Is MSG Making You Fat?

[AllardChardon]

Is MSG Making You Fat?
By Lindsey Galloway, Natural Solutions magazine

Sure, MSG (monosodium glutamate) makes even bland food taste better. And you probably consume more of it than you think. You can find it (or its variant gluamate) in processed foods ranging from Doritos to ranch dressing. But could this ingredient be expanding your waistline, regardless of your total calorie intake?

New research from China says yes. In fact, of the study participants, those who ate the most MSG were three times more likely to be overweight than those who ate no MSG. The study was controlled for physical activity and total calorie intake, and still MSG proved to be an overwhelming culprit for extra weight. Previous research had suggested MSG’s role in nerve damage, and some researchers claim it may worsen the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

Knowing most shoppers would be wary of picking up something labeled with MSG, certain food manufactuers try to hide the ingredient’s presence under words like glutamate, hydrolyzed protein, calcium casinate and yeast extract, all which contain MSG. Even vague labels like natural flavors may masquerade its presence. (Click here for a full list of alert words.) And unlike trans fats, which are banned from foods labeled organic, MSG can be found in organic products (usually through the form of yeast protein).

I don’t doubt that MSG and its variants sneak into my diet once in awhile, but now I’m going to be even more diligent about reading labels and banishing it from my food for good.


***While cleaning out my inbox, I found this gem for those of you who read labels, like me. It came from Care2 Healthy and Green Living.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

I don't think that's what's making me fat...

 

[freshface]

I hate to say it, but you really shouldn't believe everything you read. Your conclusion ignores a lot of biological realities.

Monosodium glutamate is just what it sounds like-sodium and glutamate. It is the salt version of glutamic acid. You make about 50mg/day of glutamate since it's one of the more common amino acids in your body (you have about four pounds inside). You also eat it in mushrooms, broccoli, seaweeds, tomatoes, peas, walnuts, eggs, potatoes, grapes, and beer. Since it's such a common component of mammals, you also eat a bound version in your meat. Sources really don't matter though, since 95% of it is cleared in the first pass through the liver.

The problem with the study you cite is that the results got misinterpreted along the way. There was very little difference in real numbers between those who consumed no MSG and those who consumed the largest amount. The difference that your source uses was based on looking at the percentage of those who crossed the set threshold for obesity-a BMI of 25. The study divided the Chinese into four groups based on the amount of MSG in the diet. They found that all four groups consumed the same amount of free glutamate or glutamic acid each day. The sources differed, but they all got the same amount of the chemical. You can't draw any conclusions when everyone is eating the same amount of the substance in question.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

And trans fat is developed from a "natural" process as well, using hydrogen.

Doesn't mean it's "good" for ya.

Here's what glutamate can do.

 

[Liar]

Well, I'm not surprised. All this "sugar free" nonense is bullshit anyway. Almost all of the non sugar sweeteners, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, maltos and so on are pretty much useless, except they're better to avoid tooth decay than regular sugar. Yep, they are somewhat less in calory. But also less in taste, so the manufacturers cram more sweetener into their products instead.

You know what makes you fat? Eatling a lot.
You know what makes you thin? Eating a little.

Exactly what you eat is marginal compared to that equation. Unless it's cyanide. (ETA: is MSG actually poisonous or something? Then ok.)

My fas ass is on a diet since this summer. It consists of three simple rules.

1. Eat tasty food. If you find food you like that is not greasy, battered, deep-fried, and dipped in maple syrup, then good. More power to you. Othewise, it's not the end of the world.

2. Eat slowly. Eat until you're full. Then fucking stop.

3. If you have cravings for, say, chocolate - go buy some chocolate. But buy a small piece. And eat it. Don't keep candy at home. If you then can't be bothered to take a walk to the store for that chocolate, you didn't really want it that bad anyway.

I'm kickin 2-3 lb/week without breaking a sweat.

 

[epiphany65]

I don't think that's what's making me fat...

You're right, even though you may have made the comment tongue-in-cheek.However, there are many side effects related to MSG beyond weight gain that are very serious that we should be concerned about. These include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, Seizures, Brain cell death, Brain damage, Allergies, Headaches,Strokes, Hypoglycemia, Brain Tumors
http://www.ezhealthydiet.com/msg-side-effects.html

It can also cause brain lesions and problems with people suffering from asthma:
http://sundaytimes.lk/070916/MediScene/mediscene-00003.html

According to the FDA, MSG Symptom Complex or MSG side effects can result in:

* Numbness

* Burning sensation

* Tingling

* Facial pressure or tightness

* Chest pain

* Headache

* Nausea

* Rapid heartbeat

* Drowsiness

* Weakness

* Difficulty breathing for asthmatics
http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/msg-side-effects.html

More here:

http://www.truthinlabeling.org/adversereactions.html

 

[AllardChardon]

Excellent response. I have my doubts about manmade MSG, much more so than the natually occurring kind.
My mother used ACCENT, the flavor enhancer, on everything I ate as a child and by the time I was a young adult I was very oversensitized to it. I moved out, became a vegetarian and never used the stuff in my kitchen. I never thought of it again, really.

