Teena (Melbourne, Australia) on 07/26/2018
Sharing my experience with msg toxicity. Easy to narrow down the culprit, the only thing I ate that day was a clear soup with veggies, and a couple of dumplings. Husband was fine, he doesn't really have 'clean' diet. So his poisons are there, doing their long-term damage, but the immediate effects are hidden. Recall thinking this is too tasty to be just pork and spices. That day, nausea, lethargy, head pains. Bed early. Next morning, weakness, nausea, lethargy. Head pain, lower back pain. Concerned about kidneys. I am bedridden. Trying to drink enough water and resting. Think I just need rest. No. My entire four days off work I am ill. Finally forced to go Dr because I am due back at work.
Discussion with doctor, I have msg poisoning, head pain, lower back pain. I am worried about my kidneys. Educate doctor on excitotoxins, Dr says kidneys are fine, how does he know, he hasn't tested my kidneys, but explains no blood in urine, reason for pain is excitotoxins have attacked nerves. I am very relieved my kidneys are ok, and now know I need to restore my nerves. Offers antibiotics for virus, which we agree I don't have, antibiotics don't work for virus, and damage gut, and tells to take Ibuprofen, which damages gut. But he has forced my brain out of it's fog, because I've had to respectfully disagree with him.
Go straight to chemist, select least harmful vitamin c, (sorbitol but at least no aspartame) start chewing tablets in the store. 2000 mg to start. Then 1000 mg an hour. Then every half hour. 2000 mg. I eat them like lollies. It takes a day and a half to see improvement. And another day and half to be 'well'. Bowel tolerance was not reached at this high dose, further confirming depletion.
But the worst part of this poison was the effect it had on my brain, my thinking, which I did not know at the time. The reason I know my brain was affected, clouded? The answer lies in the Taurine and GABA, large containers, bought specifically for their msg neutralising properties, sitting in plain sight on the kitchen bench. I also could not think of the vitamin C, my go to, even though I was out and awaiting delivery. This is the scariest part, if msg can do this amount of damage to brain, nerves, immediately, what extent of damage over one's lifetime?!
Best to all looking for better health.
Staff (Earth Clinic) on 09/28/2012
In the long run, MSG has not been proven to negatively affect human health. Still, that's of little comfort to the millions of people who experience the MSG symptom complex, a wide array of immediate symptoms associated with consumption of MSG. Briefly these include headaches and migraine, heart palpitations, profuse sweating, dizziness, brain fog, and respiratory issues.
Unfortunately, it can take a long time for those who are sensitive to monosodium glutamate to recognize that their symptoms are related to consumption. This is especially true for two reasons; first that MSG is among the food industry's favorite food additives, and second that they hide it under a literally dizzying array of alternate names.
If you are looking for MSG or glutamic acid on your food labels, here are a few of the terms you should be searching for: MSG, glutamic acid, glutamate, (or any variation on all the previous), yeast extract, hydrolyzed items, and soy or whey protein.
Plus a few good internet resources with lengthier lists:
http://www.msgtruth.org/avoid.htm
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html
Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 02/10/2012
http://www.msgtruth.org/avoid.htm
I started thinking about fast foods and MSG after talking about MSG with a fellow ECer. Quite a while back I realized that after I stopped eating MSG for a month or so - if I ate at Arby's - the roast beef in their sandwich had so much MSG in it that it actually made the tip of my tongue hurt! Funny, I had never noticed it before. The web said that Arby's took out MSG a decade ago. Well, they may have taken out MSG, but there is something going by another name that is MSG in that meat as far as my tongue is concerned!
KFC is also a huge user of MSG and does the same thing to me. There is actually so much added to the chicken coating that I can "feel" it on my tongue.
I hardly ever eat any fast food anymore. It seems to be in almost everything.
I believe that the addictive nature of the chemicals / high fructose corn syrup (a GMO item) and MSG are responsible for the obesity and poor health of Americans today.
I am 50. When I was a child I do not recall there being more than 2 or 3 kids in my entire grade school who were overweight. Look around you the next time you are out in a crowd.... It is shocking how obese we are as a society. Don't even get me started on the rate of childhood diabetes these days!
My opinion - ALL are due to the additives in fast and processed foods!
I don't have a severe, life threatening allergy to this nerve excito-toxin called MSG, thank God. I don't know how people who do even cope. I just get a pounding headache a few hours after eating an offending food item, which can last anywhere from a day to three, - depending on how much I ingested - which is total misery.
Anyway, just a few random thoughts and a cool website I thought I would throw out there.
Carly :)
Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 08/31/2011
You recipe sounds delish - however one problem... those chicken "flavoured" ramen noodles are chock FULL of MSG.
