Why do thye say MSG (monosodium glutamate) is bad for you and is MSG worse than salt (sodium chloride)?

Question

Do you know any health risks associated with MSG?

Answer 1

MSG Is a flavor enhancer, used in Asia as a salt substitute. It has been documented as an allergen, and a large group of people do have a sensitivity to it. MSG exacerbates migraines, high blood pressure, and panic attacks. It is commonly used in Asian cooking, hence the ailment " Chinese food syndrome", when one gets a headchey, bloated feeling after eating Chinese food that was cooked with MSG. Many processed foods also contain MSG, either listed AS MSG, or under the heading "natural flavoring".

Answer 2

MSG is one food additive containing free glutamate - there are about 40 others (soy protein isolate, whey protein, "natural flavors", malt extract, etc.) that are added to most prepared foods you get in a supermarket or a chain restaurant.

Glutamate is a amino acid found in most proteins, which is "free" when the protein has been broken down by processing. When it's in "free" form it acts on your brain by stimulating neurons. This is why even though it doesn't actually have a flavor, it kicks up the flavor of other foods - just hyperexcites the receptors in the brain.

Whether or not you're particularly sensitive to it, it isn't safe. For one thing, it's addictive. The more you have it, the more you want more of it (the "you can't have just one" effect someone mentioned). Also, it stimulates insulin production, which lowers your blood sugar, causing more carb cravings and possibly creating or aggravating hypoglycemia, which can eventually lead to diabetes.

Some studies have suggested that it's not the sodium/salt that causes hypertension (high blood pressure) but actually the free glutamate which is added to most salty foods.

There are many industry-funded studies which "prove" MSG is safe. But independent studies get different results. The industry and FDA studies (which use the placebos supplied by the manufacturer) often use placebos that CONTAIN FREE GLUTAMATE or artificial sweetners, which usually have the same affect on MSG-sensitive people. See, they're only testing for reactions to MSG, i.e. monosodium glutamate, or glutamate attached to sodium. Glutamate in any other form can be included in the placebo, so that the testers react to both the MSG and placebo samples the same. And they can claim that MSG is safe.

Personally, I used to be a person who could eat anything, anytime. But this spring I was very, very ill for 6 weeks before I was able to figure out which foods were making me sickest (like soy and whey protein) and find out the common link among them (MSG). After 6 weeks of illness, the DAY after I started an MSG-free diet, I was 95% better and I've been healthy in the four months since, as long as I don't cheat too badly.

I would highly recommend avoiding processed foods and additives, eating fresh and homemade whenever possible. The more you learn about processed foods, the less you want to eat them!

Here is a list of the principal additives that contain free glutamate:

These ALWAYS contain MSG/free glutamate:
Gelatin - Monosodium glutamate
Calcium caseinate - Textured protein
Monopotassium glutamate - Sodium caseinate
Yeast extract - Autolyzed yeast
Hydrolyzed protein (any protein that is hydrolyzed)
Hydrolyzed corn gluten

These usually contain MSG or create MSG during processing:

Natural flavor(s) & flavoring(s) - Soy sauce
Carrageenan - Maltodextrin - Malt extract
Malt flavoring - Bouillon and Broth
Natural chicken flavoring - Soy protein isolate
Natural beef flavoring - Stock
Barley malt - Soy sauce extract
Soy protein - Whey protein
Whey protein isolate - Anything protein fortified
Flavors(s) & Flavoring(s) - Seasonings
Anything enzyme modified - Anything fermented

Check out:
http://www.truthinlabeling.org
http://www.msgtruth.org
http://www.msgmyth.com
http://www.dorway.com

Answer 3

monosodium glutamate; MSG

Definition: [mon-uh-SOH-dee-uhm GLOO- tuh-mayt] Commonly known as MSG, this white crystalline powder is derived from glutamic acid, one of the 22 amino acids. This natural amino acid is found in seaweed, vegetables, cereal gluten and the residue of sugar beets. It was first discovered by Japanese scientists in the 1920s. Japan, where MSG is known as aji-no-moto, is still today's largest producer of MSG, a popular flavor enhancer in Japanese and Chinese cooking. Even though it has no pronounced flavor of its own, monosodium glutamate has the ability to intensify the flavor of savory foods. Some people have reactions to MSG that cause them to suffer from a variety of maladies including dizziness, headache, flushing and burning sensations. MSG is found in the spice section of supermarkets either as monosodium glutamate, MSG or under brand names such as Ac'cent. Many seasoning mixes also contain MSG. Additionally, it's present in many processed foods such as snack foods, frozen entrées, salad dressings and soups. Be aware that many ingredients naturally contain MSG, but are not required by the Food and Drug Administration to be labeled as such. These ingredients include hydrolyzed plant protein, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, kombu extract and natural flavoring or seasoning.

Answer 4

years ago they came out and said that msg caused cancer so they quit selling it and using it.....but they keep accent which is the same thing...it is used to enhance the flavor of food sames as salt is a food enhancer....

Answer 5

I get sick when I eat anything with MSG. I can eat homemade salads but not ones made in restaurants.

Answer 6

MSG, is only a problim for a small minortiy of people .. it's main value is that it enhances the flavor of whatever it's added to. No , it's not worse then salt.