MSG, I Found You

            In the last few years I have become more familiar with MSG (monosodium glutamate or free glutamic acid.)   In my very early twenties, I began getting horrific migraines which not only altered my vision, made me nauseous, caused numbness but also altered my communication.  There were times I could understand conversations around me but was not able to express my own thoughts.

After a few years of suffering I finally met out naturopath who helped me look into possible triggers.  One potential trigger was MSG.  MSG is actually just one component of Free Glutamic Acid.  Free Glutamic Acid is essentially placed in food to make it more desirable.  It works as a neurotransmitter which excites our neurons making food taste so much better.  In other words, it enhances flavours so that even the blandest of foods taste great.

Due to MSG’s addictive properties it has been linked to obesity.  MSG can also create migraines, strokes, seizures, paralysis, slurred speech, irritable bowel, diarrhea, chest pain, runny nose, rash, a rapid heart rate, joint pain, depression, insomnia, and much more.

            MSG is not only found in food but can also be hiding in beauty products, infant formula, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, chewing gum and waxes on produce. The unfortunate part about our governing food administration is that MSG does not have to be labelled as MSG or monosodium glutamate to actually be in your food.  There are many ingredients that actually contain MSG.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Here is a shortened list of ingredients which are known to contain MSG:                               

Glutamate

Yeast Extract

Gelatin

Autolyzed yeast

Corn oil

Whey protein concentrate

Protein

Any hydrolyzed protein

Here is a shortened list of food items which often contain MSG or create it during processing:

Low fat or not fat milk products

Maltodextrin

Bouillon/Stock (beef or chicken)

Soy sauce

Worchester sauce

Dry food mixes (seasonings, gravy, soups, sauces etc.)

Parmesan items

Dips

Without naming any brands do check major soup companies, flavoured chips, flavoured crackers, and salad dressings.