Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Are you being slowly poisoned by MSG?

Monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG, is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring non-essential amino acid.  It is a flavor enhancer that makes things taste better by activating your taste buds.  Because of this, it is an addictive substance that gets people to eat more: It is the nicotine of food!


MSG may cause many adverse reactions, including migraines and headaches skin rashes, itching, hives, nausea, vomiting, migraine headaches, asthma, heart irregularities, depression, seizures, autism, ADHD, and even Alzheimer's.  In addition, research has shown that MSG added to food could cause brain damage in children, and effect how your children's nervous systems formed during development so that in later years they may have learning or emotional difficulties.


Because MSG has acquired an infamous reputation, the food industry has given it new names and new forms, including:

  • Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
  • Hydrolyzed Protein
  • Hydrolyzed Plant Protein
  • Plant Protein Extract
  • Sodium Caseinate
  • Calcium Caseinate
  • Yeast Extract
  • Textured Protein (Including TVP)
  • Autolyzed Yeast

MSG is usually thought to be an additive in Chinese restaurants (which is why in the U.S. people call the after effects of eating MSG as the “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome”). but it is now added in larger and larger doses to the pre-packaged meals, soups, snacks, fast foods, tinned soups, salad dressings, processed meats, carbohydrate-based snacks, ice cream, bread, canned tuna, chewing gum, baby food, and soft drinks. 


Based on the way MSG is used by the fast food industry, the following tips may be helpful for those wishing to avoid MSG.


Avoid all fast food restaurants!


Avoid flavored snack chips, canned and instant soup.  Scrutinize the ingredient list on all pre-packaged and processed foods.


Tips on eating in Asian restaurants:

  • Ask for NO MSG
  • Avoid soy sauce
  • Avoid soups and sauces
  • Avoid marinaded food
  • Avoid fish or seafood extract
  • Avoid kim chee
  • Avoid dipping sauce
  • Instead of a sushi roll opt for sushi or sashimi


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