Help I Am Allergic To MSG.

Does Monosodium glutamate (MSG) cause headaches? It’s a simple enough question but there seems to be no clear-cut answer. Research studies have been inconclusive. Many say that consuming MSG is not worse than eating a high salt diet. Others campaign vigorously against its use.

There is no such thing as being allergic to MSG although the symptoms can mimic an allergic reaction. What you may be suffering from is food intolerance or food sensitivity. To be considered a food allergy then the item in question must contain some type of protein that your body considers to be harmful.

As far as headache sufferers are concerned, the answer seems to be – if it affects you, avoid it. People seem to have varying tolerance levels for MSG. Some can eat it quite happily, others appear to react to a very tiny amount. Many migraine sufferers believe that MSG will trigger a migraine for them. Even non-sufferers have been known to develop a headache after eating food containing MSG.

During a allergy attack antibodies and histamines are releases into the blood stream in an attempt to neutralize the protein and these chemicals trigger the allergic symptoms.

There are no antibodies involved in a response to ingestion of MSG. MSG contains what is called free glutamic acid and it is a neurotransmitter. What this neurotransmitter does in the average human is stimulates the nerve cells in the mouth and in the brain.

It’s all down to money. MSG is a flavor enhancer. The food industry can use cheaper, lower quality ingredients and by adding MSG, the taste is improved. MSG is a cheap additive and so it adds up to more money for the food provider.

It can also stimulate your sense of smell, your sense of taste and can even stimulate hunger. It is a drug like caffeine or alcohol and it will affect each of us in varying degrees.

The neurotransmitters in MSG can over excite the nervous system in some individuals causing nerve cells to fire which can result in an increase in of the histamine levels in the blood stream by 150 percent.

MSG makes so much money for them, that MSG manufacturers have got together to finance ‘medical research’ to prove the MSG is safe. Those who are against the use of MSG say that these research studies are biased as the board who advises the FDA includes many people who work in the food industry.

With this huge increase in the histamine levels can produce the allergic like symptoms. In sever cases Epinephrine, also call Adrenaline, is administered to control the anaphylaxis reaction.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Allergies such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, Antioxidants, Allergy Aid, and Quercitin.

Some foods are clearly labeled as containing MSG. Others are not. Anything that has the following in it always contains MSG:

• Hydrolyzed protein;
• Sodium or calcium caseinate;
• Yeast extract or autolyszed yeast;
• Yeast nutrient;
• Textured protein;
• Glutamic acid.

Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy.

Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system.

In addtion, if you see these words on the packaging, the food often contains MSG:

• Flavoring;
• Flavors;
• Natural flavors;
• Stock / bouillon;
• Broth (any kind);
• Carrageenan;
• Whey protein concentrate;
• Whey protein;
• Whey protein isolate;
• Soy sauce;
• Soy protein isolate;
• Soy protein concentrate;
• Malted barley;
• Malt extract;
• Malt flavoring;
• Maltodextrin;
• Anything ‘protein fortified’.

Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Many find Pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against allergy symptoms. It is another form of nontoxic B vitamins. Pantothenic Acid is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from allergy symptoms.

Substances called antioxidants can neutralize free radical by pairing up or binding with the free radical elections thus inhibiting them from damaging cells in the human body.

Allergy Aid supplies 9 beneficial Herb's to help provide temporary relief of respiratory allergies. The natural action of these specific Herb's help to open bronchial tubes and ease breathing.

It’s quite a list, isn’t it? But is doesn’t stop there. Other potential sources of ‘hidden’ MSG are sports drinks, chewing gum, bubble gum, Coca Cola and candy. It’s becoming clear that if your headaches do seem to be triggered by MSG, you need to be vigilant when buying packaged or processed food.

Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing symptoms of Peanut Allergy.

How can MSG affect me? If you are susceptible to it, MSG can cause bring on a Migraine attack and cause other severe headaches.

If you are Allergic To Cheese then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Remember MSG is not a problem for everyone, as far as headaches are concerned. But, it is good to be armed with knowledge, if you have determined you need to avoid it... [read more]

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.