MSG or Monosodium Glutamate
It’s aliases and side effects
We look for MSG on the labels of our food, and if we find it, we may purchase another brand. But what if we were to read:
- Glutamic Acid
- Hydrolyzed protein
- Autolyzed protein
- Textured protein
- Yeast extract
- Autolyzed yeast extract
- Protein isolate
- Soy sauce
- Modified food starch
- Modified corn starch
- Calcium caseinate
- Sodlium caseinate
- Broth
- Maltodextrin
- Seasonings
- Natural flavor
- Monopotassium glutamate
- Glutamate
- Gelatin
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- Hydrolyzed plant protein
- Textured protein
- Yeast food
- Yeast nutrient
- Torula yeast
The above are all synonyms for monosodium glutamate or MSG.
Food manufacturers are not breaking any labeling laws here for the FDA permits MSG to be labeled in this way. The health issues cannot be ignored in regards to food additives and MSG. The following conditions have been linked to the consumption of MSG:
- Numbness or paralysis
- Mouth lesions or sores
- Swelling of hands, feet or face
- Diarrhea
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Nausea
- Arrhythmia
- Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
- Vomiting
- Rise or drop in blood pressure
- Stomach cramps and gas
- Irritable bowel, colitis, constipation
- Rapid heartbeat
- Angina
- Swelling or painful rectum
- Spastic colon
- Heart palpitations
- Chills, shaking, shuddering
- Extreme thirst
- Water retention and bloating
- Tendonitis and joint pain
- Arthritic-like pain
- Abdominal discomfort
- Flu-like symptoms
- Asthma symptoms
- Stiffness or jaw or muscles
- Shortness of breath
- Heavy feeling of arms and legs
- Chest pain
- Mental dullness
- Chest tightness
- Depression
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Dizziness
- Light headedness
- Postnasal drip
- Disorientation or mental confusion
- Bi-polar symptoms
- Bronchitis-like symptoms
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Sore throat or hoarseness
- Hyperactivity in children
- Chronic cough/tickle in throat
- Attention Deficit Disorder ADD
- Gagging reflex
- Behavioral problems
- Shin rash/hives/itching
- Feeling inebriated
- Mouth lesions
- Slurred speech
- Tingling on ear or extremities
- Balance problems
- Skin flushing or burning sensation
- Aching teeth
- Seizures or tremors
- Dark circles or bags under eyes
- Memory loss
- Urinary problems
- Lethargy
- Difficulty focusing
- Sleep disorders
- Pressure behind eyes
- Migraines or headaches
- Vision disturbances – seeing lights
- Reproductive disorders
- Endocrine system imbalances
- Appetite control problems
- Nervous system disorders
The food industry does not want to scare away it’s customers by stating MSG on the label, but neither does it want to supply you with an allegedly flavor deficient (their words) product. So to bypass this problem, MSG is reworded, carefully, with the FDA’s blessing, to not sound like the dreaded MSG. Obesity is strongly linked to MSG, because MSG harms your endocrine system which disrupts your appetite control, causing you to eat even though you are feeling physically full. If this sounds like you, try to avoid MSG and see if a more normal appetite occurs.
Yeast extract was the first ‘codeword’, but now we are on to that one, so ‘torula yeast’ is the latest non-threatening term, and sadly this is found in ‘all-natural’ foods like veggie burgers. The food manufacturers state that these MSG-like substances are needed flavor enhancers, yet any of us who cook up a meal seem to manage just fine without it.
Indigo Earth Notes: Because there are so many synonyms for this neurotoxin, I have these listed in my small daily planner which I have when shopping. None of us should have to double-check ingredient lists with a de-coder booklet, but these companies' bottom lines are to supply a good tasting product and make money, not to improve your health.