| Author |
Message |
Gerry Bush
| | Posted on Thursday, November 15, 2001 - 7:53 pm: |    |
Hello all, some time ago, when I was still drinking milk and using milk products, I experienced some very strange symptoms. Since I have eliminated dairy (rBST growth hormone was believed to be the toxin), the symptoms are gone....until last week.
Within 1 hour of consuming dairy, I would get horrible chills and be unable to get warm. Then I would go to sleep and awaken in 2-3 hours with a miserable headache and would feel out of sorts for a day or 2.
But suddenly last week the syptoms came back, but this time no dairy. Then this week, on both Tuesday and Wednesday, once again I experienced the above described symptoms. Since I don't eat dairy, eat only organic, eat no processed foods of any kind, and eat no wheat or gluten, I was stumped...for a while. I now have a suspect culprit. The only common denominator on the days of the symptoms was Atlantic "farm raised" salmon.
Has anyone had any negative experience with salmon, the "farm raised" variety in particular.
Maybe they are feeding the farm fish with hormones or chemicals. I would appreciate any input please. Has anyone else experienced these or similar symptoms? |
Roy Piwovar
| | Posted on Friday, November 16, 2001 - 4:05 am: | |
Here's a link about farm raised salmon:
http://www.life.ca/nl/58/fishfarming.html |
Gerry Bush
| | Posted on Friday, November 16, 2001 - 6:08 am: | |
Thanks Roy! I'll be sure to only eat wild salmon. No wonder we're sick and can't get totally well. No matter where we turn, the food supply is not safe. |
Ruth
| | Posted on Friday, November 16, 2001 - 6:24 am: | |
Great website Roy! YUCK!
I eat no fish at all (afraid of sulfites and just too scared to try it), only farm raised Contessa brand frozen shrimp. I hope the shrimp continues to remain safe. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Friday, November 16, 2001 - 5:16 pm: | |
I react to farmed fish and most fish sold behind the counter at our local supermarket. The counter people don't cut up the fish so they don't know (and don't care) about what is being used to keep the non-farmed fish fresh. I know I am reacting to something!
I have had more success at Trader Joe's. Trader Joe's now has bags of frozen shrimp, scallops and scungilli that are marked as having NO preservatives, additives or flavorings -- they are quite good and I have had quite a bit over a period of time with no reactions.
Yes, the plain packages of shrimp from Contessa seem to be safe too.
How wonderful to find some unadulterated food! |
Gerry Bush
| | Posted on Friday, November 16, 2001 - 7:50 pm: | |
The fresh salmon that made me sick was bought at Trader Joe's. But you are right, the frozen variety seems safe.
What you see in your supermarket may just be defrosted and chemical laden. They are now soaking the fish and shrimp, etc at the docks or on the boats in a sodium tripolyphosphate solution before they freeze them. I won't buy fish or shrimp, chicken, turkey or pork at the supermarkets as they all make me sick because of the phosphate and lactate solutions they are soaked in or basted with, not to mention the assorted forms of msg. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Saturday, November 17, 2001 - 3:49 am: | |
I have not tried the frozen salmon at Trader Joe's but I think it may be a problem too. My husband (who doesn't react to anything) reports that it has an extra salty taste --- maybe, a solution was used on it. If they did this to the frozen salmon, perhaps it was also used on the fresh salmon that Gerry ate. This is just my speculation. Nothing is easy is it? |
Gerry Bush
| | Posted on Saturday, November 17, 2001 - 6:57 am: | |
I have not tried the frozen salmon at Trader Joe's either, but have not had a problem with other types of frozen white fish purchased there. And you are right, it is very, very hard to find safe food. |
Carol H
| | Posted on Sunday, November 18, 2001 - 6:29 am: | |
Just a thought, but that fresh fish, even if initially uncontaminated, may not have been kept at proper temperature. Even uncontaminated fish if allowed to increase in temp can come down with scombroid poisoning. This may be why the frozen is safer. Less can go wrong from the sea to your plate. |
MEMorrisNJ
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 01, 2002 - 5:00 pm: | |
To my delight, we had a new fish market open in town (The Fish Market in Morristown, NJ behind the Morristown Diner). Fortunately, the owner was interested in hearing about my bad experiences with fish bought from his competitors. He pointed out to me which his fish is farmed and then, explained that many of the fish that comes to him already cleaned probably had a freshener added by the processing plant where he gets it. He told me that the only fish that I should buy from him is the fish that is whole, not farmed, not previously frozen and not yet cleaned. I was most appreciative of his candidness --- something I have never experienced at other fish markets and certainly not at any supermarkets --- I am running around town promoting his store now. I was so happy that I was able to cook and eat a traditional Italian Christmas eve dinner with all sorts of fishes with my family without getting sick. Doesn't take much to make me happy -- just good unadulterated food!  |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 01, 2002 - 7:35 pm: | |
Know what you mean about the simple pleasures that mean so much to us all now...like wholesome food, when we can find it! At least we can enjoy the fresh salmon and oysters here. Had some good luck with the frozen Contessa scallops a couple weeks ago. I always wash fish well. But the last time we ate the frozen Contessa shrimp, it tasted awful. I took it back, and Costco refunded me. It must have defrosted or something...but it had a chemical aftertaste, even though they say it is preservative free. Wasn't it originally processed in the northwest? Now the package says "product of Thailand". |
MEMorrisNJ
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 02, 2002 - 8:13 am: | |
Caution - Contessa Shrimp.
Deb Thanks for mentioning the Contessa shrimp. I had a reaction several weeks ago and could not figure out if was the packaged pre-washed organic spinach or the Contessa shrimp --- perhaps it was an accumulation of both. (The spinach is washed with a chlorox solution three times according to the packaging company.) That's interesting about the shrimp now coming from Thailand. I imagine it is farmed too. Wish I saved the bag like I usually do on anything packaged. Perhaps, those of you who enjoy Contessa shrimp should start exercising some caution. |
Ruth
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 02, 2002 - 9:46 am: | |
Thanks for the warning on Contessa brand shrimp. I'll have to go looking for some fresh, whole fish. Maybe it's time to go to the Asian market where the fish are still alive and swimming. I hope they don't put anything in that water! |
Carol H
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 02, 2002 - 2:21 pm: | |
Bummer, I'll have to take that one Contesssa remark off the site. I haven't eaten them in a while. Darn.
Good news, Trader Joes still sells frozen seafood without additives. |
Gerry Bush
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 02, 2002 - 4:17 pm: | |
Yes, I too had a bad reaction to Contessa shrimp. Trader Joe's frozen farm raised shrimp are just that....only shrimp. The uncooked are better than the cooked ones. |
MEMorrisNJ
| | Posted on Saturday, January 05, 2002 - 6:04 pm: | |
I spoke too soon on 1/1/02. I bought a whole red snapper that my fish may cleaned in front of me and my husband and I ate the whole thing --- skin and all after very lightly frying it. Within one hour, I thought I was going to die --- typical reaction --- blood pressure drops, shaky, quickly depressed, stomach started swelling and making noises.
The good news is that my reactions gradually lessened within 1-2 hours as I took the taurine from Beyond A Century taurine which I was holding to try someday. I took less than 1/4 of a 1/2 teaspoon very gradually over one hour. My reactions have never gone away like this before no matter what I did. I was totally amazed! Its hard to believe the taurine is that powerful. Is this really possible? I'd really like to hear from those of you who have used taurine this way.
What makes this stranger to me is that today I received some of my blood levels back from tests taken earlier this month. My taurine levels were well within the normal range. Does anyone know if your body may need extra taurine beyond the norm when exposed to MSG or another additive? I'd love to understand this more.
Back to the fish, I told my fish man about the reaction today and he said he prefers red snapper from Florida but at this time of year, he must get it from Mexico or I think he said, Sri Lanka. He said he is so removed from the fish source that anything is possible as far as additives that may be used to keep it fresh. Oh well. |
Gerry Bush
| | Posted on Saturday, January 05, 2002 - 7:45 pm: | |
I would bet that it was thrown..literally... into a bath of sodium tripolyphosphate just after being caught. They have been doing this with shrimp for a while now. Or it was FARM raised, hence, fed hormones and antibiotics. |
Carol H
| | Posted on Saturday, January 05, 2002 - 10:12 pm: | |
MEMorris, Taurine has been turning up an awful lot in my recent literature search. It is turning up in places I never would expect - they are now using it to treat not only epilepsy and high blood pressure, but diabetes too. The lessening of symptoms that you describe was exactly the way I felt the first time I tried taurine in 1991. I was taking it on a hunch that it would help because taurine deficiency symptoms sounded EXACTLY like MSG Symptom Complex to me. I had never heard of anyone taking taurine to cure an MSG reaction before. I knew as soon as my heart stopped racing for the first time, that this was a major finding. I truly believe that a good portion of what has been called Chinese Restaurant Syndrome all these years is in actuality a temporary taurine deficiency caused by MSG interfering in the body's ability to make it. My first experience with taurine was nothing short of a revelation. Just must make sure it is pure - no additives, and if your symptoms go away, it may be wise to stop taking it, so your body can adjust again. |
MEMorrisNJ
| | Posted on Monday, January 07, 2002 - 11:19 am: | |
For those of you who wrote to me via email asking about the amino acid tests that included taurine, my traditional doctor just used her regular lab (Quest Diagnostics at http://www.questdiagnostics.com/hcp/intguide/jsp/showintguidepage.jsp?fn=TS_AminAcidQuan.htm ) so it probably can be done by most labs. She knows nothing about MSG and other sensitivities but I am using her to get tested so that I am covered via my health insurance.
PS Please don't be afraid to ask questions and comment here. This board permits you to avoid posting your email address and to use a nickname if you wish. |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Monday, January 07, 2002 - 10:03 pm: | |
Carol, that's a good point about not taking taurine all the time. I was doing that and felt no added benefit if I got MSG by mistake. Now I just take it right before I eat at a restaurant (rare occasion), or when I begin to feel symptoms. I feel that is when it helps diminish the reaction better for me. |
Carol H
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2002 - 2:19 pm: | |
Hi Deb A, Glad you got the care package!
Any time the body needs to make something like an amino acid or protein, it's probably best not to let the body get lazy when it comes to making it. Taking in estrogen can actually shut down the ovaries, and taking too much vitamin can actually cause deficiency symptoms when you cut you intake down to normal levels. The same is probably true of taurine. Taurine works when I need it, but I get a slight dull headache if I take taurine when I don't need to. Sort of a mini-hangover. |
Vicki
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2002 - 4:14 pm: | |
Okay, I have a question that I hope someone can help me out with!! I had some Organic grown yellow corn . Made by Garden of eatin'. I know Corn is starch. Which is bad. But thought I'd take a chance with this.They are called Mini Corns.
Ingredients. Organically grown yellow corn, cooked in filtered water with a trace of lime,
Expeller-pressed Hi-oleic safflower and/or sunflower oiland sea salt.
After eating about 20,eating more then normal.
Since it seemed I wasn't getting a headache.
I realized my legs felt numb?? Is this normal?
Since cutting out all the foods I used to eat.
And sticking mainly to fruit & chicken. I seem
to have numbness reactions to food. Mainly MSG,
so I thought. After eating 2 bites of a cookie.
I had a numbness over my eyes. And my eyes were slow reactive. And then the headache would follow.
In this case no headache. Just a numbness in my lower half. Is this normal w/Organic foods? Since the body isn't used to them? Kinda freaking me out here some. Might have to get in to see the Doctor soon..
Pleeease somebody help!!?? |
Vicki
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2002 - 4:36 pm: | |
Also I ate Natures Choice Peanut Butter granola.
Organic honey,Organic rolled oats,Peanuts,Brown rice,Expeller Pressed Canola oil,Peanut Butter, Pure barley Malt, (I know malt is bad, but was curious about Pure?) natural Peanut & Vanilla Flavors (no MSG or HVP) Nonfat dry Milk.
Could I also be reacting to this? I feel very tired & sluggish. The numbness seems to be more in my feet now..But, all I can think about doing is laying down!! Anybody have any ideas for me? |
Gerry Bush
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2002 - 4:44 pm: | |
Vicki-Barley malt! I never touch anything with barley malt in it, organic or not. NEVER! Nonfat dry milk is another no-no. |
Judy T
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2002 - 4:55 pm: | |
Vicky: You're scaring me! No barley malt, no non fat dry milk, no natural flavors, no corn processed products. My legs too went numb, so weird and horrifying an experience. Maybe go as natural as possible for a time? Think as raw and natural as you can. |
Vicki
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 3:44 am: | |
Thanks SO much Judy T. THAT makes me feel much better that someone else had some problems too!
Called my Mom last night & scared her I think. She wants me to see a doctor about all this.
But, I know if I just get it figured out what the heck to stay away from. I'll be okay. Until I get my food diary going & get some help at a later date.
