Why MSG is Harmful
Monosodium glutamate is a drug and a neurotransmitter. Glutamate is a highly regulated chemical of the nervous system, and a proper balance is necessary for healthy brain and organ function.
In fact, every major human organ is now known to contain glutamate receptors.
Over-stimulation of these receptors—in the brain or elsewhere—can lead to
numerous health problems, many of which may mimic other disorders (such as
fibromyalgia or heart arrhythmia), but can go undiagnosed for decades, all the
while creating a life of misery and disability for the unfortunate sufferer.
Its ever-expanding use by the food industry causes great concern in the medical
profession because MSG over-stimulates brain cell activity. It is neither a
necessary additive, nor a harmless flavor enhancer like common table salt. MSG
actually tricks your brain into thinking the food you are eating tastes good.
Manufacturers can therefore use inferior ingredients to make a mediocre product
seem tastier. Higher profits and low-quality products of little nutritional
value prevail at the expense of consumer health.
MSG intolerance is not an allergic reaction, but a powerful drug reaction. Even
in those people who do not suffer acute, immediate reactions to the substance,
prolonged or acute exposure will destroy brain cells in anyone.
Many foods, such as soybeans and tomatoes, contain naturally high levels of free
glutamate, which may cause MSG reactions in particularly sensitive individuals.
The processed form—monosodium glutamate—is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, and
it is the highly refined substance (which actually looks a lot like table salt)
that is added in huge quantities to most processed foods at manufacturing
facilities. Restaurants also frequently add MSG to their menu items. Many that
advertise “No MSG added” may not add MSG to the food once it is prepared, but
MSG may actually be present in the individual ingredients used to prepare their
food.