MSG (monosodium glutamate) Part III

Obesity is a common problem for many people in the world today. With so many people and companies focused on dieting and weight loss, it makes one wonder why the problem just keeps getting bigger! MSG, while just a part of the puzzle, contributes to obesity.

Interestingly, many “diet” products contain MSG! Researchers believe that excitotoxin [MSG]-induced obesity is not dependent on food intake, which may lend a hand in explaining why people seem to be unable to diet away their obesity.

MSG exposure can cause problems in the long run for those who are exposed to high doses of glutamate early in life. One study found that babies of pregnant mothers who consumed large amounts of excitotoxins are more likely to develop gross obesity and that the risk can become a reality after even a limited exposure. What’s more, MSG is used as a stabilizer in various vaccines in order for the vaccine to remain unchanged, even in the presence of heat, light, acidity, humidity and the like.

You can access a Medline database through the National Library of Medicine on the Internet. I encourage you to log on to http://www.pubmed.gov and search for studies using the keywords “obesity” AND “monosodium glutamate.” You might find two studies published in 2005 particularly interesting: “Obesity, voracity and short stature: the impact of glutamate on the regulation of appetite” and “The effect of monosodium glutamate given orally on appetite control (a new theory for the obesity epidemic.”

At least 25 percent of the US population reacts to free glutamic acid from food sources. Today, we recognize that those reactions range from mild and transitory to debilitating and life-threatening.

There are no substitutions for fresh, quality foods…

• Read ingredient labels and don’t buy products that contain artificial or highly processed ingredients

• Buy natural, whole foods

• Use basic spices like freshly ground salt and pepper, garlic powder and fresh or dried herbs to add a variety of flavors to your meal. Read the ingredient labels on your spices, too!

It is nutrients that create vitality!

If you would be interested in knowing more about a specific area or approach in natural health or nutrition, send me an e-mail at [email protected]. I’m open to your suggestions on topics of interest. See this article with references on http://www.thevillagenews.com.

1. This article is for educational purposes only and contains information that is the opinion of the columnist.

2. Your individual health status and any required treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider. We encourage you to make your own healthcare decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified professional of your choice.