Ever experienced a bit of a rough patch after indulging in your favourite takeaway or nibbling on some off-the-shelf snacks? You’re not alone, mate.
This blog post is set out to cast some light on the somewhat murky waters of MSG allergies: understanding what exactly this rascal MSG is, recognising its sneaky symptoms, pinpointing potential trigger foods to steer clear from and sharing strategies for managing this sensitivity.
Are you game? Let’s unravel this MSG mystery together!
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer commonly used in many processed foods. It is not the same as salt and has been a subject of debate regarding its safety.
MSG stands for monosodium glutamate. It’s a flavour enhancer added to many foods. Some of these are restaurant foods, canned vegetables, soups, and deli meats. People use MSG because it makes food taste better. But not everyone can eat MSG safely. Some might feel tingling or burning after eating food with MSG in it.
MSG is not the same as table salt. Yes, MSG has sodium in it, but it also has something called glutamate. On the other hand, table salt comes from two things only – sodium and chloride. This makes them different.
People often mix up MSG with salt because both are white crystals that we use in food for taste. But they add different flavours to our meals. Salt makes food taste salty, while MSG boosts its natural flavour without adding a salty taste. So no, even if they look alike and work on our food in similar ways, MSG is not just another name for salt.
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is safe. Top health groups say so. Health Canada and the World Expert Group on Food both give it a thumbs up. They have tested it a lot. Still, some people think MSG gives them headaches or makes them feel sick. Science has not found any strong link between MSG and these problems.
We want to let you know that consuming MSG at safe levels is not harmful. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified MSG as a food ingredient generally recognised as safe. It is important to note that MSG is not a real food allergy either. The idea of being allergic to MSG is shaky at best because science doesn’t fully get it yet. However, many use the term “MSG allergy” when they feel unwell after eating foods with MSG in them, like soy sauce or ketchup.
While the long-term effects of MSG consumption are still being studied, it’s always a good idea for individuals with sensitivities or allergies to be aware of foods that contain MSG and avoid them if necessary.
Food sensitivity and food allergy are often confused, but they are different. Common symptoms of MSG allergy include headaches, flushing, sweating, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Seek emergency help if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or throat swelling. Remember to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Food sensitivity and food allergy are not the same. An allergy is a fast response by your body to fight something it thinks is harmful, like pet allergies or pollen. Your body makes an antibody called IgE, which leads to symptoms like wheezing and itchy skin.
But MSG gives you sensitivity, not a true allergy. A food intolerance or sensitivity happens because your body has trouble breaking down some parts of your food, like MSG, sometimes. This might make you feel ill, but it’s different from an allergy as it doesn’t involve IgE antibodies. So from now on, we would refer to this disorder by its accurate name, “MSG sensitivity”, since it’s a nonallergic reaction.
The “Chinese restaurant syndrome” (CRS) is a reaction to MSG. It was later described as the “MSG symptom complex” (MSC). Symptoms of this syndrome include weakness, flushing, headache, numbness, muscle tightness, breathing problems, and even loss of consciousness. CRS is thought to affect less than 1% of people. In some individuals, known to be MSG-sensitive, this additive can trigger asthma symptoms 1-2 hours after eating.
Some food products that may contain MSG include potato chips, cold cuts, ripened fruits, and cured meats. Learn more about managing your MSG sensitivity and tips for reading food labels by clicking here.
As we all know, many of our favourite foods can contain MSG. This taste enhancer is tricky because it’s found in so many types of food.
When it comes to managing MSG sensitivity, understanding and reading food labels is crucial. Here are some tips that can help you navigate through the labels:
To manage your MSG sensitivity at home, it’s important to adopt certain kitchen practises and explore alternative cooking and seasoning options. Interested in learning more? Keep reading!
We’ve found that there are some kitchen practises that can help you avoid MSG if you have an allergy or sensitivity. Here are a few tips:
When managing an MSG sensitivity at home, there are plenty of cooking and seasoning alternatives to enhance the taste of your dishes. Here are some options:
When dining out, it’s important to be mindful of potential sources of MSG. Check out these tips for navigating restaurant menus and find out what questions to ask about MSG in dishes. Read more to ensure you can enjoy a delicious meal without worrying about your MSG sensitivity.
When dining out with an MSG sensitivity, here are some tips to help you navigate restaurant menus:
When dining out, it’s important to ask questions about MSG in dishes. Here are some questions to consider:
Managing symptoms with medication can help alleviate the discomfort caused by MSG allergy. To learn more about managing MSG allergies, read on.
If you have an MSG allergy and experience symptoms, there are medications available to help manage those symptoms. Medications such as antihistamines can be taken to alleviate allergic reactions like itching or hives.
Some individuals may also receive injections of epinephrine if they have severe allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing or swelling. It’s important to talk to a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options. Remember, avoiding foods with MSG is still the best way to prevent a reaction.
If you have an MSG allergy or sensitivity, it’s important to be mindful of the foods you consume. Avoiding foods that may contain MSG, such as condiments and processed snacks like potato chips and cold cuts, can help manage your symptoms.
Reading food labels cautiously and asking questions when dining out are key strategies for avoiding hidden sources of MSG. By taking these steps, you can better navigate your diet and enjoy meals without worrying about allergic reactions.
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