There is more and more evidence that MSG causes memory and learning loss, obesity, behavioral disturbances, hormone changes, stunted bodies, seizures and infertility, severe asthma attacks, heart irregularities, mood swings, depression and paranoia. There is also a great deal of evidence that glutamates and aspartate are a contributing factor to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Sensitivity to MSG can be difficult to diagnose because the time lag between a meal heavy with MSG and the onset of the reaction can vary, as well as the symptoms. The symptoms can include a mild flushing of the face and neck; a mimic of a heart attack or stroke; an asthma attack; a migraine headache; seizures; hyperactivity and behavior problems in children; depression or a stuffy nose. The problems can also be much more subtle and long term.

It can be very difficult to avoid MSG in your diet. Monosodium glutamate must be listed as such in the ingredients when it is added to food in that form, but it can also appear in low sodium foods with the name monopotassium glutamate. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, or hydrolyzed plant protein, includes up to 20 percent free glutamate and aspartate. The hydrolyzation process frees glutamic acid and aspartic acid from the protein, and these act the same way as MSG on the brain. The hydrolyzed plant protein can legally be listed as natural flavorings or spices, so even "all natural" products might contain glutamates.

Some alternatives are to eat as fresh as possible; fresh food contains no additives. Some MSG-free soups, sauces and seasonings can be found in health food and organic food stores.

Use fresh lemon juice instead of MSG if a recipe calls for it and try making your own stock, soup, ketchup and sauces in large quantities and freezing them in single meal amounts.

What works well for some is to develop a group of friends in a food preparation network. All in the group prepare a large quantity of a single food on the weekend and exchange portions for the week. This can build a valuable community group as well as getting everyone good chemical-free food in an inexpensive manner.

It is the North American grab and run diet that contains the highest levels of MSG because the highest levels are found in fast foods and processed foods. Like the Romans poisoned their water supply with lead piping, we are poisoning our food with chemical "flavor enhancers."

Heather von Stackelberg is a freelance writer with a keen interest in health, fitness and organic growing.

Source: alive #210, April 2000