What is MSG?
And the Various Names for MSG

What is MSG?  MSG is called Monosodium Glutamate.

This neurotoxin or excitotoxin can be found in foods at your local restaurants (namely Chinese), super markets, and even at your health food stores.

Monosodium glutamate has made its way into everything from baby food to your favorite shampoo. 

Fortunately, many people and companies have now become aware of this toxin.

Also, you will need to learn about the health problems associated with MSG and the many different names for MSG or Monosodium Glutamate - because there are many!

What is MSG Related Health Problems?

  • Frequent Urination
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Stomach Cramps
  • Bloating
  • Extreme Rise or Drop in Blood Pressure
  • Rapid Heartbeat
  • Moodiness
  • Hives & Rash
  • Asthma
  • Diarrhea
  • Blurred Vision
  • Chills & Shakes
  • Joint Pain
  • Rage Reactions
  • Panic Attacks
  • Migraine Headache
  • Depression
  • Seizures
  • Dizziness
  • Sneezing

Who Created MSG or Monosodium Glutamate?

In 1908, a Japanese scientist named Kikunae Ikeda discovered Monosodium Glutamate and its relationship to making foods taste great.

Shortly after this discovery the world-wide use of MSG began to explode.

It was first sold under the name Ajinomoto and was used as a "flavor enhancer".  I still remember the jingle for that commercial and of course we had a bottle in our kitchen.

It is still used as a "flavor enhancer" to this day and under various names .... such as Accent!

The biggest problem is that it's being used right under our noses and in most of our favorite foods, shampoos, and supplements.

What is MSG? 
MSG is Freed Glutamic Acid

Most people know MSG as Monosodium Glutamate which is a salt of Glutamic Acid.

Glutamic Acid is an amino acid present in most protein rich foods and plants and is also found in the human body.

In its unprocessed or natural state it presents no problems.

However, processed free glutamic acid, which has been freed from protein through a manufacturing process or even fermentation is what causes the problems for sensitive people.

MSG is Processed Free Glutamic Acid.

Various Names for MSG
- These ingredients will contain a Good Amount of MSG

These Always Contain MSG...

  • Free glutamate
  • Monosodium glutamate
  • Monopotassium glutamate
  • Yeast extract
  • Hydrolyzed protein
  • Hydrolyzed corn gluten
  • Textured protein
  • Glutamic acid
  • Calcium caseinate
  • Sodium caseinate
  • Yeast food
  • Autolyzed yeast
  • Yeast nutrient
  • Natrium glutamate

These Often Contain MSG or Create MSG during Processing...

  • Carrageenan
  • Natural pork flavoring
  • Bouillon
  • Commercial broths
  • Natural beef flavoring
  • Commercial stock
  • Whey protein concentrate
  • Whey protein
  • Whey protein isolate
  • Anything protein fortified
  • Flavor(s) & Flavoring(s)
  • Seasonings (the word "seasonings")
  • Anything fermented
  • Maltodextrin
  • Citric acid
  • Natural chicken flavoring
  • Ultra-pasteurized
  • Barley malt
  • Pectin
  • Malt extract
  • Malt flavoring
  • Soy protein isolate
  • Soy sauce extract
  • Commercial soy sauce
  • Soy protein
  • Soy protein concentrate

Click here for more information on MSG Labeling

MSG is a Dangerous Neurotoxin
AKA Excitotoxin

A neurotoxin is a substance that causes damage to your central nervous system.

MSG crosses the blood-brain barrier and can excite your nerve cells to death.

This may cause more damage to the young .... whose blood-brain barrier is not fully developed.

The elderly are also at great risk, because they have a weakened blood-brain barrier and are less able to keep excessive amounts from getting into their brains.

If you're pregnant, it may even affect your unborn baby.

What is MSG doing in Fermented Foods?

People who are extremely sensitive to MSG may need to refrain from all fermented foods as this process may create some MSG.

For the vast majority of people, fermented foods will not be a problem. 

In fact, many fermented foods come with a lot of health benefits such as probiotics.

I guess you will have to weigh the benefits of fermented foods against your sensitivity to MSG. 

Fermented Foods with High Amounts

parmesan cheese in bottle
  • Commercial Parmesan Cheese
  • Commercial Soy Sauce
  • Commercial Fish Sauce
  • Commercial Yogurt

Commercially prepared foods and the manufactured version of MSG will probably cause much more adverse reactions than traditionally prepared fermented foods.

Go to Yeast Free Foods and The Symptoms of Yeast Infections

Return to Healthy Eating Guidelines