Helpful Remedies or Ways to Diminish ...

Thread Last Poster Posts Pages Last Post Mind Body Connection Susan 58  1  2-12-07  3:31 pm Taurine Sherry L 88  1  4-18-07  12:53 pm This really works for me! Anonymous 64  1  7-07-06  2:33 pm Soy protein powder Judith 21  1  10-16-09  4:48 pm Strawberries, tomatoes, etc. Anonymous 12  1  7-07-06  3:04 pm New to site Anonymous 4  1  7-24-06  7:42 pm The only thing that cures my headaches Anonymous 48  1  7-07-06  6:38 pm CoQ10 Deb A. 26  1  1-09-09  11:52 am From severe MSG sensitivity suffering to -- okay now... Anonymous 12  1  6-19-07  8:24 am Antihistamine May Help Roy Piwovar 24  1  10-27-07  10:09 pm MSG problems and Gluten Intolerance or Celiac Related?Nexium question free game download 55  1  7-13-06  11:50 am Water Deb A. 10  1  7-14-08  10:06 am Magnesium Citrate LisaS 3  1  9-23-09  5:37 am Coke and Aspirin Anonymous 11  1  2-12-07  9:36 pm Powdered CO Q10 V. Gelcap EmilyS 30  1  4-04-09  10:20 am Taurine side affects or reactions? Anonymous 2  1  7-15-06  12:54 am Vitamin D defficiency. What is it? What are the Dangers? free game of texash 6  1  7-13-06  1:39 pm MSG Capsules Anonymous 5  1  7-07-06  4:16 pm Magnesium supplements, what kind? Deb A. 13  1  4-06-09  1:32 pm Glutamate blocker for emergencies? Deb A. 11  1  2-13-09  9:54 am Probiotics Anonymous 3  1  7-07-06  10:07 pm Help! Anonymous 4  1  7-07-06  9:10 pm Digestive Enzymes? brian 8  1  1-29-08  10:43 am Lithium Orotate Zoomer 5  1  11-02-08  1:27 am Iodine Violet 1  1  4-14-07  10:22 pm Another question?? Deb A. 2  1  4-17-07  11:37 am Vitamin C Cherylin 10  1  7-27-07  6:29 pm Cayenne pepper Anonymous 5  1  1-11-08  7:24 am Memantine - does it work? Roy Piwovar 19  1  7-07-08  3:15 am Magnesium Orotate, Taurine and Tri-Salts Deb A. 5  1  1-27-08  2:29 pm Abstaining from Most Supplements brian 6  1  1-26-08  9:11 am Carnosine - it might help, or? Zoomer 1  1  8-04-07  9:29 am Treatment for frazzled nerves - vitamins, minerals? Dianne 1  1  8-15-07  3:51 pm A link too items that may reduce glutamate damage Roy Piwovar 32  1  6-18-08  6:08 pm Addressing Allergies and Sensitivities Melinda 12  1  11-29-08  2:59 pm Found my cure Lynn 28  1  8-04-08  6:04 pm Safe Probiotics Anonymous 5  1  6-12-08  12:05 pm If you are sensitive to sulfites.... Anonymous 1  1  6-15-08  5:47 pm Hemp seed Mischa 14  1  8-16-08  6:40 pm Color Therapy melinda 6  1  8-01-08  7:51 pm Magnesium chloride – the best form of magnesium Anonymous 16  1  8-27-08  11:26 am Red Clover Blocks Neurological Damage From MSG Roy Piwovar 6  1  4-08-09  2:49 am Vitamin D? guruofmsg 35  1  5-18-09  5:22 pm Chinese Herb - Ku Shen Neutralizes Excessive Glutamate Deb A. 5  1  12-01-08  2:23 pm Inclined Bed Therapy Cherylin 2  1  12-02-08  8:46 pm List of supplements that can help Zoomer 9  1  4-10-09  4:32 am Riboflavin Jennifer 3  1  1-17-09  10:46 pm Older antihistamine drugs might work as sleeping pills Jennifer 2  1  3-12-09  9:59 am Taurine cycling Dianne 2  1  4-05-09  1:56 pm Taking supplements religiously in the beginning Deb A. 7  1  4-22-09  9:57 am Lamotrigine as a glutamate blocker? LisaS 3  1  8-06-09  3:42 pm GABA supplement for exposure? Zoomer 7  1  8-07-09  10:55 am Ibuprofen for exposure - details please? Roy Piwovar 21  1  10-14-09  3:00 am LONGAN BERRIES Roy Piwovar 6  1  10-01-09  10:00 am   Start New Thread

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Author Message Lindsay Carlisle Posted on Thursday, December 13, 2001 - 2:55 pm:        Does chocolate have MSG in it? Roy Piwovar Posted on Thursday, December 13, 2001 - 7:26 pm:        Lindsay, The cocoa itself should not have MSG in it, but the other ingredients, such as whole milk powder, may contain free (unbound) glutamate, so dark chocolate would be safer than milk chocolate. Then again, some chocolate treats should simply be banned: http://www.animecastle.com/ACC029.html Evelyn H. Posted on Friday, December 14, 2001 - 10:12 am:        Lindsay--Avoid chocolate that has vanillan in it. I only buy Ghiradelli (some milk but mostly their dark chocolate, also their semi-sweet chocolate chips for baking). Anonymous Posted on