The Negatives on An Additive

Did you know that additives can be put in our foods which can change a dull boring food and make it much more exciting for us to eat? This is the case with a well-known food additive that is nothing but dangerous, called MSG or monosodium glutamate. This is another “excitotoxin” (remember our discussion of aspartame in the sugar section). I used to think that I didn’t have to worry about MSG unless I ate Chinese food and then I felt protected as long as I asked for no MSG. I have learned that I was uneducated regarding this toxin. It was a disappointing day when I learned that the fake crab used for my wimp sushi contained MSG as well as the pickled ginger that is served with it. My husband and son love sushi but Im not a fan of the real stuff. We can talk about the parasite issue at another time.

Dr. George R. Schwartz, M.D. connects MSG as “a major cause of treatable and preventable illnesses, such as headaches, asthma, epilepsy, heart irregularities, depression, rage reactions and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.”1 In his book, Excitotoxins – The Taste That Kills, Dr Russell Blaylock, M.D. explains how these toxins cause harm to the brain and nervous system and connects them to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers and Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS).2

One of the big problems with MSG is that it is frequently disguised by food manufacturers on the labels. Below is a partial list of the names of the most comman disguises of MSG:

Hydrolyzed Protein, Hydrolyzed Plant or Yeast Protein
Calcium Caseinate, Sodium Caseinate,
Textured Protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
Autolyzed Yeast, Yeast Extract
You can see how you may have no idea that you are consuming MSG given these wild disguises.

In addition the following additives are known to frequently contain MSG:
Malt Extract, Malt Flavoring, Flavoring, Natural Flavoring
Bouillon, Stock, Broth, Beef or Chicken Flavoring
Seasoning, Spices
Finally the following list may contain MSG:
Soy or Whey Protein Concentrate
Carrageenan
Enzymes
Soy Protein Isolate

It is wise to have a good grip on the sources of MSG even if it means carrying a list in your wallet so that you are more able to identify it on labels. It is a primary cause of food allergies as well as its deleterious effects on the nervous system. It should be eliminated from your diet.

Food allergies are a common source of problems in adults and children suffering with ADD and ADHD. Parents often miss the mark here because they are unaware that these allergies are not hypersensitivity allergies which require an immediate response like an allergy to a bee sting. These allergies could be more accurately referred to as food sensitivities. These somewhat delayed reactions can mimic reoccurring childhood complaints such as colds, flu and stomach problems. The most common food sensitivities include corn, wheat, soy, tree nuts, sugar, dairy, egg yolks and egg whites. When there is a food issue it may actually be with the food your child craves the most or requests most often. A simple way to detect a food sensitivity issue is through a process of elimination and re-introduction. Elimination of the food from your child’s diet for 7 days is considered long enough to detect an improvement in symptoms. The food can then reintroduced to the child to challenge the body to see if the symptoms return. When behavioral issues are involved changes may be seen immediately, in other cases it may take a couple of days to see a return of symptoms.

Resources:

1. Schwartz, M.d., George R. In Bad Taste; the MSG Symptom Complex. 1st ed. Santa Fe: Health P, 1999. 1.
2. Blaylock, M.d., Russell L. Excitotoxins; the Taste That Kills. Santa Fe: Health P, 1997.