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Ingestion of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is known to produce a variety of adverse reactions in certain people. These reactions, although seemingly dissimilar, are no more diverse than the reactions found as side effects of certain neurological drugs. We do not know why some people experience reactions and others do not. We do not know whether MSG 'causes' the condition underlying the reaction, or whether the underlying condition is simply aggravated by the ingestion of MSG. We only know that the following are sometimes caused or exacerbated by the ingestion of MSG. Manufactured sodium glutamate in all of its other forms (hydrolyzed protein, sodium caseinate, autolyzed yeast, etc., including the sodium glutamate produced when a protease enzyme or other reactive agent is allowed to interact with protein during product manufacture) can bring on these same adverse reactions in MSG-sensitive persons:
CARDIAC: Arrhythmias, Extreme drop in blood pressure, Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia); Angina; Cardiac Arrest Symptoms.
CIRCULATORY: Swelling, Fluid Retention.
NEUROLOGICAL: Depression, Mood Swings, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD); Dizziness; Light-headedness; Disorientation; Mental Confusion; Anxiety; Panic Attacks; Hyperactivity; Behavioral Problems in Children; Rage Episodes; Lethargy; Sleepiness; Insomnia; Numbness or Paralysis; Migraine Headache; Slurred Speech; Meniere's Disease.
GASTROINTESTINAL: Nausea; Vomiting; Diarrhea; Stomach Cramps; Irritable Bowel; Bloating.
RESPIRATORY: Asthma; Shortness of Breath; Chest Pain; Tightness; Runny Nose; Sneezing.
SKIN: Hives or Rash; Mouth Lesions; Temporary Tightness or Partial Paralysis; Numbness of Tingling of the Skin; Flushing; Sweating ("hot flashes"); Dry Mouth.
UROLOGICAL: Swelling of Prostate; Nocturia.
VISUAL: Blurred Vision; Difficulty Focusing; Temporary Loss of Vision.*
SOURCE:
*"Search for Health" magazine, 8/93, pg. 44, article by Adrienne Samuels, Ph.D.
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If you suffer from any of the above conditions, you may wish to try a 3-week MSG-free diet. If your symptoms are alleviated during this test period, you may be sensitive to MSG. To further prove the theory, you may wish to consume a food product that you know contains some MSG after the 3-week test period, to see if symptoms return again. If you are an MSG-sensitive individual, your symptoms will predictably reoccur.
NOTE: Always inform your physician prior to attempting any change in your regular dietary patterns. This information is NOT intended to replace your physician's orders or to serve as medical advice.
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