Friday, December 14, 2001 - 11:22 am:        Evelyn: Why is vanilla in chocolate a problem? Ruth Posted on Friday, December 14, 2001 - 12:25 pm:        Vanillin is the problem. It's an artificial chemical made from petroleum and costs less than real vanilla. The label always reads "vanillin, an artificial flavor." Very few products contain real vanilla these days. jj Posted on Saturday, January 19, 2002 - 2:35 pm:        I was researching the Internet (I seem to do that after every headache) and read that Sudafed's active ingredient is pseudoephdrine and is said to be a vasoconstrictor. Since MSG is said to be a vasodilator I was wondering if anyone had tried Sudafed to conteract the dilation of blood vessels. I noticed that alot of the people on the message board talk about Benadryl and the active ingredient there is Diphenhydramine or at least that is what is in the Benedryl I have. I would welcome any enlightenment. Carol H Posted on Sunday, January 20, 2002 - 12:16 pm:        MSG usually RAISES blood pressure. Headaches can be caused by vasoCONSTRICTION as well as vasodilation. When I was sensitive to MSG, that and sudafed together raised my blood pressure dangerously high. Some people after eating MSG get low blood pressure, its true, but that may be because MSG causes the body to release histamine to counteract glutamate and the amount of histamine released may be too much. Sudafed is bad news. I now think the histamine response is the body's noticable defense when an MSG reaction occurs. Think of MSG as a vasoconstrictor, and histamine as a vasodilator. Either way, I wouldn't take Sudafed at all. IC Posted on Thursday, January 24, 2002 - 10:54 am:        Regarding the question about chocolate. MSG nor the ingredients are the problem with chocolate. The problem is the CHOCOLATE. The vast majority of the problems described on this site are most likely caused by reactions to the vasoactive amines described in the links below. Certainly, MSG is very high on the list. Check out the links below and you may find other foods, drinks and additives that give you problems. I have found this site invaluable in solving my eating problems. I hope it helps. IC List of Foods By Amine Type - Scroll down and find chocolate at the top. You will most likely find more foods there that do not like you or me. http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fi/FI_FS_amines.html Content of Amines by Food Type http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fi/FI_vasoactive.html General Food Allergy Info - This describes the root of the problem. http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fi/FI_natchem.html Roy Piwovar Posted on Thursday, January 24, 2002 - 7:38 pm:        IC, I find the above linked web sites to be misleading. They dismiss the harmful effects of MSG added to foods and equate them with the naturally occurring forms. There is a big difference: http://www.truthinlabeling.org/manufac.html IC Posted on Friday, January 25, 2002 - 6:21 am:        I guess my intention in making the post was not necessarily to address the issue of natural vs. manufactured (which, by the way I agree with you). My intention was to help those who have problems by pointing out that the *underlying cause* may not be the ingredient MSG. The underlying cause might be the components that make up MSG that are also found in other food and drink items. In other words, an effort to get to the root of the problem, not attack the messenger. If one could eliminate MSG from one's diet, the problem for many people would probably still exist due to the underlying causes of the problem. Check out the list of foods at the site. You may find other items on the list that cause the same (or worse) reaction as MSG. If I scan the messages on the board, I see people making references to many foods that are on the list at the site (ie, chocolate). I know in my case, if I had to rank my top ten problem foods MSG would be near the top of the list. But, so would red wine and some cheeses (actually, most cheeses). What is the common thread between all of these. The site spells this out. Just an effort to offer