Thanks again, I really appreciate it!! |
Roy Piwovar
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 4:11 am: | |
Vicki,
Checking ingredients for forms of MSG, linked here, should help:
http://www.ideatown.com/ntxa/neurotoxinlist.htm
Still, your symptoms sound serious, and could be indicative of a serious underlying disorder. It may be wise to see a doctor. |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 9:27 am: | |
Vicki, if a corn product is made from corn meal that has been cooked for a period time before formed and fried or baked, the cooking with the addition of the base, lime, to soften the corn, will create more free glutamate (explained better in the book, but it is called hydrolysis). Many tortilla chips and other tasty corn treats are made this way, but there are some companies that just grind the dry corn , mix with water, and shape and fry or bake. Some do okay with Santitos yellow corn chips, and some with other locally made products. Make a list of the hidden aliases used in products, and take it with you whenever you shop. It takes a little more time and effort to pour over every label, but soon, you won't need a cheat sheet to refer to. |
Vicki
| | Posted on Thursday, January 10, 2002 - 1:11 am: | |
Thanks Roy P. I do have most of these written down
in my little cheat book. But, I was able to add some New things to my list. Thanks. As for a Dr.'s opinion? I'm getting to that point, where I will go in soon, Thanks.
Also many thanks to you Deb A. I do use my cheat sheet..but, 'm getting to a point. Where I'm able to recognize most of them. The case above, I had mentioned? Just thought certain things might be okay in the Organic area. I guess I was so wrong!
Thanks for helping me out..
Newest problem...A sore throat. I am at the present time useing Halls Vitamin C drops. Just to help out. With it's Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid & Artificial Flavoring?? I should have some sort of reaction I'm sure..As above. I've been noticeing more numbing of feet & left side are now my reactions. Is this normal? While you're trying to de-toxify? Didn't notice the numbness so much before I started all this. I received more headaches. Now, the headaches of course follow.. |
MEMorrisNJ
| | Posted on Sunday, January 13, 2002 - 8:15 am: | |
The following references from Leon Chaitow's book entitled, "Amino Acids in Therapy" supports Carol H.'s and Deb A.'s earlier postings (1/5/02 and 1/7/02 respectively) on taurine: ".... High doses are not as effective as low doses repeated infrequently, since taurine accumulates rapidly and is only slowly metabolized."
I was surprised to read this reference in his book about taurine and light: ".... Full spectrum light exposure results in increased levels of taurine being concentrated in the pineal and pituitary glands. (Reference: Life Sciences 22:1978). Continued exposure to artificial lighting, which is deficient in the ultraviolet portion of the specturm, might cause this concentration to be reversed, and to impair whatever function taurine performs in the pituitary and pineal glands. ..." |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Sunday, January 13, 2002 - 3:39 pm: | |
Vicki, I would strongly advise that you do not use cough drops of any kind. They will only add to the amount of glutamate that is making you ill. Best to stick to hot drinks to soothe the sore throat....fresh lemon juice and honey in hot water, organic peppermint tea, freshly made ginger tea (peel, chop up a couple tablespoons and steep in boiling water for several minutes. I like mine strong, so I add a lot of ginger...can always dilute. This way, you are getting NATURAL and powerful antioxidants, and help for your sore throat...which, by the way, is a very common symptom of excitotoxin poisoning. |
Vicki
| | Posted on Monday, January 14, 2002 - 3:16 am: | |
Thanks DebA. I only did a few on the nights I was trying to sleep..It's so dry here, that without a humidifier. I was dieing here, trying to get some rest! I had to get something in my throat..The Vitamin C drops don't have as much bad things as the regular cough drops.
Thanks for your advise, I have made a note of it all!! I'll learn little by little..
Any opinion on my numbness after eating certain things. I get an instant numbness in my head after only a few bites of any given thing. I do stick to the basics now & have for quite sometime.
Just figured it was because I am in the process of de-toxifying..
Tried some Organic raisins the other day..No way was my body having anything to do w/them! After 5,
I had a numbness/tingling in my forehead area..
Strange feeling...Ingred.-California Black seedless Raisins,Less then 1% Organic Canola oil & or Sunflower Oil. |
Evelyn H.
| | Posted on Monday, January 14, 2002 - 9:34 am: | |
Vicki--The raisins may have been coated with sulfites, which could be source of your reaction. I only eat Pavich organic raisins (they come in a red can and must be refrigerated after they're opened). No one in my family reacts to them (not saying you wouldn't react to them as everyone is different). Also only their black raisins, not the green raisins (for some reason I don't do well with the green raisins). |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Monday, January 14, 2002 - 11:39 am: | |
Vicki, most California raisin grapes are being treated with AuxiGro, along with wine grapes...organic or not. I'm having a hard time with them myself. |
Ruth
| | Posted on Monday, January 14, 2002 - 2:23 pm: | |
Vicki, Numbness in my head, at the temples and around the eyes, are my immediate symptom of injesting MSG. Later, I get a headache that can last up to 6 days. Also, when I have a sore or dry throat at night, I keep a cup of water by my bed. All lozenges, I'm sure, have something like corn syrup for them to suspend the medicine in, plus make it sweet. Anything corn related gives me a headache, though everyone is different. Corn syrup has hidden MSG. |
Vicki
| | Posted on Monday, January 14, 2002 - 3:47 pm: | |
Thanks Ladies for your advice & shareing your knowledge w/me..It IS greatly appreciated!!
I am SO glad that Ruth that you have suffered the same thing...Not glad of course, you know what I mean..Is a freaky feeling!! TRY to avoid it LIKE crazy!
Thanks again.. |
MEMorrisNJ
| | Posted on Monday, January 14, 2002 - 4:28 pm: | |
I have a new additional reaction to MSG. After a reaction, it appears I can't pleasantly nod off as I usual do because as soon as I first start to nod, I involuntarily stop inhaling or stop exhaling and the curtailment of my breath wakes me suddenly. I recover quickly as I wake up and then restart my breathing --- but this continues throughout the night leaving me quite wiped out. Is anyone else reacting like this? |
Roy Piwovar
| | Posted on Monday, January 14, 2002 - 5:43 pm: | |
MEMorrisNJ,
This sounds like sleep apnea - a very dangerous condition that can cause traffic accidents (among other problems):
http://www.sunsentpress.com/aspartamehealth_hazard.html
http://www.patashley.com/apnea/symptoms.html (scroll down, also click on "treatments") |
Gerry Bush
| | Posted on Monday, January 14, 2002 - 8:40 pm: | |
MEMorrisNJ- I have had the same thing you describe on and off for quite some time and it is definitely related to msg ingestion in my case. Very scary! |
MEMorrisNJ
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 15, 2002 - 4:07 am: | |
Carol H. - Do you know anything more about this? From Roy's link at http://www.patashley.com/apnea/symptoms.html it appears MSG can effect the Thalmus area of the brain and the primary brainstem medullary. Yikes. |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 15, 2002 - 9:50 am: | |
My brother-in-law was diagnosed with sleep apnea several years ago, and suffered embarrassment and poor health as a result...had headaches and depression, too. Well, now when he sees me, he gives me a big hug, because I finally convinced him and his wife that MSG could be causing the problem he was having. That was 3 years ago and he is fine as long as he avoids excitotoxins.
I remember taking cough drops for my constantly sore throat and then waking up several times a night with a terrible dry tickle in the back of my throat that would not go away. I was always hoarse and had constant post nasal drip. As I gradually learned to eliminate MSG, and gave up the cough drops and my old toothpaste (they were the main culprits for the tickle at night in my throat), I began to sleep and breathe like a normal person for the first time in years(also, the sore throat disappeared). I use baking soda for brushing my teeth now. |
Carol H
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 15, 2002 - 4:29 pm: | |
MEMorris, This is just a guess, but it may have to do with whether or not you process MSG quickly to GABA or not. Most of us become agitated, and cannot sleep, that tells me, that glutamate is still around and exciting things. If the body turns MSG to GABA quickly, the result would be like getting hit with valium, since GABA is inhibitory. You might be basically drugging yourself. If you had a good dose of MSG, it could be way too much. That might be why some of you get very sleepy instead of having insomnia. There is also the possibility of MSG triggering an immune response simply due to being a nervous system trigger. Some people get an anaphylactic sort of reaction where the blood pressure drops so low, that they lose consciousness. These are just guesses, I'll have to think on this some more. |
IC
| | Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2002 - 7:08 pm: | |
I don't visit here often, but in viewing some of the comments regarding fish and raisins, I have a suggestion you may want to consider. My theory is that our problems are related to some of the pressor amines. Among these are histamine, tyramine and gulatamine. In particular histamine and tyramine. The common thread with these are ingredients or foods that are aged (decaying). This clearly includes MSG, certainly raisins and most all fish. This is especially true with fish if it is not fresh. Even if it is fresh and if you fry it, whatever you fry it with (oil) most likely contains natural flavors or it is hydrogenated. So, even if the fish does not get you, the oil certainly will or any seasoning you might add.
Just a thought you may want to consider. If any of you are interested I will be happy to post more information that are high in the pressor amines (red wine is perhaps one of the worst).
IC |
casey
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 11:10 pm: | |
Hey Vicki , are you allergic to peanuts? For a long time I could eat peanuts , but peanut butter as soon as it is ground goes moldy faster. I went on a mold free diet, eliminating all sugar, dairy, itc. and had a little peanut butter and it tasted like I had put mold in my mouth. Are you allergic to mold? I get really weird reactions, with tingling , numbness...I wonder does msg cause fibroids? hmm.... |
Donna
| | Posted on Monday, December 23, 2002 - 4:25 pm: | |
My daughter has just started complaining of something going on in her chest. Sometimes when she goes to take a breath she will feel a sharp pain and has to stop but goes away and then is ok. and sometimes it feels like something is poking her. Could this be msg related? My dad and my sister have mytrovalve prolapse which I think I have read MSG can agravate that. Any comments? |
Roy Piwovar
| | Posted on Monday, December 23, 2002 - 5:38 pm: | |
Donna,
Per the link below, "Mitral valve prolapse symptoms can be controlled or prevented by reducing your caffeine and monosodium glutamate intake".
http://www2.cajun.net/~wpharo/#mvp |
Ruth
| | Posted on Monday, December 23, 2002 - 6:27 pm: | |
Donna,
I've had similar pains since I was a child. Sometimes they would last almost 24 hours, and other times they would be gone in minutes or seconds. I still get them once in a while-I go 10 years without any pains, and then I'll get them on and off for a few days. I had an ekg as a child to make sure there was nothing wrong. Also, an x-ray showed a slight curvature of my spine. The doctor explained that the pain could be caused by the curved spine touching the lung. Does this sound plausable? The pain occurs right below my brest and is sharp. I try breathing shallow breaths, which I'm not sure helps or not. It does help to lessen the pain, and the thought of taking a deep breath scares me to death. I'm 56 years old now, and as I said, still get them occasionally. I was recently diagnosed with a left bundled branch block, an electrical problem in the heart. I doubt whether this has anything to do with my pains, as it probably would have been discovered with that ekg I had as a child. Chest pains are scary. It might be a good idea to consult a doctor to rule out anything major. |
Lisa Marie
| | Posted on Saturday, October 18, 2003 - 2:08 pm: | |
Hi all,
It has been almost 2 weeks since I have purposefully ingested anything with MSG (and aspartame) I wish I could say I am feeling better overall, but that isn't true yet. I do feel better on the days when my face is not exploding and my sleep isn't disturbed. But on Wednesday I got a headache, and it hasn't left yet. I am not one to get many headaches.
Deb, I know you mentioned 'withdrawal' somewhere. What are the symptoms of that? I am still living mostly on rice and hamburger.
Today I went to the Whole Food co-op here in Fayetteville, Ar. It was not much better than the one in St. Louis. They have a book section and there was not one book in there about MSG, or even aspartame avoidance. (and I checked some raw food books for the topic also) I even asked for help, and they didn't know. I was really disappointed-I thought surely this store would know about MSG. Am I expecting too much? |
Judy T
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 7:46 am: | |
Lisa Marie: I don't know your background story but I'm concerned you're eating only rice and hamburger. Wow, I'd get a headache too! To start you need a plan that fits you. Start with what you're pretty sure is ok with you. Can you eat eggs? How about pears and bananas? How about zucchini and carrots and squash? How about cashews and roasted unsalted pumpkin seeds? How about rice milk? Not that these are the best or even the types of foods you can eat, but do make a list of what you're going to eat, rotate the foods to avoid more sensitivities and get a well balanced diet. Are your reactions immediate or delayed? Either way you'll need to keep tabs on bad days/nights and good days/nights to see what you ingested previously, remembering all pills or supplements and not to chew gum or take a lozenge. You are absolutely correct, there are no books out there for help. Deb's book and this board were my help (and still are). Good luck and stay with being clean. Actually I was glad msg and free glutamates were my culprit because I did get relief when I went clean; you need to be thinking about whether or not there is more going on with your situation. Keep us posted. |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 8:19 pm: | |
Well, said, Judy. Are you rinsing your rice before cooking, if it is white rice? Also, I find it hard to locate any good beef. So far, I can eat the ground round I get at a butcher shop. You may even be allergic to beef. I'm so sorry that you are suffering. Some people have reported that they had a few bad weeks or months before enough glutamate was gone from their systems. If it is stored in the cells of the body, it will take some time to detox, depending on the amount. Your systems and body have to have a chance to heal. Be sure nothing else is going on, as Judy suggested. Please keep us posted. |
Lisa Marie
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 10:08 am: | |
Judy and Deb,
Thanks for your comments. I am using Lundberg's brown rice, and hamburger from my in-laws, which is from cow not given medications or additives. I have been adding 1-2 things a day, including organic squash, organic apples, organic almonds, potatoes from the farm, and Tree of Life organic peanut butter is what I tried yesterday.
When I got this headache Wednesday it was after taking one CoQ10 from Sams. It took 30 minutes until my face was flushed and burning.
I am trying to expand what I am eating slowly. I don't want to go too far until I get Deb's book.
