The following article will make you think twice about eating anything with MSG added to it. This stuff is dangerous and should be banned. Pay close attention to the list of commonly documented reactions to MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) at the end. I have researched this quite a bit. It made me so angry, thinking of the way they poison our food, that I wrote the FDA and also the President’s Office this morning. Any of you that would like to do the same, the FDA email is industry@fda.gov for industry and consumer@fda.gov for consumers. The white house contact form is http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
If any of these links don’t work, simply copy and paste into your browser or email application. If enough of us write with our concerns, MAYBE we can make a difference!!! Check out the links at the bottom.
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Why is MSG harmful?
Monosodium glutamate is a drug and a neurotransmitter. Every major human organ is now known to contain glutamate receptors. Overstimulation of these receptors—in the brain or elsewhere—can lead to numerous health problems, many of which may mimic other disorders (such as fibromyalgia or heart arrhythmia), but can go undiagnosed for decades, all the while creating a life of misery and disability for the unfortunate sufferer.
Its ever-expanding use by the food industry causes great concern in the medical profession because MSG overstimulates brain cell activity. It is neither a necessary additive, nor a harmless flavor enhancer like common table salt. MSG actually tricks your brain into thinking the food you are eating tastes good. Manufacturers can therefore use inferior ingredients to make a mediocre product seem tastier. Higher profits and low-quality products of little nutritional value prevail at the expense of consumer health.
MSG intolerance is not an allergic reaction, but a powerful drug reaction. Even in those people who do not suffer acute, immediate reactions to the substance, prolonged or acute exposure will destroy brain cells in anyone.
Common Reactions:
People’s reactions to MSG will vary depending on their sensitivity to the substance. At low doses, some people may experience no obvious physical symptoms, although acute neurochemical activity occurs whenever anyone ingests the substance.
Following is a list of well-documented reactions to monosodium glutamate. Individuals with extreme sensitivities may experience seemingly incurable fibromyalgia-type pain, while others may have immediate, acute reactions, including heart attack.
Remember: a high enough dose is toxic to anyone—which is far more likely as more and more foods contain higher percentages of MSG, sometimes in disguised forms. Read your food labels carefully! (Click this link to see other names and sources for MSG: http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html) ** It is also found in aspartame (Nutra Sweet.)
List of Reactions
headaches
migraines
stomach upset
nausea and vomiting
diarrhea
irritable bowel syndrome
asthma attacks
shortness of breath
anxiety or panic attacks
heart palpitations
partial paralysis
heart attack-like symptoms
balance difficulties
mental confusion
mood swings
neurological disorders (Parkinson’s, MS, ALS, Alzheimer’s)
behavioral disorders (especially in children and teens)
allergy-type symptoms
skin rashes
runny nose
bags under the eyes
flushing
mouth lesions
depression
(and more)
Links:
http://www.nutrition4health.org/nohanews/NNSp00_MSG.htm
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/
http://www.naturalnews.com/009379.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080813164638.htm (link between MSG and Obesity)
