Monosodium glutamate, usually known s MSG is a flavour enhancing agent used in food items. MSG is mostly used in the preperation of chinese cuisines.
Most people do believe that MSG causes allergic reactions but it is still to be proved. Many researchers after doing decades of research failed to find out the link between MSG and allergic reactions.
Many cases have been found all over the world with the people being effected by this flavouring ingredient.
Effects of MSG on Human Body
Many researchers have found out that
- MSG is genetoxic, means it damages the cells and genetic material.
- MSG damages human lymphocytes, which are a kind of white blood cells.
- MSG can cause depression as it effects the neurotransmitter in the brain which effects the moods and emotions of the humans.
- Consumption of larger amount of MSG causes kidney damage in animals.
- Over consumption of MSG by children can cause dermatitis.
Symptoms of Monosodium Glutamate Allergy
Most cases of msg allergy have found out the following symptoms
- Flushing
- Mild chest pain
- Hives
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Swetting
- Nausea
- Digestion problem
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Swelling of face
- Fatigue
- Burning sensations in and around the mouth
- Tingling skin
MSG can also cause more serious allergic reactions which are as follows
- Anaphylaxis
- Palpitation
- Chest pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of throat
Treatment of Monosodium Glutamate Allergy
The best way to avoid any kind of allergy is by avoiding the things that give you allergic reactions. However the following measures can be taken in order to treat or avoid allergy symptoms.
- Sometimes allergic reactions to MSG can be mild and it will go on their own but when the reaction is serious like anaphylaxis then the patient should be given a shot of adrenaline. In this case you must approach your doctor immediately. Delay in treatment means playing with the life of the one effected. Make sure you reach the doctor on time if the patient is suffering shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty in breathing and palpitation.
- Take vitamin b6 suppliments if you suffer from allergic reaction. Eight out of nine people stopped reacting to msg when they were given vitamin b6 suppliments.
- If you are allergic to MSG then avoid packaged and processe foods.
- Always read the label of the packaged food carefully before making the purchase.
- If you are in restaurant then do ask whether your dish contains msg or not
- Avoid eating packaged and processed foods as these may contain MSG, instead go for veggies, fruits.
- Avoid eating packaged foods like chicken stock, dried beef, hydrolyzed wheat protein as they contain msg.
Foods that contain MSG
1 Sources of artificial flavour enhancers:
- Meat extracts
- Dried meat
- Maltodextrin
- Poultry stock
- Modified food starch
- Hydrolyzed protein.
- Soy sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Cheese flavoured snack
- Meat pastes
- Flavoured chips
- Marinated meat
- Flavoured noodles
- Ranch dressing
- Stock cubes
- Canned and packaged soups
- Chinese food
- Fast food
- Seasonings like gormet powder, zest, ajinomoto
- Baked beans
- Barbeque chicken
- Marmite
- Promite
2 Natural sources of MSG
- Fresh tomato
- Tomato paste and juice
- Vegetable juice
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
- Spinach and silver beet
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Green peas
- Plums
- Backed beans
- Parmesan
- Yeast extracts
- Alcohol beverages
- Brags
- Prunes
- Hydrolized vegetable protein
Outlook
Decades ago there were only a small portion of population effected after the consumption of MSG but today the allergic reaction is widespread. If you suspect that you may suffer from allergic reactions after the consumption of msg then avoid eating the food items which contain msg
Avoid the above mentioned food items in order to be safe. Many a times people are unaware that they may trigger allergic reactions and tend to eat the food. If you are one amongst them then next time be careful while ordering your food or buying processed and packed food items.
Is MSG bad for skin?
Glutathione is an important anti-oxidant enzyme that keeps your skin young. Glutathione can be reduced by frequent consumption of MSG. If this enzyme is reduced then your skin may look drier and wrinkles tend to appear.
Regular consumption od MSG can give allergic reactions to your skin which are al follows
- Numbness of skin
- Tingling of skin
- Burning sensation
- Flushing
- Mouth lesion
- Hives
- Rash
- Red blotcy rash aroung mouth
- Dryness of mouth
- Facial pressure
- Premature skin ageing
- Skin dryness
- Eczema
- Partial paralysis