As far as anything else going on, I just don't think there is. I have eliminated all supplements, and am only taking the meds which are necessities and which I have already been on
for years. I just wish I could see that I am heading in the right direction. I still believe that I am though. |
DJ
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 11:03 am: | |
Hi Lisa Marie!
We seem to have stopped the Rosacea board that we both posted on in its tracks....did you notice?
Please don't get discouraged....you are headed in the right direction. It is probably the most difficult thing in the whole wide world to change eating habits that have been instilled upon you for years, not to mention the convenience of busy working women to just open a box of something. The saddest thing in the world is, that because of this, our children in this country along with parents are being poisoned every day of their lives!
I have tried to talk to mothers of young children to please, PLEASE consider what they are feeding their babies. They will not listen!
Hang in there!
DJ |
Lisa Marie
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 12:49 pm: | |
DJ,
I thought the rosacea board was just very slow. But you are right, there are no postings. Have we given them something to think about, or are they just ignoring us?
This MSG thing is just too scary for words. I spent yesterday in a car with my anesthesiologist brother, and every time I mentioned MSG he just laughed at me. I feel that I have a lot to learn before I can teach anything to others. That won't stop me from fitting it in any time I get a chance. I told him, "Just wait another ten years, and what I am saying will be proven." He thinks this all has no scientific basis. The sad thing is that it may never be proven in my lifetime. Thanks to Deb and this board, there will be people trying to get the point across. |
Roy Piwovar
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 3:27 pm: | |
Lisa,
I hope your brother and other anesthesiologists wake up to the dangers of glutamate.
http://www.lougehrigsdisease.net/als_news/000530local_anesthesia_may_cause_neuro.htm |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 3:35 pm: | |
Lisa, I question some of the meds you are on. You have been taking them for years, but you may not be aware that one or some of them are giving you problems. In the years I have been doing this, when someone who is MSG sensitive does not get better after eliminating it in food, it's often times coming from the meds they take each day. For me, I would take a thyroid pill the same time each morning, and by 3:00 each day, my neck would get sore and stiff and I'd start to feel "off" for the rest of the day. Then I tried a vitamin that did the same thing. I tried different thyroid pills until I found one that didn't bother me...luckily I have a doctor who is very open minded and helpful. Pills may be tiny, but they can pack a wallop if they are full of glutamate containing substances. Sorry to harp on pills, but please consider them. You can even go to the pharmacist and ask for the list for each med that labels all the ingredients....tell the pharmacist that you have a lot of allergies to the additives and fillers in some meds and need the information. Look for things like lactose, gelatin, maltodextrin, cornstarch, gelatinized corn starch, wheat starch or proteins, whey, dextrose or dextrates, and lots more. As for your brother, my son-in-law is a dentist and he was the same way until his heart began racing all the time and he was rushed to the hospital a few times. He's only 31. When they couldn't find anything wrong, he was finally willing to accept the fact that MSG was the culprit. Now he is VERY careful of what he eats, and tells his patients about MSG. |
Lisa Marie
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 5:51 pm: | |
Roy, thank you for that article. I will print it out for my brother. I have been telling him for years that I am allergic to lidocaine-I get the same racing heart, flushed face and high B/p from it. He says that you can not be allergic to lidocaine. Well, now I see that it is probably also a neurotoxin, like MSG. Makes complete sense to me.
Deb, for my meds, I do intend to weed them out more thoroughly when I get your book. I have already eliminated the ones which I get a visible reaction to. I am sure I react to others, and will figure that out more later. What thyroid med do you take now? I am also on snythroid, and have seen mention of it on this board. Thanks. |
Jackye
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 8:46 pm: | |
Thank you for the article Roy. I will be sharing with our anesthesiologists tomorrow. I have found two of them very helpful and interested in learning more. Isn't it amazing the number of people we encounter daily that exhibit signs and symptoms of msg intolerance. As someone said earlier, they aren't sick enough yet...One friend started on antidepressants a couple of weeks ago. She had developed stomach problems, headaches, and depression along with her change in diet...to SlimFast. I shared information... and offered resources. Gosh...I wish we could reach more people. The change in diet and limited diet is well worth the good health. I thank God daily that I have you all and this discussion board provided by Deb and Mike. Lisa Marie, you hang in there. It does get better...I am almost 9 months post connection. My body feels like new...just 20 pounds lighter...too light, but I am hopeful to put a few pounds on.. |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 7:27 am: | |
Lisa, I used to take Synthroid, but do better with Levoxyl... I fluctuate between the 1.25 mg. to 1.37 mg.
John asked about thyroid conditions, and we have found that a large number of MSG sensitive people have them. The thyroid hormones are regulated by the hypothalamus, the region of the brain most effected by MSG and other excitotoxins. I believe there is a connection. |
clarissa
| | Posted on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 7:19 am: | |
hi all , i need help ,i cant type for one not my biggest problem.anyone had strong reaction so bad your afraid to eat?thats me . everytime i eat any tomato stuff or onion i get so depressed and start to cry then in tears shortly after eating crying in public out of control . my ? is how do i tell if reacting to glutes in them or food itself? tom. and onion .thanks clarissa |
Carol H
| | Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 7:59 am: | |
Clarissa, is it only tomato and onion? Could you be reacting to corn as well? |
clarissa
| | Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 2:25 pm: | |
carol corn is a no no as well as any kind of chocolate the chills and the crazy thoughts as well is making me feel like im crazy my medical/dr actually wanted to commit me cause i was in such distress i lost 80 lbs 2 yrs ago put all back mostly i have anxiety from the chills i get when i eat almost anything . pork makes me feel yucky as well as bacon high in msg .desperate for any help bananas citrus also makes me sick.please helpthanks |
Carol H
| | Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 3:32 pm: | |
Clarissa,
Perhaps, eating more eggs and foods higher in tryptophan may help. Also, are you eating enough carbohydrates? Hopefully you are not on a low carb diet. Make sure you have a steady supply of complex carbohydrates of some kind. Mental health depends on it - the brain uses carbohydrates as fuel and if it doesn't get them, it can't turn tryptophan into seratonin. I know first hand. The chemical imbalance I suffer from which causes anxiety and depression calls for seratonin reuptake inhibitors, but they work best when I eat something - preferably with carbohydrate in it.
Avoid MSG, but keep a food diary. Writing how you feel is half of the work - it isn't just what you ate, but how you feel afterwards. It will help you pin this down better and will give you more information to share with your doctor. Let us know how you are doing too ... |
clarissa
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 3:19 pm: | |
dj carol h i ate very little and got the chills like crazy ate baby fresh carrots olives homemade bread thats it org p butter thats it now im suffering .drs said i have add bipolar anyone had any good results w this diagnosis seriously ready to commit myself to psych hosp butfearful imight come out worse than i went in or not come out for weeks cant tell what to do but scared of living like this with all the craziness any suggestions would help im at wits end |
Carol H
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 4:25 pm: | |
Clarissa, peanuts are naturally high in glutamate. Some carrots are sprayed with Auxigro. Avoid the olives for now. Try almond butter instead. Try baking a sweet potato instead of the carrots. Try brown rice. I make brown rice and put a poached egg on it when I want to eat simply for a while, and still get my carbs and tryptophan. You have to eat, it's very important. Did the doctor give you medicine? |
Andrew
| | Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 4:54 am: | |
An interesting aside regarding nutmeg. I have been slowly cutting things out of my diet for about 18 months now. Excess glutamate causes me no physical problems, but just mental ones, I get depressed, confused, dizzy, anxious etc. and this lasts for about 3-6 days. My diet as I stated is under control, I cook all I eat and generally do just fine. However, I started to use a new ingredient in a few things now and again, nutmeg, through elimination I have identified that it is this causing problems (probably the Myristicine contained within the Nutmeg). Nutmeg causes exactly the same mental symptoms and feelings as I get with MSG. Looking back over my diaries I can now see that some of the reactions I thought were being caused by excess glutamate could have actually been nutmeg. Anyone else ever had problems with it? |
Roy Piwovar
| | Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 3:20 pm: | |
More about nutmeg:
http://www.erowid.org/plants/nutmeg/nutmeg_info3.shtml
(highlighting will overcome poor contrast at this link) |
Andrew
| | Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 1:30 am: | |
Thanks for that. The thing that worries me slightly is that 1/4 teaspoon causes me problems - for days. I also have similar problems with any kind of stimulamt whatsoever (I note that the article you pointed to mentions 3,4,5-trimethoxyamphetamine, which is certainly a stimulant), especially pseudoephedrine (found in decongestants) so am not overly suprised that nutmeg causes problems. Ah well, just one more thing to avoid. |
MEMorrisNJ
| | Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 5:32 am: | |
Andrew - Perhaps the packager mixed it with something else unless you ground it yourself from a nutmeg nut. I avoid bottled spices after having a reaction from tumeric. |
Andrew
| | Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 1:08 pm: | |
I have grated off the nut and used powder with the same effects, it looks like it is nutmeg for sure. I usually buy spices from Asian grocers, so I trust them, but I agree it is neccessary to check ingredients for even (supposedly) single spicesn, that 'spice extract' is often lurking...:/ |
Tiffany Colson
| | Posted on Thursday, January 13, 2005 - 1:36 pm: | |
Hi my hubby is allergic to msg. His throat will swell up. It is really scary. I discovered that my migraines were caused by msg when I met my hubby. Just wanted to share our symptoms. |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Thursday, January 13, 2005 - 5:48 pm: | |
Thanks, Tiffany. I just received an email today from a woman whose husband has swelling in many different parts of his body, including his lips and eyes. She told me it would be reassuring to know that others suffer the same way to convince herself and her husband that MSG is capable of causing swelling like that.I will send her your posting, if you don't mind. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 1:24 pm: | |
My husband often get very tired even though he has been sleeping all day. He often fall a sleep while watching TV or laying down the couch or even we visited friend, he could not keep awake. Every chance he gots, he goes to sleep. He always tired and very irritable. His doctor prescribed him a sleeping pills but he does not want to rely on the pills all the time. Any suggestion or advice? |
Lisa Marie
| | Posted on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 6:54 pm: | |
When I was consuming diet coke, or beverages with Aspartame in them, I would have to lie down every couple of hours, and always felt as if I needed to nap. When I cut out MSG and learned that I also had to stop aspartame, after about a month, I realized that the feeling of all consuming tiredness had left me. Aspartame is being added to so many things now--almost all processed foods are to be avoided. It means completely changing the way you eat. I have to agreee with Jerry on this--restaurant food is bad--even when they say they don't add MSG, they have no idea of the hidden forms. My social life is gone now that I can't eat out, but I feel so much better. |
jolts
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 12:16 pm: | |
This is my 1 yr anniversary of making the msg connection. And I'd like to give a very special thanks to Deb A, Carol H, Tom Fernstrom , MEMorrisNJ, & other great posters like Roy Piwovar, Gerry Bush, Jerry Story, Deb S, Lisa M, & to all you others. You all have literally saved my life. By eliminating msg & it's aliases I no longer have A-Fib & I haven't for some time now. When I think back of all those violent jumps I had in my chest & many times I used to ask the Lord to please take me this time. Well I don't have that problem no more. I also don't get bad neck pain with that intense burning. My liver pain is almost gone that I had for @5 yrs, which is something I only figured out a short while back. Back pain is greatly reduced. Sleep myoclnus...greatly reduced. TMJ is better as is chest pain. Morning stiffness much better. Numbness & tingling sensations much improved. Extreme muscle tightness also greatly improved. Insomnia...goodbye. Chronic headaches & migrains...very rare. Equilibrium is much better. Stress & depression is improved. Feet no longer hurt to walk. Anxiety...no more. Cognitive disorders...well that one could be a little better. Oops....almost forgot, lost lots of weight. Always getting complements on that one. Well...what do you all think...ain't that great?
Deb A
I'd like to give you a special thanks for making this all happen. For your great book & this site & for answering everybody's questions!!
Carol H
For being here with us at all times with your scientific knowedge & common sense. I greatly value your own site. When you speak...I listen!!
Tom Fernstrom
I thank you so much for being so blunt with me in the past as I know I wasn't listening very good at first. By you also having the A-Fib & getting results let me know I was on the right tract. You just might be the one person for the reason I don't have A-Fib any more. Thank you so much!!
MEMorrisNJ
You were the first to email me many times & helped me get started especially on what foods to eat. I often view those emails. You spent a lot of time with me. I thank you for that!!
I know I haven't posted in some time but I view this board every single day. I'd like you all to take a moment & think about what you all have done. You have given me my life back. Tell your family...tell your friends....as you all should be proud. I've been to doctors many times in the past & none of them had a clue.
I hope some day we all can get together & meet So I can give you all a big hug!!
Thanks from the bottom of my heart...Pat Sr!!!!!!! |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 5:54 pm: | |
Jolts (Pat Sr), I couldn't be more thrilled to hear about all the changes in your health, and I'm sure, in your life. A big hug right back at you!!!
