Mono-sodium glutamate intolerance

Excitotoxins are formed due to too much glutamic acid which is necessary in small amounts but toxic when present in high amounts. Combine the glutamate amino acid with sodium and it becomes mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) which is often used in Chinese foods as a flavour enhancer and may lead to headaches and other allergic reactions due to the over consumption of glutamic acid.

Glutamate receptors exist throughout the body and especially in the brain. Eating MSG foods can increase levels twenty times higher than is normal. This is over-stimulatory and damages many cells in the body. Humans are more sensitive than any other animal and newborns are four times more sensitive than adults.

Glutamate and aspartate also pass through the placenta and alters brain formation in the foetus. The effects on a baby in the uterus has been directly linked to hormonal problems later on in life such as low testosterone and growth hormone in boys and low oestrogen and growth hormone in girls, also leading to early onset menses, premenstrual tension and even infertility.

Food labels ingredients that indicate mono-sodium glutamate is part of the ingredients

Always contain MSG:

MSG, Monosodium Glutamate, Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein, Vegetable Protein, Hydrolysed Plant Protein, Plant Protein Extract, Sodium Caseinate, Calcium Caseinate, Yeast Extract, Textured Protein, Autolysed Protein, Autolysed Yeast and Hydrolysed Oat Flour.

Frequently contain MSG:

Malt extract, Malt Flavouring, Maltodextrin, Bouillon, Broth, Stock, Flavouring, Natural Flavouring, Natural Beef or Chicken Flavouring, Seasoning and Spices.

Sometimes contain MSG:

Carrageenan, Enzymes, Soy Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate and Protein Concentrate.

Foods to watch out for:

Soybean milk (naturally high in glutamate and often has hydrolysed vegetable protein added to it), Kombu, Miso and Soya sauce.

What can help to counteract excess monosodium glutamate?

One scientific study found that ginger had protective effects on MSG-induced neurotoxicity. Ginger reduced oxidative stress represented by decreasing MDA level as lipid peroxidation marker as well as increasing antioxidant enzymes activity.

The flavonol, quercetin counteracts monosodium glutamate to mitigate immuno-suppression in the thymus and spleen via redox-guided cellular signalling.

What are natural sources of quercetin?

(In alphabetical order)

NOTE: Cooking reduces the quercetin levels in foods.

How can glutamine help with damage caused by food allergies?

Glutamine can boost immune cell activity in the gut, helping prevent infection and inflammation and soothes intestinal tissue. Glutamine deficiency can occur with irritable bowel syndrome and physical stress. The amino acids, glutamine and glutamic acid, are closely related in a chemical sense.

The human body is able to produce glutamine from glutamic acid through the glutamate ammonium ligase. Glutamine is the amino acid with the highest concentration in blood plasma, musculature and cerebral and spinal fluid.

Glutamine is the most abundant building block of protein in the body. It is also involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid and is converted into glucose by the body as it is needed. It also strengthens and improves the intestinal lining and eliminates excess ammonia from the body. It can therefore help to repair any damage done by monosodium glutamate intolerance.

This amino acid is stored primarily in the muscles and secondarily in the lungs and the human body produces enough glutamine, on its own, for everyday maintenance. However, extensive work outs, prolonged stress, injuries and infections can deplete the supply.

Glutamine is used to treat HIV/ AIDS along with other nutrients to help sustain body mass. It also aids in T-cell formation. It is also used on patients to strengthen the immune system and help recovery of severe burns. It has been recognised for muscle preservation, intestinal health and regulating the immune system.

t can also help to increase mental prowess and energy and speed the healing of tumours in the brain and assists in brain capacity and memory function. Glutamine is also used to reduce the effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients as it protects the liver and the lining of the intestines from the toxicity of chemotherapy.

Gastrointestinal damage and stomach ulcers caused by the Helicobacter pylori can be addressed with the amino acid glutamine, found in many foods.

What are natural sources of glutamine?

Related subjects

• A-Z of ailments
• A-Z of hazards to health
• Allergies
• Intestinal disorders
• Excretory system disorders
• Pain and inflammation (headaches)