It was the Chinese restaurants that almost killed me, before I knew how to ask for no MSG. To this day, I cannot have any MSG or I get so wired and weirded out that I just want to jump out of my own skin. I know several other people who react the same way and I am still trying to understand why it affects me this way.

Clues, I am looking for clues.

 

[jomar]

I thought it was all pizza, the chips and salsa!

My fas ass is on a diet since this summer. It consists of three simple rules.

1. Eat tasty food. If you find food you like that is not greasy, battered, deep-fried, and dipped in maple syrup, then good. More power to you. Othewise, it's not the end of the world.

2. Eat slowly. Eat until you're full. Then fucking stop.

3. If you have cravings for, say, chocolate - go buy some chocolate. But buy a small piece. And eat it. Don't keep candy at home. If you then can't be bothered to take a walk to the store for that chocolate, you didn't really want it that bad anyway.

I'm kickin 2-3 lb/week without breaking a sweat.

Yeah, I shed 20 by changing a few things and didn't feel deprived.

 

[epiphany65]

Well, I'm not surprised. All this "sugar free" nonense is bullshit anyway. Almost all of the non sugar sweeteners, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, maltos and so on are pretty much useless, except they're better to avoid tooth decay than regular sugar. Yep, they are somewhat less in calory. But also less in taste, so the manufacturers cram more sweetener into their products instead.

You know what makes you fat? Eatling a lot.
You know what makes you thin? Eating a little.

Exactly what you eat is marginal compared to that equation. Unless it's cyanide. (ETA: is MSG actually poisonous or something? Then ok.)

My fas ass is on a diet since this summer. It consists of three simple rules.

1. Eat tasty food. If you find food you like that is not greasy, battered, deep-fried, and dipped in maple syrup, then good. More power to you. Othewise, it's not the end of the world.

2. Eat slowly. Eat until you're full. Then fucking stop.

3. If you have cravings for, say, chocolate - go buy some chocolate. But buy a small piece. And eat it. Don't keep candy at home. If you then can't be bothered to take a walk to the store for that chocolate, you didn't really want it that bad anyway.

I'm kickin 2-3 lb/week without breaking a sweat.

I agree, although I'd add something to #2. My grandfather had a motto: he would push himself away from the table when he had room for a little more. This makes sense because it takes 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain that it's full. By then it's over-full.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

I agree, although I'd add something to #2. My grandfather had a motto: he would push himself away from the table when he had room for a little more. This makes sense because it takes 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain that it's full. By then it's over-full.

I'd be more likely to believe that a pinch of sugar in the pasta sauce, Lea & Perrin's in teh stew, soy sauce in the stir fry and on the rice and anchovy paste where no one else can see is what does it. Any thing that makes food taste even better will make you want to eat more and that's what makes you fat!

 

[Liar]

I'd be more likely to believe that a pinch of sugar in the pasta sauce, Lea & Perrin's in teh stew, soy sauce in the stir fry and on the rice and anchovy paste where no one else can see is what does it. Any thing that makes food taste even better will make you want to eat more and that's what makes you fat!

I'd have to disagree. Eating fast is what makes you gain weight more than anything. Because then you don't stop in time. So food that tastes good enough, is what 's dangerous. That's the kind that's easy to stuff your face with, chew fast (or not at all) and gorge down.

Food that tastes excellent, you savour.

 

[DesertPirate]

No but it will give my wife a heart rate of 200+ beats per minute.
We have an EKG tape.

When she went to "natural" foods, it hasn't happened since.

Look at the ingredients, the words "natural flavor" and "spices" are code for MSG. She did much research to find this out and it's true.

Most people don't react in any way to the MSG that occurs naturally in meat. It's the chemical additive that can kill you.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

It makes me smile. *nods*

 

[SeaCat]

Another thing that doesn't help with the weight problems, at least here in the United States, are the serving sizes.

Think about it. You go out to dinner and the serving you are given is enough for two people. Do you really need that much food in one sitting?

Go out to the local Fast Food Shop. Sit there and watch what most of the people order. It's insane.

One of the best ways to lose or even maintain your weight is to cut down on how much you eat in one sitting.

Cat

 

[cantdog]

Damn straight. Portions are huge in American restaurants, and fat is yummy. Eating out is always fattening.

