Even though most of us have heard that MSG isn’t good for us, many people continue to ingest this deadly substance countless times each and every day. MSG or monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer that’s known widely to be used in Chinese food. However, it’s also added to thousands of foods people regularly eat, especially if eating processed foods or eating out in restaurants.
MSG is one of the worst food additives on the market and it’s used in canned soups, crackers, meats, salad dressings, frozen dinners, and even in baby food and infant formula! Several years ago, I went searching for a canned soup at the local grocery store that didn’t contain MSG. At that time, I could find NONE!
So, just why is MSG so bad and what is it doing to us? One of the best overviews of the dangers of MSG comes from Dr. Russell Blaylock’s book, Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills. Dr. Blaylock explains that, “MSG is an excitotoxin, which means it overexcites your cells to the point of damage or death, causing brain damage to varying degrees — and potentially even triggering or worsening learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and more.” (Think of a brain cell quivering frantically and relentlessly, unable to send correct messages, rather than a natural, slow, methodical rhythm with purpose and design.)
Dr. Blaylock has written extensively on how MSG is destroying the brains of all who ingest this deadly substance. Since food manufacturers have “woken up” to the fact that consumers don’t want to knowingly consume MSG, they’ve tried to outsmart the “ignorant” public by changing the name of the substance.
There is common agreement that if you see these names on a food label, you’ll be ingesting MSG:
- autolyzed yeast
- calcium caseinate
- gelatin
- glutamic acid
- hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- monopotassium glutamate
- sodium caseinate
- textured protein
- yeast extract
- yeast food
Other food additives that frequently contain MSG are malt, bouillon, broth, stock, and natural flavoring.
The main way to avoid eating this poison is to buy and prepare fresh foods yourself. As with healthy eating in general, buy foods that don’t come in a box or package.
Shop the outside aisles of the grocery store. You won’t find MSG in fresh broccoli, raw carrots, or an organic apple. If you’re buying poultry from a local source, chances are high that you’re not getting any added MSG.
Be a wise consumer and continue to stand against this toxin that is poisoning millions every day.
Sharon Graham worked in the traditional medical field as a Registered Nurse for a number of years. She has nearly thirty years of experience in the natural health field as well.
After being chemically poisoned in the mid-1980s, her immune system was nearly destroyed, resulting in a quest for answers apart from the traditional medical model. That search led her into an intensive study of several complementary forms of health care. She has studied with the National Institute of Nutritional Education, and has taken many self-study courses in herbal medicine, homeopathy, and nutrition. She works with several nutritional companies and is certified by the American Nutraceutical Association.
As a result of her personal experience and journey to recover her own health, she now has a desire and passion to educate and support others as they take responsibility for their own health. As a nutritional consultant and wellness coach she brings a wealth of proven, practical information and methods so that you can achieve your own personal health goals. She has worked with hundreds of individuals to educate and support them in making lifestyle and nutritional changes, using both her traditional medical background as well as her knowledge of nutrition.
Sharon has taught natural foods cooking classes and has given nutritional presentations to various groups of people. As a natural foods cook her clients say, “Sharon makes health food taste good.” She is also a blogger, is currently compiling a natural foods cookbook, and recently published an extensive e-book on wellness.
Latest posts by Sharon Graham, R.N. (see all)
- Save Your Brain Cells – Avoid This Criminal Substance - January 29, 2011
- Simple 5 Step Detox - January 16, 2011