I had the worst reaction ever after eating them. I love the taste, but they make me sick as a dog.
Just saying, anyone who has issues with nerve toxins and wants to stay away from MSG should not eat this!
Carly
Kss (Tucson, Az) on 06/27/2011
Jackie (Belfast, Northern Ireland, Ireland) on 06/19/2010
Linda (Enfield, Nh) on 03/04/2010
Warning
Bill (San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines) on 03/04/2010
"U.S. food regulators and chemical companies are intentionally making it difficult to avoid M.S.G., by using other names to hide its presence in ingredients lists. Yes, they really are trying to dumb us down, and these deceptions are allowed as a matter of official policy."
"Common Names Used To Hide M.S.G. In Ingredients Lists
Gelatin
Calcium Caseinate
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)
Textured Protein
Monopotassium glutamate
Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP)
Yeast Extract
Sodium Glutamate
Glutamate
Autolyzed Plant Protein
Yeast Food
Yeast Nutrient
Glutamic Acid
Sodium Caseinate
Autolyzed Yeast
Vegetable Protein Extract
Soy Protein
Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten
Natural Flavor *
Artificial Flavor
Spice *
Senomyx **
* Since the F.D.A. has intentionally left "Natural Flavor" and "Spice" without meaningful definitions, the chemical companies freely use these names to hide the presence of toxins in your foods. The system works this way by design.
** Senomyx -- We are not going to report what this chemical is, because you would have trouble believing us. Read about it yourself, and stay away from it. Naturally, the F.D.A. has awarded it a G.R.A.S. (Generally Recognized As Safe) rating, with it only having been "scientifically" tested by its manufacturer (wink). Now get this, for here comes the real kicker: this stuff is going to be marketed to the health-conscious consumers in much the same way that canola oil has been. Are there any doubts remaining about what the real agenda is?"
"[MSG's] commercial use is permitted only due to its marketing before the 1958 Food Additive Amendments to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which in effect grandfathered hundreds of substances which had never been tested for safety, including MSG..."
"Certain neuroscientists have, for years, warned that consumption of neurotoxic amino acids (glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and L-cysteine) place consumers at risk -- with most risk to newborns and young children whose immature blood-brain barriers leave them less well protected than more mature people. There is now additional and growing concern on the part of neuroscientists that the glutamate that we eat may cause or exacerbate neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease."
"Industry has begun to proliferate products with the words 'No MSG', 'No Added MSG', or 'No MSG Added' on product labels when the products contain hydrolyzed protein (which invariably contains MSG) -- a practice that is clearly in violation of existing FDA regulations. Hidden MSG is not limited to use in food. MSG sensitive people have reported reactions to soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners, and cosmetics that contain hidden MSG. The most obvious common hiding places are in ingredients called 'hydrolyzed protein' and 'amino acids'. Drinks, candy and chewing gum are also potential sources of hidden MSG... Binders and fillers for medications, nutrients, and supplements, both prescription and non-prescription, including internal feeding materials and some fluids administered intravenously in hospitals, may contain MSG. Reactions to MSG are dose related, i.e., some people react to even very small amounts of MSG while others usually only react to relatively more. MSG-induced reactions may occur immediately after contact or after as much as 48 hours."
-- Aspartame Poisoning Information Canada
"The Documented Effects Of M.S.G. Consumption
- Epilepsy
- Vision Disturbances
- Panic Attacks
- Heart Attacks
- Parkinson's Disease
- Huntington's Disease
- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Brain Lesions
- Retina Damage
- Obesity
- Food Cravings
- Depleted Nutrients
- Hyperinsulinemia
- Stunted Growth
- Crosses Into The Fetus
- Ocular (Eye) Destruction
- Liver Damage
- Diabetes
- Kidney Damage
- Vastly increased chance of ADD,ADHD, Asperger's or Autism
- Severe Headache
- Shortness Of Breath
- Chest Pains
- Asthma
- Slowed Speech
- Gastrointestinal Disturbances
- Swelling
- Numbness of Hands, Feet, or Jaw
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Allergy Reactions
- Irregular Heart Beat
- Unstable Blood Pressure
- Pain in Joints or Bones
- Abrupt Mood Changes
- Tingling in Face or Chest
- Pressure Behind Eyes
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Anxiety Attacks
- Explosive Rages
- Balance Problems - Dizziness or Seizures
- Mini-Strokes
- Fibromyalgia
- MS
- Tenderness in localized areas, neck, back, etc.
