seems inconsequential it is in fact the 3rd most abundant mineral in the body and is a vital antioxidant.
Why is sulfur so important?
Sulfur is found in all living tissues. Our skin, muscles and bones contain half of the sulfur in our body along with the cartilage and connective tissue however they tend to breakdown over time which are some of the more recognizable signs of aging. These changes are reflective of wrinkles, muscle pain and joint pain which may be an indicator that there is a sulfur deficiency.
Having joint pain which results in hip or knee replacements may start with the need for more sulfur in our bodies. If you have already had a joint replacement keeping the other joints healthy means paying attention to the daily intake of sulfur.
Sulfur helps to detoxify our bodies and reduce pain and inflammation. One of the most important antioxidants for our bodies is glutathione. Without sulfur this antioxidant is considered ineffective or useless.
The scientific community have found that sulfur deficiency may increase the likelihood of Alzheimer’s and dementia in general. As well there are other studies that show a sulfur deficiency increases the prevalence of heart disease.
Some of the best foods to find sulfur are vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower along with green leafy vegetables like kale and arugula. When you cut into cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower there is a pungent odor caused by the release of glucosinolates which are carriers for sulfur.
Scientist suggest that we cut the crucifer foods and let them sit a few minutes before they are cooked to achieve the maximum benefit of the enzyme myrosinase being released which triggers the sulfur containing glucosinlates.
The take home message is that sulfur is a critical element for our joints and so much more. We can get it by eating crucifer vegetables as well as green leafy vegetables. Allium vegetables like onions and garlic are also great sources for sulfur. Other sources of sulfur are organic, pastured eggs, grass-fed meats, nuts and wild-caught Alaskan salmon.
I eat a diet full of green leafy vegetables along with crucifer vegetables and also take a multi-vitamin multi-mineral supplement called the cellsentials that contains crucifer extracts to help give me the necessary sulfur to aid in joint health.
What are you doing to ensure that your joints are getting the much needed sulfur? To me it seems pretty simple…pay me now or pay me later. I had my accident years ago that led me to having a hip replacement, yet had I been aware of the need for more sulfur in my diet who knows what the outcome may have been. One thing for sure I am taking the proactive approach to protect my other joints by getting lots of sulfur through my diet and supplementation.
Yours in health – One Hip Guy