MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is used as a flavor enhancer to give an umami flavor. MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid.
Studies on rats have linked MSG use to liver changes and obesity (1).
Some studies have associated MSG administration with "cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, low-grade inflammation, metabolic disarray and premalignant alterations, along with behavioral changes (2)."
MSG has been linked to many health issues like triggering headaches, flushing, dizziness and more. Some hidden names for MSG on labels include:
👉🏻monosodium glutamate
👉🏻potassium glutamate
👉🏻autolyzed yeast
👉🏻yeast extract
👉🏻yeast food
👉🏻yeast nutrient
👉🏻hydrolyzed vegetable protein
👉🏻hydrolyzed protein
👉🏻hydrolyzed plant protein
👉🏻hydrolyzed oat flour
👉🏻plant protein extract
👉🏻sodium caseinate
👉🏻calcium caseinate
👉🏻textured protein
The best thing to do is avoid MSG in your diet. A lot of restaurant add in MSG as a taste enhancer to get you hooked on the food! Our Thai place we like we have to order our good no MSG! Otherwise it would be added! Yikes!
MSG is put in food a lot also- Doritos, Lays chips and more- they try to get you back for more! Fast food also!
Always read your labels! Labels are your friends! Don't bring it home! The tricky names are what drive me crazy!
What to do if you think you have accidental MSG ingestion?
You can take Binder Pro!
Binder Pro is a broad-spectrum binding formula containing natural ingredients from the purest sources to support enhanced clearance of heavy metals, unwanted organisms and organic compounds from the GI tract.
Tell me about your experiences with MSG!
References
1) DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2009.07.017
2) DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12448