Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a common food additive that has been used as both a flavor enhancer and preservative. MSG has been associated with the so-called "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome," which describes adverse reactions in some people after eating MSG-containing food at Chinese restaurants. While there is little scientific evidence to support the "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome," there may still be health concerns for those consuming excessive amounts of MSG.
Asthma
People who suffer from asthma are sensitive to particular allergens, which can be inhaled, injected or ingested. An asthmatic episode is a result of interaction with one of these allergens which then results in the inflammation of the bronchial network of the lungs, ultimately reducing the lungs' capacity to breathe properly. There has been varying reports about the connection of MSG consumption to the stimulation of an asthmatic attack. However, a cumulative review of the scientific literature published in the April 1, 2000 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition" indicates that there is no compelling evidence that supports any link between asthmatic events and MSG consumption.
Headaches
Those who claim to be allergic to MSG commonly complain of experiencing headaches after eating MSG-containing foods. In a study published in a November 2009 issue of the "International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine," researchers determined that MSG caused swelling and death in mature mouse neurons. They suggested that these results could explain how headaches are caused by MSG. Additionally the scientists found that vitamin C may have a protective effect over MSG-induced neuronal damage.
Hypertension
People who suffer from high blood pressure, or hypertension, should try to limit the amount of salt, or sodium in their diet. Sodium salts contributes to high blood pressure by causing an imbalance of water inside of the blood vessels. High salt diets draw the water out of your tissues and into your vessels causing them to expand and increase the pressure against the blood vessel walls. Diets that are high in MSG, are also high in sodium salt. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, hypertension sufferers' should try to follow the DASH diet, which stands for dietary approaches to stop hypertension. The DASH diet recommends 1,500 to 2,300 mg of sodium per day to assist in lowering your blood pressure.
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