You've warmed my heart and given Mike and I a reminder of why we are involved in this important cause. It's an uphill battle, and it's so good to know we are not alone in it. I hope all of you will be more than blessed for your efforts. |
jolts
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 6:35 pm: | |
Thank you Deb...& I hope I've made your day! |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 9:09 pm: | |
Yep, you have! Thanks! |
Carol H
| | Posted on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 6:32 pm: | |
Pat Sr,
I am tearing up right now, and the screen is getting blurry I am so relieved and happy that you are feeling better. Every word that tells us someone is getting better is so precious. Sometimes I can get overwhelmed, and feel as if we are struggling with an impossible feat, and then I'll read a post like yours, and I am profoundly inspired to keep going. Thank you! |
jolts
| | Posted on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 9:36 pm: | |
Why thanks Carol. I guess I made your day also as you certainly made mine. I find myself inspired to spread the word about msg & it's aliases but it's not going as well as I hoped. Take for instance at Curezone I'll see somebody asking for help where their symptoms sound just like mine, I'll tell them the scoop & in most intances I don't even get a reply. Also at work & other places at first they seem to listen but later down the road nothing. Maybe it's my approach, I don't know. But I'm not giving up helping people...it's something I like to do.
Again...Thanks Carol...Pat Sr |
Tom Fernstrom
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 9:05 am: | |
Jolts,
I too wish to thank you for your compliments. I am so glad that you had the courage and fortitude to follow the advice of us caring strangers. But somehow I don’t feel like a stranger to all of the readers and participants of this discussion board. You are all my friends and I care about each and every one of you.
Pardon me if I use this opportunity to relate a recent experience and subsequent linkage theory I have developed.
I'm working with a neighbor lady, Rhonda, right now who for 20+ years has had indigestion problems, gas, weight gain, intestinal pain, sleeplessness and general ill health to the point of desperation.
They have only been our neighbors for about 8 months, but we have become very close with her, her husband and their Rottweiler, Thor.
I have told them about my experiences with MSG, abstention and supplementation, but never hit home with them until I studied Rhonda’s symptoms and watched her eating habits. At breakfast about two weeks ago, I noticed her adding creamer after creamer to her coffee as well as ordering a glass of whole milk and all the while she was telling us in graphic detail about her indigestion problems. I could have easily made an MSG connection, but even though I feel she may also be being affected by MSG, I used the knowledge and theories garnered by my interactions on this site and spent the rest of the meal espousing my theory about her symptoms.
I had previously noted that every time she had severe reactions, she would be taking over the counter ulcer remedies and drinking lots of milk in an effort to reduce the pain and discomfort. I asked her if at any time in her life if she had taken antibiotics heavily. She admitted that about 20 years ago, she had a number of infections. This antibiotic therapy went on periodically over a few years.
It has always been my theory (and I’ve posted it on this site previously) that antibiotics are in part responsible for the destruction of the ability of the body to produce certain enzymes (specifically those needed for the proper digestion of Lactose and Gluten). Many of us NOMSGers have been prescribed antibiotics for the various MSG symptoms and some have developed these intolerances.
I suggested to Rhonda that she try a simple experiment and stop at the store on her way home to pick up some Lactaid. I also suggested that she cut back on milk consumption and watch ingredients in processed food products for milk byproducts. She took my advice and has dramatically improved in just two weeks. She no longer has the gas, intestinal pain and discomfort. The bloating is diminishing day by day and she has lost about 12 pounds.
Boy this sure is taking me a long time to say thanks, but think about the above. I’m sure many of us NOMSGers have benefited from the abstention routine we’ve developed over time staying away from many milk products, cheeses, ice creams, breads, pastas, rice, etc. all in the effort to avoid sources of processed and natural glutamate. We might not even be aware that part of our improved health and symptom relief may also be attributed to avoiding these foods in light of lactose or gluten intolerance brought on by antibiotic therapies related to MSG symptoms.
Boy that turned out to be a mouthful. But it does make some sense.
Thanks again. |
jolts
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 8:29 pm: | |
Tom thank you & I think that's great what your doing for Rhonda. Dosen't feel good to help someone? Just recently I helped a co-worker from having a gallbladder attack. I stopped her pain within just a few minutes.
Good for you Tom...keep it up!!
Pat Sr |
MEMorrisNJ
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 5:54 am: | |
Jolts - And I already told you how I feel Would you mind posting here how to deal w/ a gb attack? I know you told me before but I think it may be helpful to post here since many MSGers have commented they have gb problems. |
jolts
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 8:17 am: | |
If you suspect your having gb discomfort, pain, or an attack it is wise to take Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate). Just take 1 rounded tbsp with water or juice. The epsom salts relaxes the bile ducts and allows the bile to exit. If the pain subsides within 15 mins than that indeed proves you have gb problems, & you need to act.
Hope this helps...Pat Sr |
jolts
| | Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 7:33 pm: | |
MEMorrisNJ...did you receive my email to you? I suspect I'm having a problem with my email account.
Pat Sr |
MEMorrisNJ
| | Posted on Friday, March 25, 2005 - 2:13 pm: | |
Yes and I replied today! |
Kira
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 2:36 pm: | |
Hello im just wondering if anyone can tell me the preservative number of MSG |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 6:51 pm: | |
Kira, I just emailed Jack Samuels of www.truthinlabeling.org. I'm hoping he has the number for you. |
paula
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 9:12 pm: | |
Kira, in the UK its E621. There are other glutamates from E620 to E650 http://www.bryngollie.freeserve.co.uk/Enumbers.htm |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Thursday, March 31, 2005 - 6:51 am: | |
Paula beat me...but here's Jack's response, Kira:
Deb:
This post is most likely from someone in Europe where E-numbers are used. The food ingredient monosodium glutamate is not a preservative, though some people have referred to it as such. The E-number for the food ingredient monosodium glutamate is listed on our Web site at www.truthinlabeling .org/Enumbers.html along with other ingredients that contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG). Monosodium glutamate is E621.
The E system makes no provision for hydrolyzed proteins. All hydrolyzed proteins will contain some processed free glutamic acid (MSG).
Jack |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - 5:55 pm: | |
I suffered with migraine headaches from the time I was 13 yrs. old.[I am now 50ish] I started wearing magnetic-insoles in my shoes at my md's request[for my back pains] and I never had a migraine since.That was about 8years ago. It's worth the try. |
Carol H
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 11:50 am: | |
How will that help someone who gets headaches from MSG? |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 12:09 pm: | |
I don't know if it would help but I thought it might help someone out there who suffers from migraine-headaches.I've suffered with migraines so bad that trying magnetic-insoles was worth the try and I don't regret it .If it can help one person out there I'll be very happy,because it worked for me, I'm not a scientist to know how it helps all I know is that it did beleive me or not. I have nothing to gain except maybe help someone else get rid of the migraines. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 5:21 am: | |
I have a strange reaction whenever I eat at Red Lobster restaurant. About 1/2 hour after leaving, I will get a burning in my abdomen (like heartburn/reflux but much lower), my skin will flush, eyes get blurry and I have a heaviness in my chest, and I get really sleepy. I have no allergy to seafood, and have this reaction only at that one restaurant, even though I've eaten something different each time I'm there. Does anyone know what could cause this? |
Roy Piwovar
| | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 12:56 am: | |
Anonymous,
I'd stop eating there. You could even be reacting to something in the restaurant other than the food. |
Cate
| | Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 9:25 am: | |
This site is so amazing to me. I have these terrible migraines and my blood sugar drops all the time. I think I'm eating healthy. Lot's of steamed vegis and whole wheat pasta. But, I'm a mess. I feel terrible all the time. I have mood swings. I'm seemingly healthy to the doctors. I do drink diet coke and get terrible cravings for sweets like chocolate. Does this sound as if it could be food related? Thanks |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 2:49 pm: | |
Yes, it could be. I thought I was eating healthy, too....made lots of healthy snacks, but was getting healthy doses of MSG in a lot of things I thought were good for me...yogurt, diet pop ( full of aspartame and MSG..both do the same thing to our brain cells). Many vitamins, supplements, herb teas, snacks, including chocolate, contain sources of free glutamate, the harmful component of MSG....dry milk is extremely high in free glutamate, and that is what is added to chocolate to make milk chocolate. Candy bars and commercial baked goods contain substances high in free glutamate. |
Carol H
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 - 5:27 am: | |
Cate,
Wheat is naturally high in glutamate. Try foods without it for a while and see how you feel.
Carol |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 10:25 am: | |
I have had horrible chest pain ,the Dr.'s say it's acid reflux. I'm wondering if it could be msg.I do not have heart-burn,and don't feel sick just the pain in my chest and it's not my heart. Can anyone help me. Thank-You! |
Connie M.
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 11:17 am: | |
Hi, I am kind of new here. But yes, it could be reflux, but yes it could also be the MSG. Why not cut out the MSG and see? I feel better since cutting it out. And follow up with your doctor about the chest pains, but who knows getting rid of the MSG may just get rid of the chest pains. And make you feel better overall. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 - 10:40 am: | |
Hi Connie Thank-you so much for replying, I will follow your advice. I'll let you know how I make out.Thanks again. |
Mosey
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 - 1:37 pm: | |
Sometimes I get chest pains and an acidy feeling when I eat something that I react to; at times a throbbing pain, other times a stabbing pain on my left side.
My heart is fine. I know it is the food that I am reacting to. My symptoms are fading since going msg free.
I used to call it "coffee stomach" because that is what it felt like - too much coffee on an empty stomach. That too went away now and I only get it when I eat something I shouldn't.
One time, my brother-in-law thought he was having a heart attack and we took him to the emergency room - it turned out to be really bad heartburn. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 5:36 am: | |
Hi Mosey, I was taken to emergency a couple of weeks ago they thought it was a heart attack ,but now they say it's acid reflux,because my heart is fine. I get real bad chest pains though. Like I told Connie I will follow her advice. THe Dr. said you don't necessarily have to have heart-burn to have acid-reflux. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 1:21 pm: | |
Hey guys, i was a hyper sexually active guy from the age of 14-23. Since the age of 23, I have had no arousal for sex what so ever. I am now 31. I have had doctors check me out all over the place, could not give me an answer. I am incredibly allergic to MSG. I wonder whether MSG is the cause to my wild reproductive system. Has anybody had anything like this? I would love to know.
Thanks,
Adam |
Carol H
| | Posted on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 2:50 pm: | |
Adam, MSG decreases dopamine and increases prolactin. The medication used to treat pituitary tumors - cabergoline - is also used to increase sex drive in patients who lose it due to other meds they are on. Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist. It does the opposite of MSG. I don't think your symptoms are a coincidence. I was occupationally exposed to MSG and aspartame and have a pituitary tumor that is being treated with cabergoline to shrink the tumor. |
Connie M.
| | Posted on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 7:22 pm: | |
Adam, I am guessing the first thing they checked was your testosterone level?
Also are you on any medications? Some can cause you to lose your sex drive. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Friday, July 22, 2005 - 10:48 pm: | |
Yep, my testosterone levels all checked out. Could it be dopamine, probably not. Dopamine also effects mood, which needless to say, is pretty good right now. I would just love to know if their is someone who lost their libido.
Thanks
Adam |
Tom Fernstrom
| | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 7:08 am: | |
Anonymous,
I presumed my loss of libido was attributable to a combination of a vasectomy done at age 45, heavy drinking and heart medication. But I do know that my sex drives increases exponentially if I dedicate time and effort into establishing an atmosphere for sex which includes lots of visual stimulation.
There is an establisment near us called the Sybaris (www.sybaris.com) that specializes in providing a secluded romantic atmosphere designed to allow couples to, in their words, re-kindle their love lives.
Without fail, I will perform to levels near my late teens given this atmosphere and visual stimulation.
Now could there be a residual damage result from years of MSG ingestion that affected my brain in such a way that it requires intense levels of stimulation to get my hormones to kick in? Could be. What think the rest of you? |
Roy Piwovar
| | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 2:33 pm: | |
Anonymous,
Every area seems to have a hotel chain making such claims. In my neck of the woods, it's:
http://www.innofthedove.com/
Beware of their food, though. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 8:01 pm: | |
Kind of depressed not having any sex drive. I don't know about for girls, but from a guy's point of view, it really sucks. Just because I think it is such a large component to our lives. I cannot imagine any doctor would be able to help me. I was already checked out by phyciatrists, surgeons, urologists. I check out physically, I do not show any depression. I don't know. |
Lucie D
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 7:30 am: | |
I have 2 questions. I have found that I am moderately reactive to MSG. When I eat at a Japanese restaurant I get heart palpatiations and my spine burns. Also suffer insomnia. I already have Debs book and am avoiding MSG as much as I can. However, I still am having terrible insomnia problems and a new symptom- which is hard to explain, it is like my lips/mouth area freezes for a couple seconds. My throat and tounge do not hurt, just my mouth. Then I am fine. Has anyone had this symptom? This was after eating MuirGlen salsa w/lime. I normally am not reactive to any tomato product.
