MSG – The “Hidden Sources”

What could ultimately be responsible for your poor health?
Iris da Silva, RHN, NCP, RhA
Registered Holistic Allergist and Nutritionist
Have you ever picked up a bag of Doritos
and wondered why you couldn’t stop at
eating just a few or your favorite cup of
coffee has suddenly become the super size
you just have to have everyday. Most
people think of it as giving into their selfish
cravings and go on about their day. These
same people maybe also be complaining
about their bad headaches, bloating, or
inability to lose weight. What could these
symptoms mean? A possible reaction to
MSG (monosodium glutamate).
MSG is a known excitotoxin and can trigger
additive type habits. It is considered a
flavor enhancer as opposed to a food
additive. It increases the taste sensation
that makes us overindulge in food and to
keep it appealing to the eye. The most
common name MSG is known under is
“natural flavorings”. It is found naturally in
seaweed, soybeans, sugar beets and corn.
MSG directly affects the brain and the
nervous system by entering through the
blood brain barrier causing neurons to swell
and die within minutes. More importantly,
it plays on the hypothalamus which is
responsible for regulating body
temperature, water balance and
metabolism. This control unit also signals
the pituitary gland to secrete the majority
of our hormones like antidiuretic hormone
(ADH) and thyroid hormones (TSHthyroid
stimulating hormone, throxine T3
and T4 ).
When glutamate reaches within the cells it
can produce profound reactions that may
include severe headaches, diarrhea, bloating,
seizures, fatigue, shortness of breath,
tingles, swelling in extremities, extreme
thirst, skin rash/hives, depression, mood
changes, and fluid retention. It has also
been linked with hyperactivity among
children, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
disease. Reactions to MSG or the free
glutamate (free glutamate – not bound to
amino acids) may occur 10 min. to 48 hrs.
after consumption, depending on the
amount ingested. Due to the delay in some
individuals, they may not correlate their
health problems they are experiencing to
food they ate at a dinner. By understanding
the effect that MSG can have on the brain
alone, you can begin to realize that it can
affect individuals in many different ways.
Consumers must be aware that products
labeled “NO MSG, No Added MSG or No
MSG Added” may still contain MSG under
another name or if the ingredients they
used to make the product already contains
it. Food manufactures are not required to
put it on the label if they did not add MSG
in when manufacturing the food item.
Below are some of the common names to
watch out for when shopping.
Foods that always contain MSG or free glutamate when seen in the following:
MSG
Monosodium glutamate
Monopotassium glutamate
Glutamate
Glutamic acid
Gelatin
Yeast extract
Yeast food or nutrient
Autolyzed yeast
Textured protein
Calcium caseinate
Sodium caseinate
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Hydrolyzed plant protein
Autolyzed plant protein