Did you know that a substance added to the foods you may eat every day has been linked to a host of health problems, from obesity to Alzheimer's disease? And here's the worst part: The food industry has known about this problem for decades and still uses this substance. The troubling ingredient is monosodium glutamate or sodium monglutamate. Read on to learn more about this hidden poison, commonly known as MSG, that may be hiding in your next meal.
What is MSG?
The MSG, a salt form of a non-essential amino acid, is a common flavor enhancer and food additive. While many people associate MSG exclusively with Chinese takeout and salty processed meats, the truth is that MSG is contained in the processed foods we consume every day, including salad dressings, barbecue sauce, bouillon cubes, soups and canned vegetables. It is also an additive in many infant and baby formulas and children's foods.
In short, MSG excites the taste buds and the brain into thinking that food is delicious. The MSG, an excitotoxin, works by triggering excessive production in the brain of dopamine which is the feel-good neurotransmitter. This allows food manufacturers to reduce quality in order to increase profits.
Unfortunately, the good feelings brought on by MSG do not last, but the consequences are there. MSG doesn't just hook us by making food taste better. It is in fact a physical addiction, which keeps users addicted. This not only leads to overeating, but also wreaks havoc on the body's overall well-being.
Side effects explained:
We have all heard of headaches and nausea that can often be attributed to "MSG sensitivity". Unfortunately, the problem goes far beyond that.
Researchers have understood the relationship between MSG, weight gain and obesity. And it's not just because MSG is "addictive". In fact, groups of participants in a research study were restricted to the same caloric and physical activity intake, but those who ate MSG-containing foods were nearly three times more likely to be obese than those who did not take MSG.
The researchers also connected MSG to liver and kidney damage and increased blood pressure. In addition, these excitotoxins have been linked to brain damage, leading to a host of neurological diseases, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other diseases.Alzheimerdementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, lupus and many others.
How to avoid MSG?
If you regularly read "No MSG" on your food labels, it is still likely that you will still eat foods containing MSG. How do you do it? Because in the US, for example, the FDA and the US Department of Agriculture Regulation only require that MSG must be listed on labels when added as a single ingredient. In other words, if MSG is added on its own, it must be listed on food labels. Otherwise, it may be hiding in your food in one of the many seemingly innocuous names. The following items may contain MSG:
Food yeast, autolyzed or hydrolyzed yeast, yeast extract, textured protein (including TVP [textured vegetable protein])hydrolyzed protein, a hydrolyzed vegetable protein, vegetable protein extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein soy protein (concentrate and isolated) enzymes dough conditioners malt (flavors and extract) malted barley sodium caseinate calcium caseinate gelatin seasoning, spices flavoring of any kind (may be listed as "natural flavors" or "natural flavor") carrageenan hydrolyzed whey protein concentrate oatmeal broth, stock, broth
Many "natural" and "organic" products also contain MSG.
A simple way to avoid MSG is to buy whole foods and prepare them yourself. However, this is not always possible. The best defense against MSG is information. By being vigilant about checking food labels, knowing what to look for and asking the right questions, you can avoid ingesting this toxin and enjoy a healthier life.