MSG, aka yeast extract, aka hydrolyzed protein, aka . . .

MSG or Monosodium Glutamate

We look for MSG on the labels of our food, and if we find it, we may purchase another brand. But what if we were to read one of these ingredients?:

Glutamic Acid
Hydrolyzed protein
Autolyzed protein
Textured protein
Yeast extract
Autolyzed yeast extract
Protein isolate
Soy sauce
Modified food starch
Modified corn starch
Calcium caseinate
Sodlium caseinate
Broth
Maltodextrin
Seasonings
Natural flavor
Monopotassium glutamate
Glutamate
Gelatin
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Hydrolyzed plant protein
Textured protein
Yeast food
Yeast nutrient
Torula yeast

The above are all synonyms for monosodium glutamate or MSG. Food manufacturers are not breaking any labeling laws here for the FDA permits MSG to be labeled in this way.

The health issues cannot be ignored in regards to food additives and MSG. The following conditions have been linked to the consumption of MSG:

Numbness or paralysis
Mouth lesions or sores
Swelling of hands, feet or face
Diarrhea
Mitral valve prolapse
Nausea
Arrhythmia
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Vomiting
Rise or drop in blood pressure
Stomach cramps and gas
Irritable bowel, colitis, constipation
Rapid heartbeat
Angina
Swelling or painful rectum
Spastic colon
Heart palpitations
Chills, shaking, shuddering
Extreme thirst
Water retention and bloating
Tendonitis and joint pain
Arthritic-like pain
Abdominal discomfort
Flu-like symptoms
Asthma symptoms
Stiffness or jaw or muscles
Shortness of breath
Heavy feeling of arms and legs
Chest pain
Mental dullness
Chest tightness
Depression
Runny nose and sneezing
Dizziness
Light headedness
Postnasal drip
Disorientation or mental confusion
Bi-polar symptoms
Bronchitis-like symptoms
Anxiety or panic attacks
Sore throat or hoarseness
Hyperactivity in children
Chronic cough/tickle in throat
Attention Deficit Disorder ADD
Gagging reflex
Behavioural problems
Shin rash/hives/itching
Feeling inebriated
Mouth lesions
Slurred speech
Tingling on ear or extremities
Balance problems
Skin flushing or burning sensation
Aching teeth
Seizures or tremors
Dark circles or bags under eyes
Memory loss
Urinary problems
Lethargy
Difficulty focusing
Sleep disorders
Pressure behind eyes
Migraines or headaches
Vision disturbances – seeing lights
Reproductive disorders
Endocrine system imbalances
Appetite control problems
Nervous system disorders

The food industry does not want to scare away it’s customers by stating MSG on the label, but neither does it want to supply you with an allegedly flavor deficient (their words) product. So to bypass this problem, MSG is reworded, carefully, with the FDA’s blessing, to not sound like the dreaded MSG. Obesity is strongly linked to MSG, because MSG harms your endocrine system which disrupts your appetite control, causing you to eat even though you are feeling physically full. If this sounds like you, try to avoid MSG and see if a more normal appetite occurs.

Yeast extract was the first ‘codeword’, but now we are on to that one, so ‘torula yeast’ is the latest non-threatening term, and sadly this is found in ‘all-natural’ foods like veggie burgers. The food manufacturers state that these MSG-like substances are needed flavor enhancers, yet any of us who cook up a meal seem to manage just fine without it.

Indigo Earth Notes: Because there are so many synonyms for this neurotoxin, I have these listed in my small daily planner which I have when shopping. None of us should have to double-check ingredient lists with a de-coder booklet, but these companies' bottom lines are to supply a good tasting product and make money, not to improve your health.