No MSG

Additive kills brain cells

By June Cosgrove

Our food supply today is being attacked by additives such as artificial flavorings, artificial coloring and preservatives. Some packaged foods actually contain more additives than whole food products. One of the most pervasive and dangerous additives is MSG (monosodium glutamate). Glutamate is a neurotransmitter normally found in the brain and spinal cord. It is used in a wide variety of brain functions. Its role is that of an excitatory substance which causes the brain to become stimulated. Problems arise when the levels of glutamate become too high. That is when it becomes toxic to brain cells because it stimulates them to death. In essence, MSG kills brain cells by overstimulation. Monosodium glutamate is manufactured by isolating glutamate from its protein, originally found in seaweed.

Ingesting these chemically synthesized substances can wreak havoc on our bodies. Everything from headaches to stomach discomfort and irritability can result. If dyes, preservatives and taste enhancers were only present in “junk food” avoiding them would be a simple task. The disturbing truth is most Americans are consuming these additives at every meal. MSG is found in items thought of as healthy, such as stuffing mix, soup and salad dressing. It is because these substances are in so many packaged foods that the levels being ingested are accumulating faster than our body’s ability to eliminate them. If negative side effects can be experienced by a fully developed neuro-typical adult, imagine the damage incurred by an entire universe of immuno-compromised and neurologically challenged children. These additives can impede cognitive development and affect behavior resulting in temper tantrums and hyperactivity. Many children on the autistic spectrum are consuming wheat-free and dairy-free foods. However, it is still important to read labels and look for hidden additives. Some wheat/dairy-free alternatives need additives to enhance the texture and taste of the foods. There are more options available for those who are not on a wheat/dairy-free diet. There are food products available without MSG, food dye and preservatives to replace every single item in your kitchen. The difficult part is finding them. Some brands to look for are: Chatham Village makes great stuffing mix and croutons, Fantastic makes onion soup mix that can be used the same way the nationally advertised brand is used for dips and recipes, and Walnut Grove makes canned soups that are delicious. Many more brands are available. Frito Lay has just introduced a natural line of their popular snack foods, such as Doritos. The color is much lighter but the taste is identical without the MSG and other additives. A full line of candy without food dye is available at health food stores everywhere. There are gummy bears, chocolate bars and licorice sticks (wheat/dairy-free as well).

A diet free from MSG, food dye, preservatives and other taste enhancers will benefit your entire family. The choice to make the change can be difficult. Avoiding nationally advertised brands is a bit more costly and time consuming. For some it will be a choice for healthier living but for others it will be a more critical piece of the puzzle.