Secondly, I want to know does the sensitivity get progressively worse? I feel like a prisonor, because I am scared of a very serious reaction, but never had one. I am careful, but if I mess up every now and again, I want to make sure that it is ok. |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 9:14 pm: | |
We all make mistakes, especially the first 6 months to a year of learning how to avoid hidden glutamate. A lot of people think they are doing well at avoiding it, when they are still taking vitamins or supplements or a daily yogurt they can't give up. All of these can be the culprit. Also, a medication can cause reactions if the fillers, binders, coatings, or gel caps contain glutamate.I have been hearing that many people can no longer use most Muir Glen products. They use citric acid in most items, and this is a source of hidden glutamate. You may also be experiencing withdrawal symptoms. MSG is a true drug, and some of us feel worse before we get better. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Thursday, September 01, 2005 - 5:53 am: | |
where can i get a list of products to avoid ,that have msg ,or how do i get started? |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Thursday, September 01, 2005 - 7:02 am: | |
Go to www.msgmyth.com. There is a book available there to help the newcomer. Also there, is a list of the ingredients that you need to know when reading labels. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 - 10:25 am: | |
WELL IM AGE 40 NOW AND MYE EYE SIGHT IS DRIVEING ME CRAZY.TELL ME IF THIS NORMALE. I CANT ALWAYS SEE THE TV OR PEOPLES FACES CLEARLY.HELP GOD BLESS KAREN |
Carol H
| | Posted on Saturday, October 01, 2005 - 6:17 pm: | |
Have you seen an eye doctor? |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Thursday, October 13, 2005 - 5:38 am: | |
Very good webpage you have here and best greetings to all your visitors. <h1><A HREF="http://www.base-poker.com/free-poker.html"> free strip poker stories </A>
</h1> |
MIKEM
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 - 7:26 am: | |
hi- ive been experiencing strange symptoms after eating certain foods. i get a dull opressure sensation around my temples, a dazed feeling and tired. i usually experience this after eating grains, certain fruits and veggies, some teas, and some supplements. does anyone know what this might be? thanks |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 7:07 am: | |
You need to be more specific, Mikem....what fruits and veggies...fresh? frozen? canned? Flavored teas? As for supplements, most are loaded with glutamate from the fillers, coatings, bindings and gelatin caps. |
MIKEM
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 4:14 pm: | |
Hi-
I try to stay away from canned and frozen foods. the foods that give me symptoms are cilantro, asparagus, lemons, oranges, prunes, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, cinnamon, honey, some feremented foods and some grains. i cant figure out whats causing the problem, but whatever it is it's a chemical thats present in a wide range of foods, so even if i wanted to go on an elimination diet i really couldnt. the only time i dont have the symptoms is when i eat fish, rice, broccoli, potatoes, spinach, chicken - just basic simple food |
MIKEM
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 4:15 pm: | |
forgot to ask - is it possible i have a sensitivity to phenolics - this is what an allergy specialist told me. thanks Deb |
Roy Piwovar
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 5:35 pm: | |
Mike,
Linked below is an explanation about phenolics.
http://www.cbnaturalmedicine.com/allergies.html#phenolics |
MEMorrisNJ
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 5:03 am: | |
Mike - For whatever it is worth, I don't have food allergies but I can't seem to eat asparagus, citrus fruits (which I read is quite common --- can't recall name of book right now), and most grains (other than buckwheat and plain Italian bread with no additives). I avoid fermented foods because they are not advisable for anyone who may have candida/yeast. I can eat cinnamon and kiwi. I have to be real careful with teas --- can't tolerate those with additives and flavorings. My diet is similar to the simple one you mentioned. |
MIKEM
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 7:43 am: | |
thanks for the info - what kind of symptoms do you experience when you eat these foods? |
Carol H
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 7:58 am: | |
MikeM, when you have reactions to so many foods - as I do, it's best for your own sanity to get tested by an allergist. They can sort it out much easier in a shorter time. I often get diagnoses I did not expect. I always go in with a few ideas of what I am now allergic to, and I am usually close, but there is always a new surprise. Allergic symptoms are - swollen face, dropped blood pressure, fatigue, hives, refux, sometimes digestive troubles too. |
MIKEM
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 8:25 am: | |
hey- yeah i went thru allergy testing and only came up positive for rye and peanuts. the only symptoms i experience are fatigue, a dazed feeling and a kind of pressure sensation in my head, so i don't know is thats considered a true allergic reaction or if its something else |
QBagainstMSG
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 6:59 pm: | |
After having msg filled soup at a japanese restaurant, i believe i may have experienced a small stroke or sudden jar of my nervous system. this happened in january 06 and to this day, may 28, i have not been able to swallow food correctly, my vision is flickering, i have a painful abdomen, and i also have chronic fatigue. i am only 21 years old!!!! |
Roy Piwovar
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 8:21 pm: | |
QB,
Your experience is all too familiar. Please avoid eating out, and that includes food offered by friends and relatives as well as restaurants. If you can't read the ingredients labels, you can't be sure it's safe. Using the list linked below when grocery shopping will help. I find that taking ibuprofen reduces symptoms, but it won't work for everybody. Perhaps with strict avoidance you can improve. Anything else is too risky. Good luck!
http://www.msgmyth.com/hidename.htm. |
Byron
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 7:27 am: | |
hey QB are you a football player or somethin? |
Idgiebay
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 4:49 pm: | |
Hi,
I was linked here while doing research on yeast syndrome... I'm going to be trying the one-week test to see if I'm MSG sensitive because I really don't know what else to do about my symptoms. I'm 23 years old and have been having heart palpitations since I was about 8. They scared me then, but they became something I got used to. Within the past three years, though, they've gotten worse and I now have a slew of other problems that doctors just don't have answers to.
Every once in a while, when I stand up, my heart races, my head feels like it's being filled with blood, and if I don't control my breathing properly, I feel as though I'll pass out. I've worn two 24 hour holters and both came back normal. I've also had an ECG which came back normal.
When all of this started happening three years ago, I had a major panic attack and so my doctor has since diagnosed me with anxiety disorder... well, I rarely suffer from panic attacks anymore (can't even recall the last time I had one) so I don't think that is the case. I've been told that it's stress, that it's all in my head, that I'm perfectly healthy... I'm at my wit's end! I don't know what to do anymore. Sometimes I feel as though I'm going to die, it's so dibilitating!
Recently, I've started having tingling in my right hand and foot... coupled with the heart racing and dizziness, my doctor wanted to test me for diabetes since I'm overweight and it runs in my family. Well, my blood sugar is very good. No diabetes... my thyroid level is borderline, though, so now attests all these symptoms to my thyroid, even though the last test he did was well within normal range and I was still having these symptoms.
Sorry I'm so rambly and jumping all over the place... I just don't know what to do anymore. Does it seem like I may MSG sensitivity?
Oh, I also have problems with candida... would that have anything to do with MSG?
Thank you for listening,
Idgiebay |
Roy Piwovar
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 6:58 pm: | |
Idgiebay,
It sounds like MSG is a factor, but one among many. The only way to know how much of a role MSG plays is to eliminate it as best you can and see if there is improvement in your symptoms. Remember to eliminate aspartame (nutrasweet) also, as some of your symptoms fit the side effects of that, also. |
Idgiebay
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 9:44 pm: | |
Roy,
Thanks for replying. I'm going to take the one week "test" at MSG Myth starting tomorrow (going to do it for two weeks, though, just to be sure), to see if that's the problem. As a test, I ate McDonald's tonight to see how I felt and, well, as I guessed would happen, my heart is palpitating and racing when I stand up.
We'll see how I feel in a couple weeks.
Thanks again,
Idgiebay |
Deb A.
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 9:05 am: | |
Glad you found us, Idgibay. Your symptoms sound consistent with MSG and aspartame toxicity. |
Idgiebay
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 2:55 pm: | |
Here is what I've eaten today:
Eggs cooked in butter (Wild Oats brand, organic, only cream and salt) and two pieces of organic mozerella string cheese... I did not take my vitamins or drink my usual glass of orange juice.
However... I feel absolutely awful. I'm so tired and I have a terrible headache. It almost feels like my TMJ is acting up, but it's never acted up like this before. What should I do? Is this typical or have I done something wrong?
Thanks,
Idgiebay |
Lisa Marie
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 3:30 am: | |
Idgiebay,
When I first went on the MSG free plan, I had a splitting headache for absoulutely 2 weeks straight. I gave up aspartame at the same time. I ate exactly the way Deb said to. Funny thing, when the two weeks was up, I noticed that I was feeling much better! As an added benefit, I realized that I didn't even have to nap 6 times a day, I stopped forgetting and stumbling over words as I had before, and my memory returned. Those last things I believe had to do with aspartame. You have to give it more time. Please don't give up. |
Katie22
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 9:47 am: | |
Im knew here just found out about MSG, yesterday I marinated some steaks in Stubbs Beef Marinate took a few bites of it and bam all the sudden my heart started Im not sure if it was slowing down, but everything kinda got quiet around me and my heart started beating strange, then I was real nervous for the rest of the night and thirsty, Im still thristy today, does anyone know if this is MSG and if it is when the thirst will go away |
Anonymous
Posted From: 12.76.14.193
| | Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 11:10 am: | |
Ingredient list: http://www.ironq.com/stubb_s_beef_marinade.html
You have several ingredients that can act like excitoxins! Stay away from stuff like this.
You can make your own marinade with lemon, salt, pepper, garlic, fresh spices (e.g., oregano, basil),etc. |
Katie22
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 11:59 am: | |
Thanks for the ingredients list I just finished going over the bottle and it does say that it has monosodium glutamate. So everyone deffinately stay away from this. |
Roy Piwovar
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 4:08 pm: | |
Stubbs prides himself on his cooking. After reading the nutritional information for his BBQ sauce, I wouldn't trust it.
http://www.buystubbs.com/stublegbarbq.html
Ingredients
Tomato sauce (water, tomato paste), distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, molasses, salt, Worchestershire sauce concentrate (water, salt, molasses, vinegar caramel color [contains sulfites], garlic, monosodium glutamate, sugar, chili pepper, spices, natural smoke flavor, mustard, onion, polysorbate 80, natural flavors (spice extractives),], some flavor, cirtic acid, less than 1/10 of 1% sodium benzoate added as a perservate. |
Anonymous
Posted From: 68.112.190.133
| | Posted on Saturday, December 30, 2006 - 7:43 pm: | |
I've been struggling with horrible headaches for about five years now. I suffered a neck injury at one time and thought the headaches were the cause of my neck problems, as I would get horrible pains in my neck and when I went to my chiropractor to get adjusted, the headaches would often diminish. Most of the time, though, I'd suffer through the headaches for ten or twelve hours and the edge would eventually wear off. When I started realizing it wasn't just my neck, but migraines as well, I started going to the doctor. Boy, I'll tell you, there's nothing like a doctor telling you "It's just stress. It's a stress headache," when you feel like someone's squeezing your optic nerve in a vice and has beat you across the back of the neck with a two-by-four. I've been to countless doctors, nuerologists, etc. I finally stumbled upon a doctor who had me try Imitrex, and it works well for the migraines. We discussed the whole MSG theory, as well, and it was amazing when I started realizing that I was reacting to certain foods (almost everything I was eating). I lived on noodles, sandwiches, Ramen's, spaghetti with Rague sauce, canned beef stew, Campbells soups, DORITOS (off ALL chips for God's sake...MSG is right in the ingredients label) etc. Good, Lord. I was killing myself.
When I react to MSG, I end up with what I call "brain mud." I'm foggy, it's hard to concentrate, think in a linear fashion. My eyes just absolutely kill (usually just one side or the other), and get awful migraine headaches.
Over the years I've become asthmatic and suffer severe allergies (I've been on Claritin D for years, and my bp has steadily risen as a result). The chronic post nasal drip started way before the headaches. I think it started way back in college for me, probably, when I started suffering chronic sinus infections from chronic stuffiness and post nasal drip.
It's really very scary. The only problem now is I'm scared to death to eat ANYTHING. I pretty much live on tuna and chicken or turkey with Lowry's seasoning, Dannon organic vanilla yogurt, and Dean's cottage cheese. I get tired of it, but i'm so scared to eat anything else. I love feeling good again, not having that foggy brain, sore eyes, headaches, and being irritable with my poor kids. It's just amazing what a differnece it has made.
Anyway, I'll end this now. I just needed to talk to some folks who undersand.
Jason L. Fairweather
email: crzywthkids@msn.com |
Deb A.,
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 - 10:09 pm: | |
Hi Anonymous. Please consider getting our book offered at www.msgmyth.com...no, I am not pushing sales. But I am concerned about your limited diet. The book has lots of helpful tips and over 400 recipes. I would also suggest that you avoid the Lawry's seasoning...it has glutamate in it, even if it says otherwise...sources that contain it. I'm so glad that you made the MSG connection to your symptoms and, yes, we sure do understand what it's like to have this terrible sensitivity. I can relate to all that you have gone through, including the "stress" diagnosis. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. I'm sure it helps visitors who come here, and keeps the rest of us going. |
arlenewheeler51
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 12:35 pm: | |
Hi, I haven't posted for months. We have the 18 year old son, Aaron, who is very sick. We knew MSG really bothered him, but thought something else was too. He was really going downhill fast. FINALLY after 20 doctors and another switch, a doctor diagnosed him with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, insomnia, adrenal fatigue, mitral valve prolapse, etc all caused by lyme disease. Many of the symptoms for lyme are the same as those that MSG causes. Many people who have been diagnosed with neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, lupus, MS, etc. are testing positive for lyme. Lyme is difficult to diagnose and test for. The only good test is the QRIBb by Bowen Research Lab of FL. It's a great new test that should be covered by insurance soon. I hope this info helps others who think they may have more going on than MSG problems and can't find the answer.
We found and are using Quantum Nutrition Lab supplements which are pure and natural. You can find them at healthline (google search). These seem to agree with Aaron most of the time. He even takes the vegetable capsules so we don't have to take the supplements out for him to take. You can get some of the supplements in a powder or liquid form if you don't want to take the capsules.
Thanks for your past help.
