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MSG Health Problems – Obesity

By Peter Reyes

I don't know if this happens to you but it sure happens to me. Every time I pop open a tube of Pringles, I just can't stop eating – these chips are SO addictive! Darn, it only break my calorie bank, and that means two more laps around the park!

Who's this culprit that caused overeating?

This sinister guy is disguised under many other names – E621, MSG, monosodium glutamate, monopotassium glutamate, glutamate, glutamic acid, gelatin, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed plant protein, autolyzed plant protein, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, textured protein, yeast extract, autolyzed yeast, yeast food or nutrient – see what I mean?

Monosodium glutmate or MSG is a flavor enhancer which is added to foods to make them taste better. MSG is also an excitotoxin, meaning that it is a substance that overexcites neurons to the point of cell damage and kills brain cells.

MSG fools the brain into thinking that the food really taste delicious and overstimulates the brain causing an overproduction of dopamine that gives you a drug-like rush of pleasure. MSG is highly addictive, making us come back for more and more and more. No wonder, I can't stop eating junk!

In a lab study involving rats, it was found that MSG causes weight gain and obesity by damaging the appetite regulation center in the hypothalamus region of the brain, causing leptin resistance. Leptin is a hormone that regulates appetite and satiety. When MSG is consumed, the feeling of satisfaction and fullness is diminished, urging you to eat more and hence weight gain.

Early exposure to excitotoxins can cause many health problems later in life including obesity, diabetes, endocrine problems, reproductive disorders, sleep difficulties, learning disabilities and growth impairment in kids.

Well, the fact is we can't run from MSG as it's found almost in all canned or packaged foods – canned soups, dried soup mixes, canned beans, frozen prepared meals, canned prepared meals, fast foods, junk food, snacks, Chinese food, instant ramen, gravy, stew, chili, sauces, dressings, seasonings, bullion, broths, and most restaurant food.

So, the best way to avoid MSG is to buy fresh produce and prepare wholesome meals at home.

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