Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer that the Food and Drug Administration recognizes as a generally safe ingredient, although the use of MSG in food products remains controversial. The FDA requires companies include MSG on the label of foods items that contain this additive. Although kidney problems are not a common side effect of consuming MSG, this ingredient in your diet may increase your risk of a specific type of kidney disorder.
MSG
Various processed foods, including soups, canned vegetables, packaged meats and Chinese food, contain added amounts of MSG. This flavor enhancer is a source of sodium. MSG may cause certain symptoms in some individuals, including sweating, chest pain, heart palpitations, headache, flushing and nausea. Like common table salt and baking soda, MSG contains sodium, a mineral that can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.
Renovascular Hypertension
Renovascular hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure that affects the arteries responsible for carrying blood to your kidneys. Narrowing of the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, occurs when plague builds up and decreases the flow of blood through these vessels. Renovascular hypertension may cause numerous symptoms, such as chest pain, bloody urine, confusion and tiredness. This disorder can increase your risk of kidney damage and kidney failure, as well as heart disease and stroke.
Prevention
Dietary changes can play an essential role in protecting your kidneys. Decreasing your sodium intake from all sources, including MSG, may help prevent high blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing renovascular hypertension. Checking the labels on packaged foods can help disclose the presence of MSG. This ingredient is a common additive in condiments, sauces and seasoning mixes.
Considerations
Notify your doctor if you suspect you're experiencing symptoms of renovascular hypertension, especially if you normally consume a diet high in MSG or other substances that contain high amounts of sodium. In addition to minimizing your intake of sodium, quitting smoking and avoiding fatty foods, as well as limiting your alcohol consumption to one or two drinks per day, may help prevent high blood pressure that leads to kidney damage. Depending on the extent of damage, you may require an angioplasty and stenting procedure to help widen the constricted arteries leading to your kidneys.
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