In my practice I see many people with sensitivities to MSG – Mono Sodium Glutamic Acid.  MSG is a neurotoxin and has been linked to many health problems including blood sugar issues, fibromyalgia, neurological and brain health issues, disruptions in gut-brain connection, fatty liver, obesity, metabolic syndrome.  Sensitive people may experience brain fog, tingling, numbness, chest pain and palpitations shortly after consumption.   

There are at least 40 different ingredients that manufacturers use that contain MSG.  MSG is not just a flavor enhancer it is also a natural by-product that occurs when proteins are processed, therefore, foods that contain processed proteins contain free glutamic acids which wreak havoc on your system.  Interestingly this also occurs when we ingest protein rich whole foods however the glutamic acid is not released alone but rather with other amino acids which prevent whole food-based proteins from resulting in toxic MSG reactions.  Yet another reason to eat whole foods…    

The FDA does not require labeling of MSG foods unless the “added ingredient” contains 99% pure MSG, this means that if the MSG is a result of protein processing the FDA does not require MSG on the label.  Sadly, this is very misleading to the average consumer because even a product labelled “No MSG” can still contain MSG or free Glutamic Acid that is a by-product of protein processing.  Be aware that any highly processed foods contain MSG including but not limited to veggie burgers, frozen or pre-prepared vegan and health foods.  Key take-away:  Avoiding processed foods and opting for whole foods is the best way to avoid non-labelled MSG. 

See below for a list of Hidden Names for MSG.  According to Food Matters:  “A list so long can be overwhelming, and can provoke the feeling of, what is there left to eat? When trying to avoid MSG, the main focus should be on a diet of whole, unprocessed foods including vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, nuts and seeds, organic and grass-fed meats, and organic dairy. Make sure your proteins are clean, preferably organic and grass-fed, and cook them at home or enjoy them at a restaurant whose practices you support, rather than eating excess processed foods”. (for full article see:  http://www.hungryforchange.tv/article/sneaky-names-for-msg-check-your-labels) 

Hidden Names For MSG And Free Glutamic Acid: 

Names of ingredients that always contain processed free glutamic acid.

Glutamic Acid (E 620)

Glutamate (E 620) 

Monosodium Glutamate (E 621) 

Monopotassium Glutamate (E 622) 

Calcium Glutamate (E 623) 

Monoammonium Glutamate (E 624) 

Magnesium Glutamate (E 625) 

Natrium Glutamate 

Yeast Extract 

Anything hydrolyzed 

Any hydrolyzed protein 

Calcium Caseinate 

Sodium Caseinate 

Yeast Food 

Yeast Nutrient 

Autolyzed Yeast 

Gelatin 

Textured Protein 

Soy Protein Isolate 

Whey Protein Isolate 

Anything :protein

Vetsin 

Ajinomoto 

Names of ingredients that often contain or produce processed free glutamic acid 

Carrageenan (E 407) 

Bouillon and broth 

Stock 

Any flavors or flavoring 

Maltodextrin 

Citric acid, Citrate (E 330) 

Anything ultra-pasteurized 

Barley malt 

Pectin (E 440) 

Protease 

Anything enzyme modified 

Anything containing enzymes 

Malt extract 

Soy sauce 

Soy sauce extract 

Anything protein fortified 

Seasonings 

Through Nutrition Response Testing we can help you identify underlying sensitivities to things such as foods, chemicals (MSG), metals and other stressors that are causing symptoms.  Call today to set up your initial consultation (502) 209-7955.  We would love to be part of your wellness journey. 

References:

http://www.hungryforchange.tv/article/sneaky-names-for-msg-check-your-labels

https://lifespa.com/sneaky-names-for-msg-check-your-labels/