Typically, individuals concerned about health read labels and question if the food they consume will promote vitality and balance. So it's particularly disturbing when a hazardous ingredient is allowed to infiltrate the food supply under a misleading name which hides its true identity. Thanks to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we now have monosodium glutamate (MSG) covertly present in food as well as crops that are sprayed with a noxious pesticide riddled with the toxin. For those who believe buying organic produce and shopping at natural markets will protect you from this brain damaging, disease promoting agent - think again.
If you experience migraine headaches, brain fog, weight gain or have hyperactive children, the culprit may be hidden within your favorite food. Also linked with neurological disorders, inflammation, diabetes, infertility and liver disease, MSG is a common additive which has serious health consequences. Take for example the hormone leptin which regulates hunger and satiety. When MSG is ingested, damage is caused to the hypothalamus region in the brain - thereby causing leptin resistance. Eventually, this important hunger taming mechanism will breakdown completely and the urge to eat will never stop.
Furthermore, researchers at the University of Yoyama in Japan found that mice treated with MSG developed inflammation, obesity, diabetes and lesions on the liver. The team believes the findings " . . . take on considerable significance in light of the widespread usage of dietary MSG and we suggest that MSG should have its safety profile re-examined and be potentially withdrawn from the food chain."
Another study at the Institute for Pathophysiology in Serbia discovered a correlation between MSG exposure during neonatal periods and lesions on neural structures and retinas in test animals. The researchers also noted an increase in neuroendocrine disorders such as stunted grown, obesity and infertility in later adulthood.
Sodium caseinate, yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, textured whey protein, textured vegetable protein, hydrolyzed yeast extract, textured soy protein, autolyzed yeast extract, autolyzed vegetable protein and calcium caseinate.
The toxin can also be labeled as "natural flavor" or "spice." Even low-sodium products usually contain MSG as a substitute for salt. Needless to say, junk and fast food harbor large quantities of the additive. Yet you may be surprised that 'healthy' prepared and convenience food can conceal MSG as a seemingly innocuous ingredient like plant protein extract. Soups tend to be some of the worst offenders, whether purchased at your favorite natural market or mainstream grocery store.
Monosodium glutamate is also found in kombu extract, carageenan (often used in non-dairy milk substitutes), parmesan cheese, gelatin, over-ripe tomatoes and fresh produce sprayed with Auxigro or grown with omega protein refined fish emulsion and/or hydrolyzed feather meal. A request for the use of Auxigro on organic crops in all states is pending approval.
A comprehensive list of brands, aliases and foods that contain MSG can be found here.
The Good Gut also has plenty of great information about the health dangers of food additives.