MSG and Brain Inflammation
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a food additive and flavor enhancer. Many other countries have banned it from their food, although the US has no such restrictions. MSG can be found in many packaged foods and in restaurant meals.
People have reported having the following symptoms after eating something flavored with MSG:
Headache
Facial pressure or swelling
Feeling sick (nausea)
Diarrhea
Sweating
Fluttering heartbeat
Chest pain
We may have all experienced one of these symptoms after eating at our favorite Hibachi restaurant (guilty). However, the most concerning effect of all may not be apparent until much later.
MSG consumption has been linked to inflammation in the brain through numerous studies. It has also been linked to the suppression of leptin (the “satiation hormone”), meaning that after consuming a food with MSG the body continues to want more, even if you’re full. Think: eating the leftovers on the way home even after you’ve stuffed yourself.
In a study published by Obesity, researchers found that weight gain was “significantly higher” in participants that consumed MSG as opposed to those who did not. The study also found that MSG impairs the brain from receiving signals from the hormone leptin, meaning that participants said they were less satiated after meals.
So, which foods contain MSG?
Fast Food
Chinese foods
KFC
Chick-fil-A (I know it’s God’s food, but it’s loaded with MSG)
Chips and snack foods
Doritos
Pringles
Snack mixes
Potato chips
Corn chips
Seasoning blends
Frozen meals
Pizza
Mac and cheese
Frozen dinners
Canned soups
Campbell’s chicken noodle soup
Dry soup mixes
Processed meats
Hot dogs
Lunch meat
Jerky
Sausage
Pepperoni
Smoked meat
Condiments
Salad dressing
Mayo
Ketchup
Mustard
BBQ sauce
Soy sauce
Instant Noodle Products
Ramen
Thankfully, the US FDA does require that packages are labeled if they contain MSG. Some “health foods” even contain MSG! Be sure while you’re shopping this week to look out for MSG in the foods you consume, and do your best to avoid them.