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 

1. Headaches
2. Fatigue
3. Chest pain
4. Feeling flushed
5. Excessive and unpredictable sweating 
6. Tightness of skin or pressure
7. Lack of feeling (numbness), tingling or burning in the face, neck and other areas.
8. Heart Palpitations 
9. Fatigue
10. 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

Six

The post 9 Surprising MSG Containing Foods appeared first on Sabina Sulovsky | Executive Performance Coach .

COVID-19 has taken the world by surprise. 

Whilst new rates of COVID-19 in the epicentre of Wuhan are slowing down, the coronavirus has now begun to increase outside of China. 

In an unprecedented time, everything seems as if it is coming to a standstill.

Whilst it may be easier to follow the crowd and become fearful, I want to empower you with some information to help protect yourself.

Here are some helpful tweaks you can make to your lifestyle to help you boost the immunity of your family and yourself.

1. Manage Stress

The widespread anxiety and fear can drastically impact the health of our immunity. This is due to several factors, but one being that the stress hormone cortisol actually dulls the effect of the immune system, leaving the body more vulnerable to illness and infection.

For this reason, paying attention to how you manage your stress is crucial when looking to maintain the optimal health of your body as a whole and your defense strategies, i.e. the immune system.

Simple strategies to reduce stress include nasal deep breathing, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic branch of the nervous system is the rest and digest portion of it, which ensures your body functions calmly. In contrast, shallow breathing through the mouth stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing further stress.

Another way to reduce stress is to try meditation. Meditation is much simpler than it sounds and everyone experiences it differently. If you are new to meditation, opt for a guided meditation till you are confident and comfortable with what you want. 

I also cannot stress enough to be aware of how you actually perceive stress. In these times particularly, it is very easy to become swept away with the atmosphere of fear.

What you focus on becomes bigger, and whilst this can be great when it is something positive, focusing on negativity can quickly grow into a fear, anxiety and even depression. 

You are the driver of your focus, nobody else. Use it intentionally.

The post How To Protect Yourself From COVID 19 appeared first on Sabina Sulovsky | Executive Performance Coach .