MSG Reaction/MSG Allergy

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), it seems, has been around forever and has been the focus of outraged consumers for years. But even with all the negative medical studies and the on-again and off-again media attention it seems to be here to stay.

"MSG, or Monosodium Glutamate is a salt of the amino acid - Glutamic Acid (glutamate). A salt is the chemical name for a molecule held together by opposite charges. Basically one (mono) sodium atom is "stuck" to the amino acid glutamate."

Why do we use MSG?

"Although it has no distinct taste itself, monosodium glutamate (MSG) stimulates our taste buds and makes a variety of foods taste better. The flavor enhancer is commonly added to Asian cuisine, canned vegetables, soups, processed foods and processed meats. MSG is sold as a white crystal substance that resembles salt and sugar."

Truthfully, the jury is still out on why we use MSG. Some say it is just simply a flavor enhancer, others believe that manufactures put it in their foods for its addictive quality. However, more and more research is starting to put the spotlight on the addictive nature of MSG. Yes, MSG is addictive.

What are other names for MSG?

While MSG may not be listed in many products, you can be sure that it is there somewhere under different ways and names. Don't be fooled, read all food labels careful to avoid this addictive product.

Food Additives that ALWAYS contain MSG :

Monosodium Glutamate, Autolyzed Yeast, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Hydrolyzed Protein, Hydrolyzed Plant Protein, Plant Protein Extract, Sodium Caseinate, Calcium Caseinate, Yeast Extract, Textured Protein (Including TVP), Hydrolyzed Oat Flour, Corn Oil

Food Additives That FREQUENTLY Contain MSG:

Malt Extract, Malt Flavoring, Bouillon, Broth, Stock Flavoring, Natural Flavors/Flavoring, Natural Beef Or Chicken Flavoring, Seasoning, Spices, Maltodextrin and Whey Protein

Food Additives That MAY Contain MSG:

Carrageenan, Enzymes, Soy Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Concentrate

You need to ask yourself, if MSG is so safe why is it listed/hidden under so many names?

What are the side effects/symptoms associated with MSG?

Can MSG make me fat?

"One of the MSG symptom missing from this list above is obesity. Studies on animals showed that glutamate (MSG) constricts blood vessels because it acts as a calcium channel OPENER, and it also increased appetite in healthy animals by 40% by acting on the hypothalamus.

Consequently, if you think you are immune from the effects of MSG because you don't have one of the symptoms listed above, note that free glutamic acid acts on the pancreas to secrete insulin and acts to stimulate hunger by targeting the amygdala and hypothalamus and creates valium-like GABA in otherwise HEALTHY folks." So to put it in simpler terms......

"You have a pancreas. When you eat sugar, your pancreas produces insulin to counteract the sugar. The insulin tells the cells in your body to absorb the excess sugar. The problem is, is that MSG causes an insulin response. And MSG isn't a sugar. So guess what happens. The (MSG induced) insulin produced by your pancreas tells the cells in your body to absorb sugar.

Within an hour or two. You are low in sugar. Your body says "I need to eat"

So you eat.

But the food you eat has more MSG in it. So you produce more insulin than you need again. So you eat again, and again"

Hmmmm....sounds a bit suspicious!

Is MSG bad for me?

Only you can make this decision but with the increase in neurological disorders, cancer and various other diseases, something has to have changed in our society. And, truth be known, the one common factor is the increase of chemicals in our food and personal products. Studies by the hundreds are showing that MSG is linked to a plethora of symptoms and life altering diseases. It is time that we take some responsibility in what we consume and focus our efforts on putting healthy foods into our bodies.

Want to learn more about the chemicals in our food? Read The Top Ten Things Food Companies Don't Want You to Know

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2003/103_msg.html

http://www.dorway.com/msg2.txt

http://www.sellingsalesmanship.com/msginfo.html

http://www.msgtruth.org/

http://www.thefoodishorrible.com/aspx/templates/blank.aspx/msgid/297681

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