Monosodium glutamate ( MSG) is used in a lot of processed foods to add flavor. It is a food additive that should be avoided. MSG is an excitotoxin. What does that mean? That means that it can excite your cells to the point that they get damaged. Damage to cells can lead to cancer. Cell damage can also lead to other degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. Other adverse reactions to MSG can include, headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, mood swings and heart palpitations. Another scary thing about MSG is that it can be hidden in certain ingredients. So a processed food can be labeled no MSG, but it could in fact, contain MSG. Here are some terms to look for:
Yeast extract
Anything “hydrolyzed”
Autolyzed yeast
Soy protein isolate
Whey protein isolate
Calcium or sodium caseinate
Textured protein
Gelatin
If you have a sensitivity to MSG you should also know that there are some ingredients that can produce MSG. Here are some of those:
Carrageenan
Maltodextrin
Citric acid
Bouillion
Natural flavors
Malt extract
MSG is mostly found in soups, broth, snack foods, veggie burgers, frozen meals and even baby food. Always make sure you read labels on anything you buy. It takes a bit more time, but it is worth it in the long run.