honest help, that's all. Thanks. IC Roy Piwovar Posted on Friday, January 25, 2002 - 10:10 am:        IC, There was a lot of useful information on the sites that you posted. I was just trying to warn people about some inaccurate conclusions that were made on them. Surely eliminating MSG alone will not stop all adverse reactions if there are other contributing factors. MLKH Posted on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 10:38 am:        Since this topic is about helpful remedies I thought I'd try to get on track with this one If you've read the Excitotoxins book, Dr. Blaylock talks about how magnesium protects the brain cells/neurons (bear with me, I'm no scientist) from the damages caused by msg. And I've read that all the msg sensitive people who were tested also had low levels of magnesium - so I thought I should take magnesium but was unable to. The supplements made me feel just as weird msg. Until recently, I found a supplement that seems to be working marvelously, Citracal Plus - the one that contains vitamin D and also magnesium, boron, B vitamin and a few others. I take one in the morning and 1 at night that gives me my full days supply of vitamin D and calcium, and I eat a well rounded diet, very msg free - and try to get plenty of sunshine and light exercise - (sunshine is how you get vitamin D also, and interestingly enough vitamin D is a hormone, not really a vitamin - and I believe msg effects hormones - but that's a whole other topic) Anway, the reason I'm telling you this, is since I've been doing this I seem to be less sensitive to msg. Now I still wouldn't go out and eat Campbell's soup or anything - but I now seem to tolerate a few things that I couldn't tolerate before. For example - the other night I cooked a Goulash recipe which included 2 tbspn's of balsamic vinegar (which is mainly bad due to sulfites I think) but it also had 3 tbspns of organic tomato paste (muir glen), and we had absolutely no reaction. I also used to have inconsistent reactions to salmon and tuna (but oddly, only on certain occassions, still can't figure that out) but now I can eat Tuna and Salmon just fine. Now, I am convinced it has something to do with the magnesium - it seems to me my body doesn't absorb magnesium well or something, because I've taken magnesium before and had msg-like reactions, and this fits in with the theory about low magnesium = msg sensitivity - basically. I am not sure, but salmon and tuna naturally contain high amounts of vitamin D, calcium, and I think magnesium - so maybe there is some connection. My theory is that my supplements (which I've been taking for about 6months)may have the right balance and maybe, just maybe I'm absorbing the magnesium which is helping protect me. I have experienced no reactions to these supplements either, which is good, they do not contain any of the ingredients on the "hidden names" list. If anyone wants to try it - I'd love to know if it helps anyone else. anon Posted on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 7:49 pm:        mlkh-- thanks for the info on citracal plus. I will try it. I too have suspected a magnesium deficiency but have not done well with vitamin supplements (except for vit C crystals). I'll let you know how I do with this one. Roy Piwovar Posted on Saturday, April 20, 2002 - 6:57 am:        Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) taken immediately upon the appearance of symptoms may help per this link: http://www.unu.edu/Unupress/food/8F071e/8F071E09.htm Carol H Posted on Saturday, April 20, 2002 - 7:15 am:        Thank you Roy! That link will be the first new one on MSGTRUTH today. I knew C would help - that is why the tests where they used MSG in orange juice were flawed. I knew it but couldn't prove it. Thank you for giving us more evidence in this long fight. Carol H Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 9:11 am:        I was looking for info on tryptophan and foods containing it and found this link. It may be helpful to those with fibromyalgia. Notice the mentions of magnesium, seratonin, and vitamin C. All things that appear to help us. 