- Chronic Post Nasal Drip
- Sleep Disorders
- Blurred Vision
- Chronic Fatigue
- Extreme thirst or Dry Mouth
- Hypoglycemia
- Difficulty Concentrating and Poor Memory"
Information from:
http://healthwyze.org/index.php/neutralizing-msg.html
One of the best ways to remove or neutralize MSG from your body is to supplement with Taurine. This is a required amino acid for your body that is non-toxic and easy to purchase. Taurine completely neutralizes the effects of MSG.
Deirdre (Atlanta, Georgia) on 01/03/2010
According to the Truth in Labeling website, here's how you inquire about MSG:
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/nomsg.html
"If you want to find out if there is processed free glutamic acid (MSG) in a product, you must ask the manufacturer for information about "free glutamic acid." Don't ask about "MSG." Manufacturers find it convenient, when speaking to consumers, to tell them that there is no "MSG" in their product, meaning that there is no ingredient called "monosodium glutamate." Even if a manufacturer tells you there is no MSG in a product, there may be autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed pea protein, carrageenan, sodium caseinate, enzymes, and a whole slew of other ingredients that contain or create processed free glutamic acid (MSG) during manufacture.
If you are told that all of the MSG in a product is "naturally occurring," thank the manufacturer for that meaningless information, but explain that all processed free glutamic acid (MSG) is referred to as "natural" by the FDA -- so "natural" tells you nothing. In fact, as the word "natural" is defined by the FDA, the food ingredient "monosodium glutamate" is "natural."
It is the amount of processed free glutamic acid in the product that will determine whether or not you might suffer an MSG reaction. If the manufacturer claims not to know whether or not there is processed free glutamic acid (MSG) in his or her product, ask that the product be analyzed for free amino acids, including free glutamic acid. There are tests for measuring free glutamic acid. The AOAC Official Methods of Analysis (1984) gives one method. There are others. The cost of testing should be no more than $100...
Anna (Great Barrington, MA) on 01/09/2009
Outrageous!!
Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 01/08/2009
Hiral (Chicago, IL) on 01/07/2007
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER (Perth, Australia) on 04/06/2007
Joanne (Tallahassee, FL, USA) on 05/05/2007
Sara (Ochlocknee, Georgia) on 08/15/2007
Bev (Elroy, WI) on 09/05/2007
A good rememdy for all these skin things is a 125 watt clear infrared bulb. Not only will this clear up the skin but is great for any aches and it healed my son of acute asthma. Asthma requires a one hour treatment 1-2 times daily or more. The more you use it the quicker it heals. The only draw back is having to stay stationary so long. My husband hasn't had time to sit under it the past two days so he is still in bad shape. He started on the vinegar and honey last night to see if a change in body pH will help.
JOYCE (Joelton, Tn.) on 10/10/2007
This almost threw me off track, until I thought to ask him what he used instead of soap. He replied that he didn't remember the name of it but it was some kind of medicated cream. I then suggested that he try leaving off soap again and not using any thing instead. He was surprised when told to just use a thick, wash cloth and water when bathing, nothing else, but agreed to give it a try. Several days later when he was next on call, he came in with the smoothest complexion and very happy with it.
People who forgo the use of soap also find that they have less body odor and attract fewer insect bites.
Again, on headaches, remove the cause, instead of looking for a cure. Aspartame (Nutrisweet) is well known for causing headaches. So is Monosodiumglutamate. If you want to find some other things they can cause, type in Excitotoxins, and hit search. For those who think MSG is only found in stir-fried (Chinese foods), make a list of the names MSG is hidden under in the ingredients list, then go into your kitchen and see how many of your foods have one or more of them listed in the ingredients.
Classic example is the 15% chicken broth that may be contained in a well-known brand of raw chicken that you must take home and cook...The MSG isn't mentioned because they didn't add MSG - they added chicken broth which contained the MSG.....Learn to protect yourself and your loved ones by learning these legal loop-holes. Oh, yes, you will also learn that that they are named excitotoxins because they excite the neural cells (Brain & Central nervous system) to death.
If you also research meta-bolic syndrome X (now called insulin resistance) by orthodox medicine) you will also find that excitotoxins are the same things that cause insulin resistance which ends up as full fledged Diabetes Mellitus,Type 2 which used to be called DM, adult onset, but was renamed to DM type 1 for juvenile onset and type 2 for adult onset, because children (even toddlers, are now developing type 2. So be your own health defender by learning all the names the excitotoxins are hidden under, stop buying these products, and write the supplier telling them why you aren't buying their product. You will only have to make one list because the excitotoxins are the same ones that makes us kick out excess insulin, proceed through insulin resistance, then to full fledged DM, type 2 and all of its complications.
Joyce (Joelton, Tn.) on 11/10/2007
Roman (Chicago, IL) on 12/12/2007