How does msg affect the brain

The brain depends on careful control of chemicals to operate smoothly. Even small fluctuations in the concentrations of chemicals can cause drastic disruptions in brain function. When a category of chemicals known as excitotoxins enter the brain, they literally excite brain cells until they die. Monosodium glutamate is added to foods as a taste enhancer, but it is a well-established excitotoxin. Additionally, some parts of the brain such as the hypothalamus and the pineal are not protected by the blood-brain barrier, yet these parts of the brain control many hormones in the body as well as other bodily functions, including mood.

When MSG enters the brain, not only does it kill brain cells, it wreaks havoc on brain functions. Many people react within 48 hours of ingesting MSG, even in minute amounts, which can make it difficult to trace back to the food source that caused the reaction. The effects can include: headaches, hives, canker sores, runny nose, insomnia, seizures, mood swings, panic attacks, heart palpitations and other heart irregularities, nausea, numbness, asthma attacks and migraines.

Many of my clients report experiencing restless leg syndrome after accidental ingestion of MSG. Research by neurologist and author of the book Excitotoxins: the Taste that Kills , Dr.

Russell Blaylock, MD, shows that MSG slowly enters the brain, bypasses the blood-brain barrier and reaches peak concentrations in the brain three hours after ingesting it. The high levels of MSG in the brain remain for 24 hours after the initial ingesting of the contaminated food. According to Dr. Blaylock, MSG can be especially detrimental to people who have experienced some sort of brain injury or a genetic predisposition to brain disease.

Avoid prepared and packaged foods as much as possible. Avoid eating at fast food restaurants since they are notorious culprits when it comes to MSG usage. Inflammation is the body's healing process, but some people have persistent low-level inflammation. Some anti-inflammatory foods may help with….

Many people avoid gluten in their diets. Here, we discuss gluten and its impact on health. We also ask whether gluten sensitivity truly exists. MSG: More than just a food additive. Written by Yella Hewings-Martin, Ph. Share on Pinterest Monosodium glutamate is commonly used as a flavor enhancer in food, but it also has crucial functions in the brain and the gut.

Glutamate in the body. The MSG controversy. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage.

MSG symptom complex: What you need to know. MSG safety is controversial and requires more research. MSG is the salt form of glutamic acid, which is a naturally occurring amino acid.

Seaweeds and many other plants and vegetables contain glutamic acid. For example, MSG is also known as hydrolyzed vegetable or plant protein and sodium caseinate. Common side effects that have been reported related to MSG consumption include severe headache, flushing, sweating, facial tightness, heart palpitations, chest pains, shortness of breath, nausea, muscle weakness; and numbness, tingling or burning in the mouth, around the face and in the limbs, according to MayoClinic.

Some people report more severe reactions than others, but the existence of cause and effect, as well as that of potentially dangerous dosages, have not been well established. MSG disrupts brain chemicals because it breaks down into glutamate, which is an important chemical messenger in your brain.