Arlene Wheeler
email: dwheeler40@sbcglobal.net |
arlenewheeler51
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 12:42 pm: | |
Arlene again...the site for the supplements is www.healthline.cc/ |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 9:29 am: | |
Hi Arlene. Thanks for updating us about Aaron. How is he doing now? |
arlenewheeler51
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 8:08 pm: | |
Not so good yet. Treatment kills the bacteria, but as the dead, neurotoxic bacteria circulates and leaves the body it causes pain called a herxheimer reaction. He still cannot work or think to go to school. I seriously thought we were going to loose him a few times. More times than I can count, he has wanted to give up one way or another to end the pain. I've heard of lots of lyme patients feeling this way. I am hopeful that we are seeing a slight gradual improvement. It's really hard to judge. It could take a few years before he is feeling as good as he can be to the point that the lyme has caused permanent damage. Hopefully, there is no permanent damage.
We continue on a a strict diet with him which helps tremendously. Thank you for all your help there!
Arlene |
Roy Piwovar
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 3:35 am: | |
The link below lists some treatments for herx reactions, which are said to be experienced by about half of those with lyme disease:
http://lassesen.com/cfids/herxheimer.htm |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 8:12 am: | |
Yesterday, I went to a health discussion board where they were discussing Lyme disease, and many of the people there said that they felt so much better when they avoid MSG and aspartame. I would suggest that you consider still taking his medication out of the gel cap....there is a lot of glutamate in both the veggie and animal caps. I sure hope he feels better soon. |
Anonymous
Posted From: 72.64.34.169
| | Posted on Saturday, January 20, 2007 - 4:29 pm: | |
I have numbness in my arms and legs/feet. It started just in my arms a number of years ago. The numbness is increased when I am laying down. I'm going to try the MSG free diet and see if I have any improvement. It's hard to convince my family to cut out the MSG, so any suggestions are appreciated. I'll be having a physical next week and I'm supposed to have a nerve damage test in a few weeks. Is there anyone else out there with numbness?
Donna/VA |
Roy Piwovar
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, January 20, 2007 - 8:24 pm: | |
Anonymous,
Surely eliminating MSG couldn't hurt, but it could be anything. The forum linked below suggests everything from steroids to chiropractors:
http://forums.wrongdiagnosis.com/showthread.php?t=5066 |
Donna/VA
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 10:11 am: | |
Thank you for the info., Roy!
Donna/VA |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 10:52 am: | |
Received this recently. She said I could share her story.
"Hello again Deb,
My name is Brandy _____. Last year you and my mom talked on the phone, I had drank the soup at a Japanese restaurant and my throat/esophagus inflamed leaving me unable to swallow solid foods. Just thought I would let you know how I'm doing. Last year, I racked up thousands of dollars in medical bills going from doctor to doctor trying to get them to figure out what is going on with my throat. It seems so obvious that there is some type of disease/disorder that was severely aggravated when I drank that warm soup (By the way, I found out the ingredients to that Little Cup of Death - Salt, Sugar, Monosodium Glutamate, Enriched Flour, Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten, Soybean Oil, Chicken Fat, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Natural Flavoring, Dehydrated Onion, Onion Powder, Spice, Oleoresin Turmeric, Caramel Color, Paprika, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate). I had numerous blood tests, testing for almost everything under the sun, barium swallows, nerve conduction studies, manometry studies, endoscopies, laryngoscopies, xrays, cat scans, MRIs, biopsies. I still have no answers. I am STILL having to puree my food. I have fiercly learned how to avoid MSG and it's many other names, I am just sticking to plain whole food. Unfortunately, avoiding it is not helping my throat. I am not reacting, my problem is a result from ONE REACTION! ONE LITTLE CUP OF SOUP! The right half of my throat and neck were severely attacked and eaten away. My right jaw joint was also nearly eaten away. As a result, I have developed severe depression, and I have been in a psychiatric unit twice. I can't believe glutamate has ruined my life. I no longer have any hopes and dreams. I used to think about all the things I wanted to do in life and get butterflies in my stomach. Now, I have a death wish, and I'm only 22. It may seem strange that it has brought me down so low, but it has. I have been trying to hold on to Jesus, hoping that he will bless me with the miracle of a restored throat. You have my permission to share my story with anyone, as well as my first name. I know that word is spreading and many, many more people are beginning to avoid it, and I'm so glad for them!! But, I wish I had been warned. Thank you for all that you're doing to spread the word, I'm glad to see that the 700 club brought you a lot of new book orders. Hopefully one day I will write and say that God has healed me!
Hope you are having a good evening!
Brandy" |
Brandy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 3:50 pm: | |
Hello everyone. Above is my story. I am sorry to report that I am not any better. The soft tissue in my throat has not grown back and no doctor is recognizing that there is a major problem. I am still eating pureed foods. I'd appreciate your prayers. Thank you.
Brandy |
Anonymous
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, June 08, 2007 - 5:18 am: | |
Dear Brandy,
First of all let me express how sorry I am to hear of your story. I can imagine that having to puree all your food is inconvenient.
You didn't mention if you have any pain. If you don't, then try to think of yourself as only inconvenienced and thank God for the many things in your life that you have and can enjoy.
On another note, if you haven't been to the Mayo Clinic perhaps with their world reknown teams of doctors they might be able to help you. I've heard incredible stories from people who finally got answers from them. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, June 08, 2007 - 2:21 pm: | |
Brandy, thank you for posting and updating us on your condition. Please never give up hope. You have our prayers and concern. Hope you will continue to update us. Is a law suit possible? If it were me, I would take as much information as I could find about MSG, including Dr. Blaylock's book, to a lawyer who is willing to assess your case for free. |
Brandy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, June 08, 2007 - 4:59 pm: | |
Anon- I was in so much pain that I almost killed myself twice and ended up in a psychiatric unit.. In August of 2006 I went to Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona.. and the doctors couldn't find anything wrong with me. They were very closed minded about MSG as almost all doctors are.
Deb A, I've often thought about a law suit, but since docs can't see the problem on xrays or barium swallows, I feel that a lawyer would tell me that I don't have a case.
Thank you all for your prayers and concern, I deeply appreciate it.
If anything new happens I'll update. You all take care! |
Anonymous
Posted From: 192.150.10.200
| | Posted on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 7:58 am: | |
Howdy - This is my first post ever to the msgmyth.com website. I am the eldest child (of six children) and our family has felt the effects (unwittingly) for years. Our wake up call came early this year when one of our family members went into congestive heart failure - partly brought on by a MSG-laden sauce. We have been attempting, ever since, to remove this deadly additive from our diet. I struggle with avoiding MSG - to be honest. Everything I cook has to be cooked from scratch. Even then, it is hard to avoid ingesting it. All of my siblings are under 30 and our symptoms have included daily and/or severe migraines, sudden (overnight) weight gain of 20+ pounds, subsequent stretch marks, IBS, and who knows what else... Thanks for your time, Marie |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 3:10 pm: | |
Marie, do you have our survival guide, which is available at www.msgmyth.com. I don't like to advertise here, but I truly think it would be very helpful to you and your family. Your reactions are severe and life theatening. If cost is a problem, contact me at avenger@msgmyth.com. |
Anonymous
Posted From: 24.177.167.97
| | Posted on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 8:36 pm: | |
I react to msg for sure I get really hyper,dizzy,athsma,sometimes vomit but by far the stangest new symptom is almost every time I eat anything that is not organic my voice changes and gets really deep. I get the same reaction with most cheeses and butter. I don't know anyone or have ever heard of anyone with these symptoms. Please if anyone out there has experienced this voice change let me know.
Thanks Marie B. |
LaurenC
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 5:17 am: | |
I get very hoarse when I'm reacting to somehting. The hoarsness is also a symptom of hypothyroidism. |
MarieB
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 6:11 am: | |
Thank You so much!It helps to know I am not alone! Lauren, do you react right away after eating? And what types of food seem to cause your prolbems?
Anyone else? This has bothered me so mcuh, not to say the many other problems I have gone through! |
LaurenC
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 8:47 am: | |
Hi MarieB,
It's usually not right away, but I'd say within several hours. It's an uncomfortable thing to be sure, especially since fatigue usually accompanies it. I feel like it's a struggle to talk (for lack of a better way to explain it).
I'm still trying to pin down foods that I react to, but barring MSG poisoned foods, I do know so far: tomatoes, wheat, any cheese but fresh mozerella and jack, and excessive cream and sugar (I was making a lot of ice cream for a while :0).
It's been about 3 months for me, and the elimination process is slow, but I'll get it eventually (I hope). |
Rose
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 9:01 am: | |
My reactions are usually in my throat now, used to be stomach and I believe my panic attacks are brought on by msg, but but now its my throat closing up and tongue swelling up. Some foods and medicines I react very swiftly while some take a few hours |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 1:45 pm: | |
You might try using an organic butter that only lists cream and salt as the ingredients. I soften 1 cup of organic butter and slowly beat in 2/3 cup of good mild olive oil. Then I beat in 1/3 cup ice cold water, slowly...use a mixer. Season with salt and a tiny pinch of cane sugar. Some people use equal parts butter to oil. Be sure to try different brands of mild whole milk cheeses to see how you do with them. You may also be reacting to sulfites...symptoms you mention are also associated with these terrible preservatives....they are added to some cheeses and other dairy products quite often...not to organic milk, however. Cows are systematically given sulfa drugs to prevent infections, so it is also present in the milk as a result...along with hormones and other antibiotics...not in organic milk. I do best with Organic Valley whole milk and salted butter....we dilute the whole milk by half...great ice cold to drink or to use in cooking. Have used other organic butters successfully, too. I do okay with Tillamook mild cheeses. |
Brandy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 7:34 pm: | |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 11:52 am:
Received this recently. She said I could share her story.
"Hello again Deb,
My name is Brandy _____. Last year you and my mom talked on the phone, I had drank the soup at a Japanese restaurant and my throat/esophagus inflamed leaving me unable to swallow solid foods. Just thought I would let you know how I'm doing. Last year, I racked up thousands of dollars in medical bills going from doctor to doctor trying to get them to figure out what is going on with my throat. It seems so obvious that there is some type of disease/disorder that was severely aggravated when I drank that warm soup (By the way, I found out the ingredients to that Little Cup of Death - Salt, Sugar, Monosodium Glutamate, Enriched Flour, Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten, Soybean Oil, Chicken Fat, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Natural Flavoring, Dehydrated Onion, Onion Powder, Spice, Oleoresin Turmeric, Caramel Color, Paprika, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate). I had numerous blood tests, testing for almost everything under the sun, barium swallows, nerve conduction studies, manometry studies, endoscopies, laryngoscopies, xrays, cat scans, MRIs, biopsies. I still have no answers. I am STILL having to puree my food. I have fiercly learned how to avoid MSG and it's many other names, I am just sticking to plain whole food. Unfortunately, avoiding it is not helping my throat. I am not reacting, my problem is a result from ONE REACTION! ONE LITTLE CUP OF SOUP! The right half of my throat and neck were severely attacked and eaten away. My right jaw joint was also nearly eaten away. As a result, I have developed severe depression, and I have been in a psychiatric unit twice. I can't believe glutamate has ruined my life. I no longer have any hopes and dreams. I used to think about all the things I wanted to do in life and get butterflies in my stomach. Now, I have a death wish, and I'm only 22. It may seem strange that it has brought me down so low, but it has. I have been trying to hold on to Jesus, hoping that he will bless me with the miracle of a restored throat. You have my permission to share my story with anyone, as well as my first name. I know that word is spreading and many, many more people are beginning to avoid it, and I'm so glad for them!! But, I wish I had been warned. Thank you for all that you're doing to spread the word, I'm glad to see that the 700 club brought you a lot of new book orders. Hopefully one day I will write and say that God has healed me!
Hope you are having a good evening!
Brandy"
Hi everyone,
Above was my story over a year ago. I am very happy to report that I am doing much better (Thank you Jesus!). I am now working at a wellness store (like a mini whole foods) and have told countless people my story and educated them about excitotoxins. Today alone I talked to many customers about it and how it "could be" the cause of their or their child's ailments. I directed each of them to this site and msgtruth.org. OH MY GOSH, it is absolutely enraging how many customers I have with children that are autistic, hyperactive, and/or severely allergic to wheat, dairy, corn, rice, eggs, nuts, seafood, etc.. Is there any such thing as people having healthy babies these days? I wonder. I have a lot more to say but I am about to fall over asleep. Will be posting more often.
Love you all. |
LaurenC
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 - 5:38 am: | |
Brandy, that is such wonderful news! Thank you for sharing. I think it's great that you are working in an industry where you can help spread the word and use the opportunity to do so. |
Brandy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 4:39 pm: | |
Deb A., wanted to bump this to make sure you read the update I posted on the 15th up there^^, since I was one of the extremely severe cases that you may remember. I remember that your husband sent the book to me without even receiving the payment yet because he heard you talking about how severe my case was! It was made clear to me some time ago through my own research that I had an autoimmune attack in my throat characteristic of lupus (I do have the butterfly rash) brought on by the Little Cup of Death. Its been over 2 years now and thankfully by avoiding bad things my throat has healed itself to an extent that I can now eat most solid foods. THANK YOU Deb & Mike for everything!!!!! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, April 20, 2008 - 4:47 pm: | |
Brandy, I sure do remember you! We have thought of you many times, wondering how you were. Now we know you are doing so much better and it gives me goosebumps! I am going to print up your post and show it to Mike right now. Thanks for coming back and updating us on your frightening condition. Not being able to eat solid food for so long must have been terrifying. I'm just so happy to know you so much better than last we heard from you! Thanks again for letting us know. |
Anonymous
Posted From: 65.101.105.234
| | Posted on Sunday, August 03, 2008 - 1:45 pm: | |
I found this site recently and here are the symptoms I have: nausea, numbness toes and fingers, low blood pressure, postnasal drip, tightness of chest, shortness of breath, asthma, gastroenteritis, stomach pain and gas, hoarseness, chronic cough, dark circles under eyes, GERD, acid stomach and HIGH COUNT OF EOSINOPHILS. I have been to several doctors and they cannot figure it out what causes the high eosinophils and White Blood Cells, they have been playing the guessing game: maybe you have multiple myeloma(negative), or lupus(negative), or parasites(negative), or infection(not known where), or allergies (which I do) but now they think maybe it is leukemia and want me to do a bone marrow biopsy.
