Monosodium glutamate is a rapidly acting neurotoxin that causes widespread damage to the brain, especially the dendrites. Dendrites are the functional extensions of the brain cells and nerves that are involved in relaying information between the brain and the entire nervous system.
Neurotoxins are toxic substances that change the normal activity of the central nervous system in a way that causes damage. They can disrupt and destroy vital cells that relay information between the brain and the nervous system.
To protect the brain, tissue cells rapidly usher any available glutamate into synaptic sacs to stop its excitatory response on brain cells. Most of these sacs are located in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex in the brain.
When the concentration of glutamate increases to higher levels than the brain cells can handle, the brain cells are destroyed.
It is important to note that the areas in the brain that are most frequently affected following strokes, cardiac arrest, head injury and asphyxia from suffocation are in the pathways of the glutamate storage sacs.
During these events, not only is the injured brain tissue unable to absorb the glutamate as readily, it releases any stored glutamate into the surrounding tissue. This leads to an extension of the original brain tissue injury.
Autopsies showed that the neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques, common Alzheimer’s disease, were found in the pathways of the glutamate receptors in the brain.
Diseases Linked to the Use of MSG in Food
Chronic long term ingestion of this potent neurotoxin has been linked to MS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, seizures, stroke, depression, brain trauma, anxiety, schizophrenia, epilepsy, addiction, neuropathic pain and other diseases of the central nervous system.
MSG has also been linked to macular and retinal degeneration, obesity, stunted growth, behavioral disorders, neuro-endocrine and reproductive disorders, hyperglycemia, memory loss and learning disorders.
The damaging effects of MSG are so far reaching that in 1998 the National Institutes of Health held a conference where researchers shared their input on MSG and the Central Nervous System Disease States.
Symptoms of MSG Reaction
Almost all individuals have a sensitivity to MSG and are not aware of it because the symptoms can be so subtle.
This toxic flavor enhancer can cause many serious symptoms in the within 10-12 hours after ingestion and can last between 24 hours to two weeks.
These symptoms include headaches, balance problems with staggering, paralysis, inability to breathe, decrease in reading comprehension, confusion, seizures, slurred speech, tingling, numbness and/or burning of the face, blurred vision, difficulty focusing, tingling around the eyes, bronchial spasm, dizziness, and loss of bowel and bladder control.
MSG also causes mood swings, depression, paranoia, hot flashes, chest pains with radiation to shoulder and arms, migraine headaches, stomach pain, muscle spasms, muscle and joint pain, rashes and hives, insomnia, rapid heart rate, heart palpitations, nausea, weakness, fatigue and asthma.
Stopping the intake of MSG requires learning the hidden names used to label MSG in food and reading every label on each food item purchased. Because the print on labels is becoming smaller and more difficult to read, bringing reading glasses would be advisable.
The reversal of the symptoms depends on the severity of the injury to the neurological system and the length and degree of exposure.
Studies have shown that taking omega-3 fatty acids helps to protect brain cells from excitotoxins. Magnesium and zinc decrease the sensitivity of the brain cells to excitotoxins. Vitamin B6 has been reported to be effective in helping with the reversal of symptoms. An herbal combination called "Polarity Balance" by Hanna Kroeger Herbs is very effective in neutralizing and removing excess MSG from the body.
Sources:
1. Tarasoff, L, et al, Monosodium L-glutamate: a double-blind study and review, Food Chemistry Toxicology, 1993
2. Leung, A, et al, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 1996
3. Wen, C-P, et al, Effects of Dietary Vitamin B6 on the Utilization of Monosodium Glutamate by Rats, Journal of Nutrition, 1972
4. Ohguro, H, et al, A High Dietary Intake of Sodium Glutamate as Flavoring Causes Gross Changes in Retinal Morphology and Function, Experimental Eye Research, 2002