Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a common food additive used in Chinese foods, canned foods and processed meat. MSG is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but there are health concerns that surround this additive. Many people may be sensitive to MSG and experience a wide range of uncomfortable and sometimes alarming symptoms. Understanding the risks that accompany MSG will help make you a more aware and health-conscious consumer.
Chest Pain
Consuming MSG can cause adverse reactions or allergies that result in a burning sensation in your chest and neck regions, David R. Boyd reports in his book, "Dodging the Toxic Bullet: How to Protect Yourself from Everyday Environmental Health Hazards." An MSG sensitivity can bring these symptoms on as well even if you are not truly allergic to the additive, Boyd adds. An allergy or sensitivity to MSG can also cause burning in the arms, hands, legs and feet and pressure in the face, in addition to chest pain and burning of the chest. If you have had these reactions it is necessary to avoid foods with MSG in order to protect your health and prevent a more serious allergic reaction.
Cancer
A diet high in MSG can lead to many types of cancer, particularly stomach cancer, Gunther B. Paulien, notes in his book, "The Divine Prescription and Science of Health and Healing." The Japanese nation and people have the highest consumption of MSG in the world and suffer from a seven times higher rate of stomach cancer than any other nation or group of people, Paulien adds. MSG is included in almost all Japanese food items and restricting your intake of this type of food may help reduce your risk of cancer. If you enjoy Japanese food, make sure it is cooked without MSG and pass on the shaker of MSG that often accompanies a Japanese meal.
Headache
Many people experience an onset of a headache after eating foods that contain MSG, notes Boyd. The ingredients in MSG can cause your blood vessels to constrict, which can cause a severe and painful headache that can also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. You may also experience facial pressure and burning in the face, neck and shoulders. Reading food labels carefully will help you identify foods that contain MSG that you may not consider danger foods, including potato chips, frozen dinners and canned soup. If you get a headache after eating these foods, choose brands and varieties that do not include MSG in their ingredient list to help protect your health.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Is it Harmful?
- "Dodging the Toxic Bullet: How to Protect Yourself from Everyday Environmental Health Hazards"; David R. Boyd; 2010
- "The Divine Prescription and Science of Health and Healing"; Gunther B. Paulien; 1995
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