I am doing the no MSG test diet and feel better but still having stomach pain and nausea, caused by a high accumulation of eosinophils in the mucosa lining of the stomach and small intestine (found thru a biopsy). I purchased Debbys book and I am following all the instructions. The high acid in the stomach is still a problem so I had to resort to Prevacid. I hate taking drugs and also take Advair for asthma. I would love to let go of all drugs, does any one have suggestions or the same experience with high eosinophils?
Thank you for being so helpful here.
Evanir |
cathy218
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 11:05 am: | |
I have severe inflamation in my muscles...causes back ache, vertigo, ringing in my ears, neck tension and I also get hives. Three questions:
What type of doc are you all seeing for this inflamation which seems much like RA??
Can you recommend one around Walla Walla WA?
And what supplements are any females taking for the inflamation and hives? I think Ia m sensitive to all variations of MSG, soy and Sulfites?
Oh and are there tests that can be done to test which substances I am sensitive to because I am WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY overwhelmed.
Was totally healthy until a year ago I had a sinus infection and took amoxicillan and the hives started and then new symptoms every month...hairloss, vertigo, nasal stuffiness all the time, ringing in the ears, painful geographic tongue, belly problems. All this happened as I stopped breast feeding so I am assuming the hormone factor is a player. Have two small boys and was in bed with the dizziness ALL SUMMER! HELP? I do feel better since I stopped soy and am eatting right. Had a Halloween party Saturday and had to avoid everything...ate a banana and water! Yipee. But no reactions...had eatten one bite of a store cupcake and hives, dizziness, back muscles seized up, muscles all over my body ached, stomach ache..numb throat, tongue started swelling....ONE BITE. HUGS to you all. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 2:18 pm: | |
cathy, do you have our book? I suspect that you are not avoiding enough excitoxins...MSG, aspartame, l-cysteine. Your symptoms are very typical of MSG toxicity. You need to avoid the hidden sources. Your symptoms were just like mine...had each one you listed for years. But I learned to avoid hidden glutamate religiously and it paid off. You can read my story at www.msgmyth.com. I was tested for RA, but my inflammation only flares up if I eat MSG by mistake. Still have ringing ears on occasion, but the rest are gone, even the nasal stuffiness. Hormones play into it. MSG is an inflammatory agent and an endocrine dispruptor. |
cathy218
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 8:07 pm: | |
Yes, thank you so much for writing back. I still have questions.
I have the cookbook.....but am still overwhelmed. Haven't looked into l-cysteine yet.
Can you please tell me which doc you see that helps? I live 40 minutes from you, I think!
Can a doctore test for too much glutamate?
Can docs test for which MSG substance I might react to? I already know a few of them...i.e. citric acid, MSG....but th narrowing down is horribley frustrating. I have seen some on here mention tests but.....just wondering.
Can one take an anti glutamate drug?
I am trying to avoid stuff but keep having hives (actually they aren't raised...just red patches that itch) and severe inflammation (in eye causing blurred vision, floating black spots and ear causing ringing, neck and back causing dizziness/vertigo). I am blessed that my reactions happen right away...I think.
For dinner, I ate all organic veggies, Tyson chicken that says no hormones although, it is not organic but then I ate some organic chocolate. Reaction! I am at the point that I am considering eating only brown rice for three meals and then might add one veggie or meat a day. Has anyone tried this?
I emailed you, Deb....I think at avenger@msgmyth.com...is this still your email address?
Am very overwhelmed also by the supplements. I am conflicted because I only want to take what will help MY symptoms...for example I do not have the racing heart issue (only once) so I do not want to take what those who do have that symptom take. I need something for the inflammation (it's like something is either being stolen from my muscles or released into my muscles/joints), and something for the hives. Once I stopped soy...my tummy is much better. I have seen you all mainly talk about CoQ10, Magnesium, B vits, Vit C, Taurine mainly. What should a 34 year old female take?
Every doc I have seen including allergist say, I am having some sort of mast cell hypersensitivity and it'll pass in a few years. One doc said it was an endocrine problem but the Endocrinologist said she could not find anything....thank God. I left many appts. crying. My quality of life was suffering and all I wanted in the world was to be a healthy Momma for my boys. I begged God two weeks ago to just let me figure it out and that day....I found your site and had a reaction to a mocha with soy milk (assuming it was the soy). But having a very hard time decifering what I can eat.
Thanks so much for your help. |
Lisa Marie
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 04, 2008 - 3:35 am: | |
cathy218,
Have you tried Deb's elimination diet on the first page. Honestly, it is the only way to start to find out what items are giving you problems. If you eat her diet for one week, and then add only one new food a day, it is the only way you can isolate exactly what foods cause your problems.
I am wondering what antibiotic you took just before this happened?
I have had vertigo, and I would suggest you be certain you do not have BPPV (because that is readily treatable):
Benign Positional Vertigohttp://www.emedicinehealth.com/benign_positional_vertigo/article_em.htm
It also sounds like you would benefit from Probiotics. I have never found any which cause me problems.
The cookbook is not magic unless you know what kinds of foods to buy. Again, the way to figure that out is the elimation diet. Tyson chicken does not agree with me. For instance, Smart chicken does-http://www.smartchicken.com/
Lundberg rice does. Cage free eggs do.
Keep posting and people here will help you. |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 04, 2008 - 6:18 am: | |
Cathy218, Lisa Marie's advise about the "elimination diet" is very good. I don't know of any other way to try to narrow down what is safe to eat. But even on the "eliminatoin diet" you do have to choose organic if possible and pay particular attention to the processing and retention of solution in poultry. Deb's book is much more than a cookbook so what you don't see here you will probably find in the book. Thanksgiving may give you a challenge as 99% of turkeys retain an added solution and other dishes are traditionally made with processed foods. My guess is that with patience and persistence you will be able to eliminate most if not all of your symptoms. None of us found instant relief. What one person finds "unsafe", another person can tolerate - everyone is a little different and has varying degrees of sensitivity. Keep posting and we'll try to help you as best we can. |
cathy218
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 05, 2008 - 12:25 pm: | |
Test, Doc, Supplements
1)
Is there a test to see which form of MSG (MSG, Citric Acid etc.), phosphates, suflfites etc. one is sensitive to.
2) What type of doc is treating you all who have hives, muscle inflammation?
3) What supplements (and brand) do you take for inflammation symptoms (my muscles seize up in my neck and back and that tightness causes ringing in my ears, blurred vision on left side, vertigo in left ear and dizziness. Need my muscles to relax. Physical therapy helps keep the dizziness at bay but massaging my neck.
PLEASE HELP!!! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 05, 2008 - 1:52 pm: | |
I don't know of any doctors in your area, cathy...only the ones here in town that I go to. No, there are no tests, since all tests would be postive for glutamate's presence...it's present in our bones, blood..etc. You might ask if the amount of glutamate present in your blood is a normal amount??? I take Ibuprofen for inflammation. I always suggest that people new to this, read the first 81 pages of the book at least 2 times and make a list of the hidden aliases. Mochas and latte's most always contain glutamate...one needs to read all labels and ask if buying at restaurants and such. Don't worry about supplements right now. The ones mentioned here are ones that have been suggested by Dr. Blaylock and others...they are good for anyone who has to deal with glutamate toxicity...not just one symptom. I rarely have had racing heart, but I do feel better when I am taking 1/3 scoop of the Beyond-A-Century C0Q10 powder a day. When I get a reaction...usually headache and nausea, I take 3 to 4 Ibuprofen (my doctor prescribed one pill that has the same dosage as 4, but am out) and a generic Benedryl...2 pills. I sleep well from the latter, and the Ibuprofen really takes the edge off the headache. When I was at my worst and wasn't completely, religiously avoiding MSG, I had horrible inflammation and vertigo, colitis, and so much more. It was a nightmare. I wish I could help you more. Remember, if you are eating or drinking just one item a day that has hidden glutamate, it may be setting you up daily. |
cathy218
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 05, 2008 - 2:11 pm: | |
I had no problem driving to Kennewick...I saw in your book you mentioned an allergist in Kennewick but after research, found he is no longer living. I have called allergists and they basically say, "Your on your own." I was hoping they would have a test for red dye #20, or MSG, citric acid etc. It surprises me considerabley that they can put mold in a test tube and test your allergy to that but not citric acid. GRRRRR>
I take Benedyl a few tims a day now. Doc suggested Singular. Do you take Magnesium or B vits? Thanks so much for our time!
No flushing/hives today! Tight, tight neck though. Prob. flared from previous slip ups. |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, November 06, 2008 - 4:59 am: | |
Cathy218,
Jangled nerves can lead to tight, tight muscles. I have that frequently. I take ibuprofen to help with the symptoms - it has been the only thing that has worked for 20 years. People that react to free-glutamate don't have an allergy per se, just a sensitivity.
"In both Allergy Sensitivities and Chemical Sensitivities there is the similar experience of being exposed to something and having a reaction. The difference is the cause of the reaction. One is an allergic reaction; the other is a toxic chemical reaction.
Allergic reactions are the result of a chemical exposure stimulating the immune system to release natural chemicals. These natural chemicals are directly responsible for the effects experienced. However, a toxic chemical reaction is directly the result of the toxic chemical acting on the cells of the body.
Consequently, we can summarize the difference between an allergic reaction and a toxic chemical reaction this way:
In an allergy reaction, the chemical exposure just acts as a trigger. It is not the bullet.
In a toxic chemical reaction, the chemical exposure is the bullet."
http://www.hrni.ca/Allergy_vs_Chemical_S.htm
"There are many tests used by different allergists and orthomolecular or environmental ecologists. These are as follows:
RAST - as explained above, this is used by most progressive allergist MD's today. But, since it doesn't show up sensitivities well, many allergists just ignore them.
Scratch - This is also used by many allergists but is considered to be obsolete by most scientific observers. It does show some sensitivities but is difficult to interpret.
EPT - The End-point-Titration test is perhaps the most accurate of all tests, and it shows both allergy and sensitivity. It does not distinguish between them, and it has the advantage of not only the most accurate testing method, but it also creates the "correct" dosage for "corrective shots" as it tests. Details plus description of this test are in my book. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine keeps lists of physicians that do EPT and other modern testing.
Cytotoxic Test - This is a test for food and chemical sensitivities, and it also shows up food/chemical allergies, but not as clearly, and like the EPT test, it does not distinguish between them. It is now considered somewhat outdated and replaced by the ALCAT test below. .I did use it in my practice however with good results.
ALCAT - this test is an advance over the above Cytotoxic test, and it uses a similar method of observing white blood cells, but it is much improved with better accuracy. See Allergy Resources for a link to a site for this testing.
IgG - There are some facilities that test for IgG in much the same way as the RAST test does for IgE. This is supposed to find food/chemical sensitivities. I do not personally know enough about this technique to have an opinion about it.
Caveman Diet & Pulse Testing - This has one huge advantage over all the above, - IT'S FREE. Click on Pulse Test and Caveman Diet for a limited description of how to do this at home yourself."
http://drbate.com/Ref/allergy.html |
cathy218
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, November 06, 2008 - 6:32 am: | |
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP! |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, November 06, 2008 - 6:39 am: | |
very welcome we all try. |
Cherylin
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, November 06, 2008 - 8:36 am: | |
Dianne,
Thank you for posting the link to Dr. Bate's site. Have you experimented using any of his CDs? If yes, with what results? Sounds fascinating. |
Cherylin
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, November 08, 2008 - 3:07 am: | |
Cathy218,
I thought of two other things that might help your inflammation/pain besides avoiding MSG/sulfites.
Have you tried eliminating all the nightshades from your diet?
http://noarthritis.com/nightshades.htm
I know it can be overwhelming when it doesn't seem there is anything 'safe' left to eat. The beginning is hard when trying to nail down the offenders which are setting you off. Dr. Sherry Rogers book PAIN-FREE IN SIX WEEKS is also a great reference.
A second tool I have used to reduce inflammation is explained at the following link:
http://www.sleepingearthed.com
I believe that any tool that can somehow help to increase the adaptive capacity of the body is a tool worth employing. But of course, first and foremost is the ELIMINATION OF ALL EXCITOTOXINS to the degree that it is possible.
Hang in there - things will start to look up sooner rather than later. This is the best place to find caring, supportive people who have been where you are. |
cathy218
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, November 08, 2008 - 10:15 pm: | |
Cherylin, So did you merely walk outside barefoot or did you purchase something from the website? I am open to all forms of healing including natural techniques. Just wondering which you found helpful. The inflammation is overwhelming. The neck and back are intensely tight...I got to pt twice a week and that keeps the dizziness at bay but....I will get this figured out. But is overwhelming!
