Recently I discovered I am sensitive to monosodium glutamate (MSG). The discovery came as the result of doing some research on the artificial sweetener known as aspartame. Aspartame and mononsodium glutamate (MSG) are both excitotoxins. Excitotoxins are chemicals that trick our brain into thinking something tastes good. These chemicals are ultimately poison.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is found in more foods than I would have imagined. The part that bothers me most is that by law in Canada and the United States, food manufacturers do not have to directly reveal the presence of MSG on labeling. Unlike aspartame, monosodium glutamate (MSG) does not have to be labeled as clearly.
Food Additives that ALWAYS contain MSG
monosodium glutamate
hydrolyzed protein
plant protein extract
sodium caseinate
calcium caseinate
yeast extract
textured protein (including TVP)
autolyzed yeast
hydrolyzed oat flour
corn oil
Food Additives that FREQUENTLY contain MSG
malt extract
malt flavoring
bouillon
broth
stock
flavoring
natural flavors / flavoring
seasoning
spices
Food Additives that MAY contain MSG
carrageenan
enzymes
soy protein concentrate
soy protein isolate
whey protein concentrate
Today marks Day #7 without knowingly consuming MSG. My symptoms, which were mainly diarrhea and an difficulties with focus, have been cleared up since Day #3. I am planning a future post that contains a list of common grocery items that contain MSG.
My wife occasionally suffers from migraine headaches. Doctors usually recommend certain medications which deal with the symptoms. The problem with medications is drugs only mask symptoms. Drugs do not cure disease or deal with the root cause of the problem.
Recently I discovered a web site called “Migraine-Free Cooking!” written by Heidi Gunderson. Heidi is focused on dealing with migraine headaches by being careful about what we eat and drink. For a long time I have believed that 80% or more of our health is based on what we eat, drink, and breathe.
For some people, tomatoes are a trigger. As are onions. What about sugar, salt, and milk? Click here and find out; scroll to the bottom of the page.
Heidi is working on a cookbook, also titled Migraine-Free Cooking! dedicated to sharing recipes for those who suffer from migraine headaches. I look forward to writing a review.
Recently I blogged about a video from Fox News on the synthetic sweetener, Aspartame. As a follow-up, this post is dedicated to products that contain the poison (Aspartame) that are not so obvious. The original Fox News video can be found here.
It is my intent to update this list on a regular basis. Your submissions are welcome.
Flintstone Vitamins
Certain Flintstone Vitamin products contain Aspartame. According to the manufacturer, Bayer, Aspartame is used to mask the bitter taste of calcium. Flintstone Vitamins are synthetic so they are of little use to the body anyway. Bayer is a leading pharmaceutical company. Probably best known as makers of Aspirin.
NeoCitran
NeoCitran is promoted as a remedy to relieve cold and flu symptoms. This product used to be one of my favorite remedies and I was extremely disappointed when I discovered certain NeoCitran products contain Aspartame. I find this especiallyinteresting considering NeoCitran isn’t recommended for diabetics in the first place and has no connection with weight loss. NeoCitran is made by the pharmaceutical company, Novartis.
At some point I plan to do a more complete review of this poison that is commonly found in diet products. I do not for one minute believe that either the American FDA, or Health Canada always tell the truth or always have our best interests in mind.
Updates
August 18, 2009:
A list of products that contain Aspartame that may not be so obvious can be found here.
by Russell L. Blaylock
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