MSG – MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE

Monosodium Glutamate –MSG – is the most common of the toxic food additives. Many people today are needlessly suffering because of reactions to chemicals that are added to food. We have found that by simply eliminating MSG from their diet, many patients start getting better immediately. 

Processed foods are substances that have been packed in boxes, cans or bags and go through many complex processing steps where additives, artificial flavorings and other chemical ingredients are added. In order to extend the shelf life and enhance the flavor chemicals like MSG are added.

MSG Maui

MSG is found in an estimated 80% of processed foods, and can set off a variety of reactions such as skin rashes, headaches, moodiness, irritability, irritable bowel syndrome, heart palpitations, depression and more. Reactions vary as it depends on how high the dose and your body tolerates it. Eating foods containing MSG can be devastating to your organs. People can feel lousy in the short term and/or become sick in the long-term. MSG can also build up in the body and cause symptoms later in life.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is derived from an amino acid called glutamic acid, which occurs naturally in foods such as mushrooms, aged Parmesan cheese and fermented soybean products like soy sauce. Glutamate is a natural neurotransmitter in the brain. It functions to control the nervous system and proper brain and organ function.  When a person consumes food with high levels of MSG, the brain cells and glutamate receptors get “over-stimulated.” Glutamic acid belongs to a broad category of compounds called glutamates. MSG is considered a “flavor enhancer” but it has no taste at all. MSG is sold here in Hawaii under the brand name Ajinomoto. The company that makes Ajinomoto is the world’s largest producer of MSG.

MSG is dangerous as it can cause allergy-like symptoms and side effects. MSG impacts the brain neurons and the central nervous system in a negative way. It impairs the neurological function, adversely affects nerve tissues, and stimulates pain pathways as well.

MSG is a very controversial food additive. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially classified MSG as a food additive that’s “generally recognized as safe”. Due to its effects on some consumers when MSG is added to food, the FDA requires that it be listed on the label. The “catch” is that MSG is disguised on food labels by using over 100 different names and most of them are named so that you will have a difficult time recognizing the substance as MSG.

SOME OF THE MOST COMMON NAMES FOR MSG

-MSG
-Mono Sodium Glutamate
-Mono Potassium Glutamate
-Disodium Inosinate
-Glutamate or glutamic acid
-Guanylate
-Vegetable (legitimate “vegetables” will be listed by true name)
-Protein – any kind of protein (i.e. textured protein, hydrolyzed protein, plant protein extract, soy isolate, etc.) found on a food label “list of ingredients” is MSG
-Extract
-Gelatin
-Hydrolyzed
-Autolyzed
-Sodium Caseinate
-Natural Flavor
-Artificial Flavor
-Flavoring or Flavor

This is a just a sampling, if you have any questions regarding an ingredient please look it up before you eat it!

MSG HAS BEEN LINKED TO PROBLEMS WITH:

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Migraine Headaches
  • Headaches
  • Cardiac Problems
  • Kidney Problems
  • Liver Problems
  • Neurological Problems
  • Brain Disorders
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Parkinson’s
  •  ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease)
  • Immune System Suppression
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Diarrhea
  • Pain and/or Muscle Soreness

The most effective way to avoid the negative effects of MSG is to completely avoid any foods that may contain it. If a food is processed or is “fast food,” it’s safe to say it has some type of unhealthy additive in it. MSG has also become common in “low-fat” and “diet foods”.  Unfortunately, MSG even finds its way into “Natural” or “Health Foods”. You need to look at all ingredients and be very careful when eating out.  The only way to be 100% sure there is no MSG in your food is to cook for yourself.  Make your meals from fresh, whole foods, including lots of veggies and fruits. By making your own meals you can make sure your food is unprocessed and MSG-free.  Over time you will find that artificial foods cannot compare to the taste and smells of real, healthy whole food.