For those of you who feel better...I wanted to thank you for coming back to check on and attempting to guide those of us who are newly struggling.
When ya'll started the new diet...did you also do a liver or other cleanse....I have never done this. Just wondering if something like my liver could be faulty and not filtering anything because I am reacting to everything!!!
Also as mention above by Dianne...she lists some testing...have you all done any of the testing to figure out which poisions are affecting you.....msg, sulfites, phosphates, citric acid etc? |
Cherylin
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, November 09, 2008 - 9:29 am: | |
Hi Cathy,
Walking barefoot on the grass (which has not been pesticided) is always a wonderful idea. This will immediately dissipate any accumulating static electricity in your body. Yes, I did buy a product from this website but realized later that I wasted my money as I got better results when utilizing a Do It Yourself method. You can read all about my experiences and actual instructions on how to DIY here
http://www.msgmyth.com/discus/messages/9/1443.html#POST19740
Electro-pollution is wreaking much havoc upon all of us, as unsuspecting as most folks are. I have two close friends who both suffer from EMF sensitivity, one of whom suffers from debilitating fibromyalgia pain when in close proximity to cell phones, cordless phones, computers or other electronic devices. Apparently EMF exposure actually compromises the blood/brain barrier which I conclude to mean that the more our blood/brain barrier is compromised, the more we will be affected by glutamate. Makes sense?
http://www.emf-health.com/blog/2005_03_27_archive.html
Yes - I definitely think it a fantastic idea to address the needs of the liver. Anything you can do to support this organ (ie. by cleansing or nutritionally) will pay off big-time dividends in your overall health since the liver performs hundreds of functions. It has been said that all allergies originate in the faulty functioning of the liver.
In the past I have used NAET to address allergies (you can do a Search on this forum to find out about this topic). I am currently doing something called BIE which I am finding enormously helpful in terms of upgrading my overall health. You can check out this fascinating new modality here
www.inht.ca/BIE_research_paper.pdf
I firmly believe that stress, no matter what the source, drastically reduces our adaptive capacity thereby rendering us more vulnerable to whatever we are being exposed to. I believe that whatever is plaguing me at the moment, no matter how unpleasant it might be, will eventually abate as I improve my diet, cleanse my body and find effective strategies to reduce my stress levels.
Lastly, what really helps me get through some very tough, discouraging moments is remembering that sometimes the greatest gifts come wrapped in sandpaper. What doesn't kill you definitely makes you stronger and puts you in an enviable position to help others navigate their way through what you have already endured and conquered.
Onward and upward - Cherylin |
Amy C
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, November 10, 2008 - 5:13 am: | |
I am a semi-newbie to this site. I know I am msg sensitive and that some foods cause me more problems than others. My biggest offenders are chocolate and ice cream (my favorites). Even Breyer's natural vanilla causes me problems, as well as the dark imported chocolates. The common ingredient I see is soy lecithin. Is it possible that I could be sensitive to lecithin and still be okay with soy? Or does it all come from the same place? |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, November 10, 2008 - 10:16 am: | |
Lecithin contains glutamate residues. It is a by product of soybean processing, and soybeans are extremely high in glutamate. For this reason, we suggest that MSG sensitive people avoid soy products. Some soy products are more highly processed than others, so the amount of free glutamate present will differ. Citric acid is made from hydrolyzed corn by-products, and also contains glutamate residues. The other problem with citric acid, is that the high acidic content, when added to foods high in bound or naturally occurring glutamate, act to break down the proteins further, releasing more free glutamate. It's being added to EVERYTHING today! Are you reacting to plain dark chocolate or filled chocolates or both? There are dark chocolate bars that don't contain lecithin...just a bit harder to find. Many chocolates also contain sulfites. |
Amy C
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 - 5:08 am: | |
Thanks, Deb, for the info. I'm reacting to plain dark and filled chocolates. The only chocolate I've found safe for me are chocolate chips made by Enjoy Life Natural Brands. They are dairy, soy, and gluten-free. I've only found them at Health Foods Unlimited, here in Dayton, OH (don't know if it's a national chain). Their website is www.enjoylifefoods.com. I couldn't imagine life without chocolate chip cookies! I am also sensitive to sulfites, so that makes sense. I have your book and read the discussion boards often. Thanks for all you do! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 - 9:06 am: | |
So glad you have found us here, Amy...we're always happy to help. |
sara b
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 7:43 am: | |
Hi MSGMYTHers,
Thanks to all of you I am figuring out so much. At one point I was resigned that I would be in pain for the rest of my life and now I know that I can have a life free of pain and dis-ease. I can now directly link my TMJ and bruxism, asthma, joint pain, migraines, tingling of hands and feet, depression, mood and anger issues and other symptoms to my ingestion of certain foods.
I search the boards often as I am still figuring out things. I have allergies to not only msg, but also other naturally occuring and added compounds (sulfites, L-cysteine, tyramine, etc.).
I have pinpointed bananas, onions, garlic, grapes, I react to Quaker oats, but I am not sure yet if I can eat other oats or not.
Given this information I do have a question. Last night I ate strawberries and also had brown rice (I had it in the refrigerator for 3 days and I usually freeze any leftovers, but I didn't this time) and zucchini. I had dinner at 6:30 and awoke at 2am with severe jaw pain and migraine. This is usually a reaction I get from citric acid type products (tomato sauce) and I also get this reaction from bananas. I'm guessing the strawberries, but wanted input on if it could be the rice or zucchini.
Thanks for any help.
Hugs to you all for all you do and how you help so many of us. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 10:25 am: | |
Sara, in the winter months, fresh produce is often treated with all sorts of chemicals, including sulfites, chemical rich food waxes, and citric acid. The zukes could have been treated. When in doubt, peel in the winter more than usual. Strawberries, especially out of season, are one of the most treated items. We often hear from people who react to them. I suggest buying them from farm stands or farmers markets in season and freezing lots of them for winter months. I react to Quaker oats. It may be the preservative added to the box (BHT) or sulfur dioxide which is used to fumigate many such items grains in storage. L-cysteine is another neurotoxin, which works on the same brain receptors and in the same way as glutamate...both are excitatory amino acids, along with aspartic acid. You're not allergic to MSG. You are reacting to a toxic, brain altering drug. Bananas are now being dipped in citric acid washes and citric acid contains glutamate residues from the hydrolyzed corn used to make it. Garlic and onions are rich in sulfites, so they can be trouble for some who are sulfite reactive. Many grapes in vineyards are fumigated with sulfur compounds to prevent mold. Grapes themselves also produce sulfites, as nature wards off certain bacteria and molds that attack grapes, naturally. And then some producers spray them again with sulfur compounds before shipping to stores. We live in a chemical world now. Plant gardens! |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 1:38 pm: | |
sara b,
You mention strawberries. Perhaps pesticide residue didn't play a part, but the following is good to know - or maybe you already do know:
The “Dirty Dozen”: Must-buy organic fruits
• Apples
• Cherries
• Grapes, imported (Chili)
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Potatoes
• Spinach
The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that even after washing, some fruits and vegetables consistently carry much higher levels of pesticide residue than others. Based on an analysis of more than 100,000 U.S. government pesticide test results, researchers at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a research and advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., have developed the “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables, above, that they say you should always buy organic, if possible, because their conventionally grown counterparts tend to be laden with pesticides. They cost about 50 percent more — but are well worth the money. |
kristy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 4:39 pm: | |
Hi all,
As Deb says: Plant a garden. I am going to do exactly that. Just a month ago I couldn't even cook for myself and now I am cooking everything from scratch, figuring out what me and my kids can tolerate (food journal), making stuff from cookbook (if everyone could taste the country sausage from Deb's book, there would be no way to sell them the stuff currently in the stores!!) and planning a garden.
I was so sick it was hard for me to prepare the test diet. I've always been tough so I just slugged it out for the first couple of days and by the third day I felt extraordinary! Now I realize that those years of being sick had nothing to do with being lazy, I was just saddled with crushing fatigue that lifted on the third day. What a fantastic feeling!!
I'm still having trouble finding things I can tolerate but now I understand some of the things that kept me from figuring this out years ago. At least now I know that being healthy is an attainable goal. Even though Deb's book has great recipes, the best feature of the book is the food preparation guide. That's what helps a longtime cook like me change my unhealthy cooking habits and create recipes of my own and adapt recipes I already have.
For Sara b,
I have found that I can't seem to tolerate any leftovers (a horrible turn of events for me). I am not relishing the idea of making enough dried beans every single time that I want to eat them. I was trying to add them on salads for protein and variety but I can't seem to tolerate them once they have been either frozen or refrigerated.
I am going to make some cultured or lacto-fermented veggies today. I have been doing research and it seems that they might be helpful for people like me with multiple and severe sensitivities. I will keep everyone posted on how it turns out.
For anyone that might be interested: I subscribe to a magazine called Countryside. It's a homesteading magazine and covers a lot of issues that are of interest to us (back to nature, organic and backyard gardening, self-sufficiency, simplifying life, raising chickens for eggs, etc). I believe more and more people will be moving in this direction out of self defense - there is simply no other affordable way to obtain the quality of food that is needed for good health anymore. Let's face it: the only way to change the food system in this country is to make the current practices unprofitable for agribusiness while at the same time making it feasible for small local organic farms to thrive economically. I will have to grow my own (I counted seven organic veggies available at my local store) since the closest Whole Foods is two hours away. The dried beans are the only veggies in my whole store that are safe with the exception of some produce. I have to drive an hour for a butcher shop (none of the meat in the store is acceptable either). I can't wait to find out how the farmer's market is here but I suspect they will lean heavily toward hybrid and gmo crops.
Meanwhile, I am trying to figure out a way to get frozen veggies home from Whole Foods still frozen so that I can try them. Any suggestions? |
Jennifer
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 8:03 pm: | |
Hi -
One of my favorite cooking magazines is Cook's Illustrated/Cook's Country. Food snobbery at it's most basic level; I love it. And many of the recipes are worthy of restaurants with natural ingredients, for the most part.
As for frozen veggies:
Pack a cooler with ice. Hopefully it will fit in the rear seats of the car. I've never seen a grocery store that didn't sell ice. Dry ice is kind of rare and expensive in California, but when I was a kid in Colorado, it was bulk self-serve from a big deep freezer. Now it actually comes in plastic wrap.
Jennifer |
kristy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 3:53 pm: | |
Hi Jennifer,
I have a cooler with ice in the back of my SUV when I go, but I don't think a cooler with ice will keep frozen veggies completely frozen for two hours. I tried to find dry ice and was unsuccessful (I live in the boonies in Alabama). Anyway, I don't really even know if I could tolerate any of the frozen veggies - I was just hoping since I can't tolerate any of the brands in my local store.
BTW, does anybody know what they do to frozen veggies that is causing a reaction? The only ingredient listed is the veggie itself (I don't even bother to look at things with more than one ingredient). |
Jennifer
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 4:05 pm: | |
Hi Kristy,
It could depend on the veggie - tomatoes, corn, peas have a fair bit of free glutamate.
It could also be whatever's sprayed on the crops. I usually have to wash my fresh produce with soap, or peel it. If this is the case, organic versions should be OK.
I guess one way to make the cooler stay cold, would be to use ice from a freezer set at 0F or colder. Or maybe add salt to the ice like an old fashioned ice cream maker. You'd have to put the veggies in an airtight/watertight container, then submerge the container in the ice.
I think welding shops may have dry ice - might be worth checking in to.
Jennifer |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 9:14 am: | |
If you're traveling to a larger city, there's a greater chance that they have dry ice that you could buy and add to your cooler for the trip home. Bring along a towel to wrap the dry ice and vegetables in before adding to the cooler. |
Tom Fernstrom
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 12:36 pm: | |
We used to get dry ice from a local ice cream store for frozen meat storage while traveling south for vacations. The meat would stay frozen for at least three days if the container was sealed shut. We used old styrofoam containers from when people would send us various frozen products like Omaha Steaks. |
sara b
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 11:07 am: | |
Kristy, how did you do with the lacto- or fermented veggies? Thanks for the post. |
kristy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, March 02, 2009 - 4:55 am: | |
Hey Sara,
Thanks for asking.....I just could not tolerate them. I tried several times because I just hated to give up -they were so good and I crave that sour (used to love pickles) but I'm still hoping that in the future it will work for me. I am looking for a way to get raw milk(cow or goat) to make my own yogurt. I still can't seem to tolerate much variety and seem to be having low level reactions all the time (suspect lemons and potatoes) but am having trouble pinning down the culprits.
It is frustrating on one hand to live in rural Alabama - I can't go to the local store and find any decent food to buy - but on the other hand, I have 20 acres and no neighbors so I can do whatever I want. Now I am in the midst of learning everything I can about homesteading organically. My husband has built three bee hives and we are looking for bees and he also built a raised bed out of salvaged concrete blocks and is looking for compost now (I already have my organic heirloom seeds). As soon as I can get everything ready, I will buy chickens and goats, etc.
All I can say is that my life has turned completely around since I made the MSG connection and it is quite an adventure. My kids and I (my husband doesn't seem to feel many symptoms yet) are feeling much better and I couldn't even imagine being able to do any of this two months ago.
I better get going - I am driving two hours to Whole Foods today to stock up for the month. I can't wait to get raw organic honey (I badly underestimated how much I would need the first time - it is the only luxury food I can tolerate). |
sara b
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, March 02, 2009 - 9:16 am: | |
| |
