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Health dangers associated with MSG
Independent research has identified the following adverse reactions to MSG
- Headaches/migraines
- Lethargy
- Sleepiness
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Mental confusion/disorientation
- Insomnia
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Bloating
- Asthma attacks
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Runny nose/sneezing
- Extreme dryness of the mouth
- Hives or rash
- Palpitations
- Flushing
- Mouth lesions
MSG has been shown to cause lesions on the brain, especially in children. These lesions cause cognitive, endocrinological and emotional abnormalities. In children excess glutamate affects the growth cones on neurons. Growth cones are vital in laying down chemical pathways in the brain to enable the brain to operate effectively. Studies show that rats who had been fed MSG from birth could not escape mazes or discriminate between stimuli as well as non MSG fed rats. The implications for human children are that MSG could seriously affect their cognitive skills and cause learning difficulties.
Many Medical Practitioners recommend the following people avoid MSG;
- infants
- children
- pregnant women
- women of childbearing age
- obese people (animals given MSG became overweight)
- people with hypoglycemia (removing excess glutamate uses up more glucose)
- people with low brain energy (excess glutamate prevents glucose getting to the brain)
- people with learning difficulties (glutamate affects the growth cones in neurons)
- migraine or headache sufferers
- asthma or allergy sufferers
- sufferers of a brain disease such as Alzheimer's
- sufferers of tinnitus or Meniere's disease
- sufferers of most chronic illnesses
- people who are health conscious.
What is MSG Sensitivity?
MSG sensitivity has been described as a powerful drug reaction. Highly sensitive people cannot tolerate even the naturally occurring amounts of glutamate such as can be found in tomatoes and mushrooms without having an immediate reaction. These people should obviously take all steps to avoid ingesting MSG. The MSG industry believes that the only people who suffer adverse reactions to MSG are people with MSG Sensitivity.
Diagnosis of MSG Sensitivity can be difficult because:
- None of the symptoms of MSG toxicity, as listed above, are caused exclusively by MSG. They can be caused by other physical conditions or food additives and be exacerbated by the MSG.
- Reactions to MSG can take place up to 72 hours after ingestion.
- Reactions are related to the amount of MSG ingested; some people can eat MSG safely in one meal a week, or a day, but if they eat two meals a day they will react
- It can be hard to pinpoint MSG reactions due to MSG often being hidden in foods.
Scientists have proven that everyone does react to MSG – it all depends on the dose of MSG given. People who do not suffer an immediate or acute reaction to the substance will, scientists believe, suffer brain cell damage which can lead to long-term health problems as detailed above.
MSG section author: Dawn Copeman
Last Updated: 6/27/2005
Monosodium Glutamate Health Effects
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