Sulfur is an element with unique properties. It is thanks to sulfur that the skin looks he althier, the hair is shiny and strong, and the nails do not break so quickly. Therefore, sulfur has been used, among others, in in cosmetology. Check what other role sulfur plays in the body, how to recognize its deficiency and where to look for this valuable element.

Sulfuris a mineral element that ranks fourth in the hierarchy of macronutrients necessary for human life. No wonder - sulfur has many very important functions in the body. Sulfur can be found in glutamic acid, which is essential for the nervous system and brain, heparin, a chemical that lowers blood pressure, and insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Sulfur is also the basic component of keratin - the protein of the skin of hair and nails, and collagen, which is responsible for the youthful appearance of the skin.

Sulfur for skin, hair and nails

There is a reason why sulfur is called the "beauty element". Sulfur plays a huge role in the process of epidermis regeneration, and thus - slows down skin aging. It is also helpful in the treatment of skin diseases such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and scleroderma. This is one of the reasons whysulfurfoundusein balneology (therapeutic baths). During such a bath, sulfur softens and exfoliates the epidermis, which makes the so far dry skin soft and supple. Sulfur can also fight bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections of the skin.

Sulfur is also the basic component of the proteins of the skin, hair and nails, therefore it is responsible for their condition. It is, among others shiny hair and strong nails depend on sulfur. It is worth knowing that sulfur is one of the ingredients of shampoos intended for oily hair, dandruff and scalp prone to irritation (usually in the form of sulphide brine from mineral spa springs). These types of shampoos thoroughly exfoliate and cleanse the scalp and hair from sebum, impurities and dandruff. In addition, the hair is well nourished.

Sulfur for rheumatism and arthrosis

Sulfur has anti-inflammatory properties, facilitates cartilage regeneration and restoresthe efficiency of the joints, therefore in the form of the aforementioned sulphide baths, is used as an aid in the treatment of numerous rheumatic and degenerative diseases - primarily rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, sciatica and shoulder. In addition, treatment with sulphide waters will work well after injuries of the musculoskeletal system, e.g. after sprains, or after orthopedic surgeries.

In Poland, the resorts of Busko-Zdrój, Solec-Zdrój and Swoszowice near Krakow are famous for their rich sulfur springs.

Sulfur for a diseased liver

Sulfur is also recommended for liver detoxification treatments, because it increases the secretion of bile acids and binds nicotine and heavy metals into compounds that are excreted from the body. It also helps the liver in removing toxins secreted by the excessively multiplying fungi in the body, therefore it will also prove useful in the case of systemic mycosis.

Sulfur - deficiency symptoms and effects

Sulfur deficiency leads to the deterioration of the condition of hair, skin and nails. Hair hardens and begins to fall out, nails become brittle and skin loses its firmness and shine. In addition, sulfur deficiency is manifested by low mood, fatigue and a feeling of anxiety, because this element, together with phosphorus and manganese, affects the proper functioning of the nervous system and the brain. However, one of the most obvious symptoms of sulfur deficiency is the dark ring around the edge of the iris of the eye.

In addition, with a sulfur deficiency, the minerals needed by the body (magnesium, silicon, sodium, manganese, calcium, iron, iodine, chlorine and potassium) are difficult to digest, therefore their deficiency may occur.

It is worth knowing that not only dietary mistakes can contribute to sulfur deficiency. The deficiency of this element in the body may occur in the course of diseases such as: toxic and viral damage to the liver, rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, coronary artery disease, as well as after myocardial infarction. Ionizing radiation can also contribute to sulfur deficiency.

Sulfur - dosage

According to experts from the Food and Nutrition Institute in Warsaw, the daily requirement for sulfur has not been established. It is believed that if the protein requirement is met, the sulfur requirement is also met. Therefore, it can be assumed that the norms of sulfur consumption are the same as the norms of protein consumption.

Sulfur - symptoms and effects of excess

The symptoms and effects of an excess of this element in the body are unknown. Sulfur is not a toxic hazard as its excess is easyremoved with urine.

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Sulfur - sources in food

The best sources of sulfur are high-protein foods - meat and offal, eggs, milk. In addition, a lot of this element can be found in onions and garlic. It is also present in such products as oats, peas, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, horseradish, radish, turnips, watercress, artichokes. Of the fruits, apricots, avocados and strawberries contain the most.

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