Monosodium glutamate or MSG has long been in the news along with other additives containing excitotoxins. Voraciously studied, reports on MSG vary regarding the degree of health dangers it poses. According to "Food Ingredients and Colors" by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), MSG is "generally recognized as a safe" ingredient.
Reports Conflicting with the FDA
Many personal and scientific reports continue to show a direct contrast to the FDA's findings, ranging from minor allergic reactions to producing free radicals, and obesity in humans--making it a worthwhile subject for consumers to look into.
It is interesting to note that there are organizations formed specifically to address major concerns on food additives with excitotoxins. To name just a few, The Truth in Labeling.org, Battling the MSG Myth and MSGTruth.org. In addition to extensive lists of foods containing MSG, claims made by these groups are alarming to say the least, including types of illnesses associated with ingesting MSG.
Commonly Reported Side Effects to MSG
Immediately after ingesting a food that contains MSG many people complain about flushing, where a person becomes hot and red in the face, neck, and chest. In addition to flushing, other "immediate symptoms" according to the Mayo Clinic's nutritionist, Katherine Zeratsky, are: headaches, sweating, tingling or numbness of the lip area, skin tightness in the face, increased heart rate and chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling weak and nauseous.
Reasons to Eliminate MSG
People who don't experience these symptoms are not considered allergic to MSG; however, much research suggests humans should avoid glutamates as much as possible. "Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills," by Russell L Blaylock, MD, is just one of many books outlining significant dangers in relation to foods not only containing MSG, but also aspartame and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins.
Dr. Blaylock explains how toxic excitatory amino acids found in MSG cause damage to neurons in the spinal cord and brain. Simply stated, neurons are the sensory nerve cells that react to taste and touch, etc. MSG and substances containing excitotoxins cause cell death.
MSG Linked to Serious Diseases
In an article published in the Journal of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. Blaylock, (a neurological surgeon) points out that some people sensitive to excitotoxins found in many foods might have a pre-existing susceptibility to develop advanced cases of Alzheimer's, dementia, ALS or Parkinson's disease. These are disorders where nerve cells degenerate and no longer function and MSG exacerbates the condition. Further, people with head injuries, strokes and HIV should avoid all excitotoxins.
Monosodium Glutamate--Hidden in Foods
In the United States, monosodium glutamate is present in other food additives under other names, for example, sodium glutamate, MSG, free glutamic acid, hydrolyzed plant (or vegetable) protein, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate and yeast extract.
The most deceptive message in labeling is the allowed use of the term "natural flavoring," making it extremely difficult for the average consumer to know whether excitotoxins are present in the foods they purchase.
Tags: containing excitotoxins, food additives, nerve cells, should avoid