 

[DesertPirate]

Another thing that doesn't help with the weight problems, at least here in the United States, are the serving sizes.

Think about it. You go out to dinner and the serving you are given is enough for two people. Do you really need that much food in one sitting?

Go out to the local Fast Food Shop. Sit there and watch what most of the people order. It's insane.

One of the best ways to lose or even maintain your weight is to cut down on how much you eat in one sitting.

Cat

Took a nutrition class in college
The only diet that works long term is decrease the intake and increase the output. In other words, eat less and be more active.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Took a nutrition class in college
The only diet that works long term is decrease the intake and increase the output. In other words, eat less and be more active.

laxatives work wonders...

 

[AllardChardon]

Now, I am smart enough to always ask if the oriental restaurant I am in uses MSG or not. A couple of times I thought I was going to have to go to the hospital. Oddly enough, smoking pot calmed me right down and I was able to relax after a while. I have never felt so nervous as when I am reacting to this ingredient that is basically used to stretch the food to the limit. One quart of sweet and sour sauce immediately becomes two and so forth. Bad medicine for me. I avoid it like the plague and will happily exit that restaurant when I learn they do use it, never to return again. I would rather starve.

 

[cantdog]

Oddly enough, smoking pot calmed me right down and I was able to relax after a while.

Not odd a bit. Unfortunately, the price is very close to that of gold.

 

[AllardChardon]

I grow my own organic medicine so it only costs me time and energy, which I have plenty of these days. Being a Prop 215 patient, I am allowed this indulgance. My ex-husband, the cancer patient, is a 215er as well. In Northern California is it just past harvest. Half an ounce of gold is the usual going rate and now it is bargain basement deals, really. Life in the greenbelt smells good.

 

[DrHappy]

I have a similar response to you. I ate tons of it as a kid, though I'm very sensitive now. I'll get a rapid heartbeat, fatigue, and insomnia. A beta blocker helps. I'll also get this reaction apparently from the free glutamates in gelatin and autolyzed yeast extract.

There are some gaps in the science that I would like to understand better. I'm aware that we eat "natural" harmless glutamates that are bound in proteins. I've also read that there are many natural foods that supposedly contain free glutamates that apparently don't cause significant symptoms. Yet, there are those of us who have significant objective symptoms from certain forms of glutamates. Why is that? It doesn't help that there are crap studies out there that report that the placebo has the same symptom rate as MSG. There is a famous study out that were the placebo was given in a gelatin capsule. I have the same reaction from gelatin as I do from pure MSG.

 

[Liar]

Now, I am smart enough to always ask if the oriental restaurant I am in uses MSG or not.

Is the chemical nomer also the commonly used name for it? If I go into a reasturant and ask, I suspect "MSG" will be met with a "huh?" a lot of the time.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Good move on asking about MSG, Allard. Hot Mama has a series of life-threatening allergies so bad that when we go out to eat, I have to taste new dishes for her to make sure that they don't contain celery, orange, grape or any of the other things that could send her into anaphalectic shock. In a world of hostile pollens, mold spores, chemical additives and air/water pollutents one can never be too careful!

 

[AllardChardon]

Liar, I have no trouble asking about MSG here in California, but then we are a different breed. I have no idea about the rest of the country. Does anyone else ask this question before they enjoy an oriental restaurant's fare? Or am I the only one. In all honesty, I should ask everywhere I eat out, but like Volupt and Hot Mama, I have to be very careful or the dinner turns into a nightmare.

Thanks, Volupt. These are things that affect my life. I try to stay informed and help others to do the same. Once we are well informed, we can make good decisions regarding our own health. That is why the only medication I use, I grow. I don't even use aspirin, but then I don't get headaches, either, unless I get dehydrated, a major cause of headaches that most people do not even know about. A glass of water without the pill works just as well. But it takes the pill to get the person to drink the water. LOL

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Liar, I have no trouble asking about MSG here in California, but then we are a different breed. I have no idea about the rest of the country. Does anyone else ask this question before they enjoy an oriental restaurant's fare? Or am I the only one. In all honesty, I should ask everywhere I eat out, but like Volupt and Hot Mama, I have to be very careful or the dinner turns into a nightmare.

Thanks, Volupt. These are things that affect my life. I try to stay informed and help others to do the same. Once we are well informed, we can make good decisions regarding our own health. That is why the only medication I use, I grow. I don't even use aspirin, but then I don't get headaches, either, unless I get dehydrated, a major cause of headaches that most people do not even know about. A glass of water without the pill works just as well. But it takes the pill to get the person to drink the water. LOL

Really? I find that a lot of headaches are caused by knotted muscles in the shoulders. When I massage out the knot, the headache goes away. I also like putting Tiger Balm on the "third eye" to cure one.