Reaction to MSG

What is MSG?

Yes, it is very possible you have had a reaction to MSG. MSG or otherwise called Mono-Sodium Glutamate is a common food additive. It is typically used as a flavor enhancer called 621.

You may be surprised to learn that it is even naturally occurring in some foods; meaning that you can find it in tomatoes, broccoli, English spinach, silver-beet, mushrooms, grapes, plums, prunes, to name a few.

For a more extensive list and a great book for those looking to do a food elimination diet, you can get this book. If you have already done your research on your food intolerance symptoms then you may already be aware of the impact msg can have on your health because you have had a reaction to MSG.

MSG is a non-essential amino acid when, in it’s naturally occurring form, is a building block of protein. When it is not linked to protein, it is used as a flavor enhancer in food.

MSG Intolerance Symptoms

I knew years ago about my reaction to MSG. It would give me an MSG headache, I’d feel foggy and I’d be very thirsty. Back then when I was eating a more conventional diet, I would always ask for no msg if we were buying take away food. Here in Melbourne, Asian restaurants would even state on their shop window that no MSG was added to their food. That seemed to be a phase as now, you don’t see it as often, or perhaps it is just that I eat a high raw food diet and don’t do take away food as I used to.

According to a book I highly recommend called Additive Alert, you may experience the following symptoms as a reaction to MSG:

• asthma
• hyperactivity
• depression
• mood changes
• sleeplessness
• nausea
• migraine
• problems with fertility
• teratogen
• convulsions
• abdominal discomfort

 What To Do About Your Reaction To MSG

First and foremost, in order to reduce your reaction to MSG, drink plenty of water to flush the MSG out of your body. Drinking purified water is a great way to detoxify. You can also look at doing a proper cleanse. Bentonite clay draws toxins from the body in an effective manner.

It is extremely important to check the ingredient list or label on every food prior to your purchase. If more of us stop buying a product, the manufacturer will have to stop producing it. That’s the best thing you can do and it also means you will stop buying foods that are giving you a reaction to MSG because you refuse to eat it. I know this is harder when you are dining out but be mindful even so. MSG is often added to sauces, gravy, stock, broth, meat dishes and many more menu items. Unfortunately, even the most expensive of restaurants adds MSG to their dishes so don’t be fooled by the reputation or price.

You also may need to look at what other food additives you are putting into your body. The book I recommended earlier called Additive Alert, gives you a shopping list of additives to avoid. So, when you are doing your grocery shopping you can pull out the handy card and refer to it for additives to avoid.

I’ve provided you with a number of resources to help you understand food additives and some solutions to assist you with your reaction to MSG. If you know of something else that has worked for you then please share it in the comments section below.

Your News On Food brought to you by

Eileen Baudinette

Food and Health Commentator.

© 2012 thenewsonfood.com

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Disclaimer:

I’m no medical expert and information contained on this blog is written through my own experience with the aim of furthering your education on health. It is your responsibility as to how you use this information and I cannot be held liable for any misinterpretation or misuse of the information provided.