If you suspect that you have an MSG allergy, you need to look into the symptoms for MSG sensitivity and MSG allergies. MSG sensitivity is very common because of the nature and chemical composition of the substance. An allergic reaction can be attributed to other foods combined with MSG, or a reaction to MSG itself.
MSG is a common ingredient for many frozen TV dinners and, of course, it is frequently used in Chinese foods. Yesterday, while shopping, I checked one of the Original brands of TV dinner made with Roasted Carved Turkey, Gravy and Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans. Some of the additives listed were Monosodium Glutamate, Torula Yeast, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Disodium Guanylate and Disodium Inosinate.
The ingredients in this product were mind-boggling. www.zeer.com. is a good place to search more than 30,000 products to find ingredients, nutrition info and gluten free foods.
In a Salisbury Steak Dinner made by the same company, there were much the same ingredients as listed above but in addition it contained Propylene Glycol which is a humectant food additive. which can also be used as a coolant in liquid cooling systems .
Here are just a few of the other names for MSG. Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Hydrolyzed Protein, Hydrolyzed Plant Protein, Plant Protein Extract,Sodium Caseinate, Calcium Caseinate, Yeast Extract, Textured Protein, Autolyzed Yeast, Hydrolyzed Oat flour, Malt extract, Malt Flavoring, Bouillon, Broth Stock, Flavoring, Natural Flavoring, Natural Beef or Chicken Flavoring,, Seasoning, Spices, Carrageenan, Enzymes, Soy Protein Concentrate, S oy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate.
MSG is a substance that causes a reaction in nerve cells. The use of this stimulant affects the mouth and the brain. Most people respond to MSG with a stimulation of hunger, taste, and smell, which is why it is used. The down side to this stimulation is that it can also cause an allergic response because of the over stimulation of the nerve cells. Not only does it enhance flavors, but it can cause symptoms that can even be life threatening.
Symptoms can include a burning sensation on the neck, shoulders, torso, thighs, and arms. Other symptoms include numbness or pressure in the face, chest pain or palpitations, nausea, vomiting, head pain, flushing and sweating, and/or wheezing.
Symptoms can be worse if the foods high in MSG are consumed on an empty stomach and in high doses.
Symptoms tend to show up within one half hour to one hour after eating food containing MSG, and symptoms usually dissipate within two or three hours. If reactions are severe, the first reaction can result in emergency medical treatment.
With the increase in neurological disorders, cancer and various other diseases, something has to have changed in our society. And, truth be known, the one common factor is the increase of chemicals in our food and personal products. Studies by the hundreds are showing that MSG is linked to a plethora of symptoms and life altering diseases. It is time that we take some responsibility in what we consume and focus our efforts on putting healthy foods into our bodies.
It is impossible to be allergic to MSG. Food allergies are the reaction of your immune system to proteins. MSG has no proteins.
You may be describing symptoms of an intolerance, but not an allergy.
I agree, an allergic reaction can be attributed to other foods combined with MSG.
For example if one is mildly allergic to soy products , then in a dish comprising soy and MSG, the MSG can exacerbate the allergic reaction to the former.
Joan
You can call it a allergy or sensitivity to MSG or free glutamic acid. I am a chemist and have a severe reaction to glutamic acid in various forms. My sinuses fill up. I sneeze. I have to continually blow my nose. I get intense pain in my lower abdomen. I become constipated and nauseated to the point of throwing up. These symptoms range from a few minutes after ingestion to up 48 hours later.
It has gotten so bad that I am afraid to eat.
I don't care what you call it -- an allergy, an intolerance, a bad reaction. I know that I get violently sick about 6 - 8 hours after eating something with even small amounts of MSG. I get so dizzy I can hardly stand up, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that lasts for about 6 hours.
As for me, I like to attend different seminars, events where I can learn something new. TV has almost lost its aducational direction that is why I learn everything at different meetings, seminars and similar events. I often learn about them at event and venue search engine http://www.eventsearch.us . So, one of the meetings were dedicated to MSG. It was said that if the person and especially a child gets too much MSG, such people do become more allergic. I think that nobody should object the connection of ellergies or intolerances with MSG. Nowadays there are much of them in the food we eat. Unfortunately the manufactures think little of our health and are indifferent that already eating one product a person will get such a quantity of MSG which is cosidered a norm. But the thing is that we eat different products, that is why we take larger quantities of this harmful additives than it is allowed.