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By FDA definition, all MSG is "naturally occurring". "Natural" doesn't mean safe! Personally, I find that my "tolerance" for MSG is minimal, and I must avoid almost anything containing the above names, except for the last 3 items in the "OFTEN contain MSG" list. You may get by with just avoiding everything on the first "ALWAYS contains MSG" list. However, the "natural flavors" heading can be very misleading and the source of much pain, because it can contain anywhere from 12% to 33% MSG -- or no MSG at all. The only way to truly know whether MSG is present, and in what amounts, is to write the manufacturer. And, since manufacturers change ingredients frequently, you'd have to check with them every few months to make sure it was still OK. It's often easier just to avoid food with "natural flavors" .
Soft drinks, so-called Sports Drinks, candy, chewing gum are potential sources of hidden MSG. (My daughter landed in the Emergency Room with a migraine as a result of one piece of bubble gum known as "Gator Gum". Ever try to read the Ingredient Label on a piece of gum?) One-half can of Coca-Cola is enough to give some migraine sufferers a full day of misery. Most iced tea mixes and concentrates contain MSG....make sure your iced tea is brewed when dining out.
Reactions to MSG are dose-related, and some people react to even very small amounts. MSG-induced reactions may occur immediately after ingestion, or as much as 48 hours later. The reactions can last from hours to days, depending on the individual. However, your individual reaction will always be the same. Only the severity of the attack will increase or decrease, depending on the quantity of MSG consumed.
SOURCE BOOK: "Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills", by Russell L. Blaylock, M.D., Health Press, Sante Fe, NM (See Downloading & Links Page for more info.)
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