Hidden Names of MSG

Have you gone through your pantry and cleaned out all the products that contained MSG (monosodium glutamate) and thought to yourself, "I'm finally on the right track to getting healthy?"  Well, that is a GREAT start, but what you DON'T know is that MSG comes in MANY different forms and a TON of different NAMES! 

What is MSG?

MSG is a food enhancer.  If you go to your local Asian market you will find it in the spice aisle!  It makes food taste better because it is an EXCITOTOXIN. This is the process where your brain cells are OVER-ACTIVATED! Glutamate is a prime example of an excitotoxin in the brain. Most MSG is now made from BACTERIAL FERMENTATION--YUCK! 

Are there any side effects? 

MSG has been linked to headaches, eye problems, depression, disorientation, fatigue, and weight gain.

Excitoticity has been "involved in spinal cord injuries, stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, alcoholism, and Huntington's disease. Other common conditions that cause excessive glutamate concentrations around neurons are hypoglycemia and status epilepticus (Excitotoxcity in Wikipedia).

Marketing Deception

MSG comes in MANY different forms and under other names.  If you want to completely eliminate MSG from your diet make sure you AVOID the following ingredients as well:

• Yeast Extract
• Hydrolyzed soy protein
• Autolyzed yeast extract
• Gelatin
• Vegetable protein extract
• And many more..... (PRINT THIS LIST OUT)

 Helpful hints

If all of MSG's alias' are giving you anxiety, then I suggest doing a few of the following until you get familiar with all of the names and terminology:

1. Print out the MSG  Cheat Sheet and study it
2. Bring the Cheat Sheet to the grocery store when you go shopping
3. Buy all-natural, whole foods and LIMIT any packaged foods esp the following:
1. Dressings
2. Bouillon cubes
3. Asian store sauces
4. Packaged spices and dips
5. Flavored chips
6. Stocks and Broths
4. Key words to AVOID:  
1. Hydrolyzed
2. Autolyzed
3. Yeast Extracts
4. Protein Extracts
5. Caseinates!

Link for More information on MSG