MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a flavour enhancer commonly used in many types of processed foods. While it's often associated with Chinese cuisine, it can be found in a wide variety of foods from gravies to soup mixes to custards and packaged meals and you wouldn’t even know it.
And whilst MSG is deemed 'safe 'by most food authorities, I strongly remind you to do your own personal research and listen to how your mind and body feel the next time you eat MSG containing foods. Remember what is SAFE for one person is not SAFE for another, we all have our own sensitives, you just need to pay attention and your body will let you know.
Here are some of the common symptoms to look out for
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Feeling flushed
- Excessive and unpredictable sweating
- Tightness of skin or pressure
- Lack of feeling (numbness), tingling or burning in the face, neck and other areas.
- Heart Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Feeling sick (nausea)
Here are nine surprising foods that contain MSG:
1. Canned Soups
Many canned soups, especially those labeled as "low-fat" or "reduced sodium," contain MSG to enhance their flavour (oh the things the food giants will do to get our hard earned dollars)
2. Chips and Snacks
Many types of chips and other snacks, including flavoured popcorn and snack mixes, contain MSG to enhance their taste.
3. Salad Dressings
Some types of salad dressings, including those labeled as "light" or "fat-free," contain MSG to improve their flavour.
4. Frozen Dinners
Many frozen dinners, including those labeled as "healthy" or "organic," or “low fat” or “low salt” contain MSG to enhance their taste and texture.
5. Seasoning Mixes
Many seasoning mixes, including those used for tacos, chilli, and other dishes, contain MSG to improve their flavour.
6. Processed Meats
Processed meats such as hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats often contain MSG to enhance their flavour and extend their shelf life aka ‘freshness'.
8. Canned Vegetables
Many canned vegetables, especially those that are pre-seasoned, contain MSG to improve their flavour.
9. Gravy and Sauces
Many types of gravy and sauces, including those used for pasta and meat dishes, contain MSG to enhance their flavour.
It's important to note that whilst MSG is 'considered' safe by many health authorities I strongly encourage you to use your own body and mind (and gut feeling) to make your own conclusion. As always if you suspect you do have some kind of sensitivity to it, use our free journal to document it so you can come to your own conclusions or book a one off appointment with us to help make sense of what is going on.
Your body and mind is individual. Respect it as such. The foods that work for someone else very well may not work for you and vice versa.
Getting comfortable with food labels and ingredients is a skill that is easy to master and and invaluable habit not to mention hugely empowering if you have kids. Next time you go to the supermarket get the kids involved by helping them educate themselves and you into what is in our food.
Of course in an ideal world always go for simple foods that haven't had little processing, but always look at the ingredients so you know exactly what you are eating, it is your birth right.
If you are sensitive to MSG or have concerns about its safety grab your free health journal here and start doing your own personalised research. It does not take long and the insights a food diary gives you is eyeopening....if not a bit scary
The good news is things are changing.
As the average consumer is growing wiser and more savvy, not to mention has access to lots of independent health practitioners, food manufacturers are taking note and updating their recipes to be more health (and consumer) friendly.
Let me know how you go
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