00.html,http://www.wholehealthmd.com/hc/fibromyalgia/diet_life/1,2122,,00.html Judy T Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 5:33 pm:        Carol: Sorry, I'm having a hard time linking. Roy Piwovar Posted on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 1:47 am:        Judy T, Try copying and pasting www.wholehealthmd.com/hc/fibromyalgia/diet_life/1,2122,,00.html Judy T Posted on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 7:32 am:        Roy: As always, my appreciation. Laura Gould Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 6:56 am:        Morning all, First thank you for the vast amount of information I have had access to through the archives and search engine. I admit to being completely overwhelmed and close to tears. My son who is 16 and already has lost much of his "normal life" to cystic fibrosis...now he has had a horrible reaction to MSG. His health care is already extensive and his life is limited by supplemental oxygen. The asthmatic reaction he is getting to MSG is severe. The one thing my dear son has is a brilliant mind, wonderful sence of humor and irony, courage and a wonderful source of joy. He loves to read and cannot even concentrate on his favorite books. Now the MSG is stealing the light from his eyes. He was given a new antibiotic two weeks ago and and also enjoy a favorit meal that included Goya Spanish Rice (which I now know is poison to him). The antibiotic also had a one in a million effect of hallucinations. I have always servered organic foods and but this one junk food almost did him in! The hallucinations have stopped but the rest of the symptoms remain....... Long story short I am despirately trying to get him clear of the brain fog, the depression, the feeling of disconnection.....sadness....inability to concentrate....and waves of "bad feelings" that come and go. I have "Battling the MSG Myth" and it is helping greatly but no matter what I do I seem to mess up. It turns up in the tinyest places. I gave him tuna in spring water for lunch...he breathing got tight in the early evening.......I checked the can to find the word "broth"....I broke down crying... because every time I don't catch something..Graham pays with another day of brain fog......it's driving me crazy..... My whole life is careing for my son.....and now I feel like I'm failing him. Thankfully his doctor completely believes that MSG is the additional culprit to his current state. He is are drinking filtered water lemon/maple syrup (organic-pure) Taking magnesium and taurine will add vitamin C today. He must take certain medications so I have replaced all the capsules with veggie caps. I have baked bread, made home made everything and I still feel his sadness....how long does it take to clear the mind and get his sparkle back....any suggestions are appreciated. Broken hearted, Laura Mom of Graham ps: please excuse my spelling too tired to care... Judy T Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 7:59 am:        My heart breaks for you. Others on this board are more articulate and able to figure out how to help. My first thought is to make homemade juices, both fruit and vegetable, from the fruits and veggies you know he can tolerate. Make icy drinks from the fruits. Another thought is to fix only the meats you know he can eat without anything except salt/pepper if he can do that. Rice? milk? cinnamon? If msg is affecting his moods (and it really does mine) then clearing out his body is prime. Even the pure maple syrup bothered me for quite a while because of the natural sugars and even now though my body is ok with some maple syrup, sugars through me over the edge moodwise. You're not failing your son. You will find foods that fit him. Deb A. Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 2:52 pm:        Laura, you are a wonderful mother. Adjusting to an MSG/aspartame/l-cysteine free diet is difficult and I tell people to allow themselves 6 months to a year to get a real handle on it...allow yourself to make mistakes, and as a mother, I know that this can be difficult when the person suffering the most is your son. I question the veggie caps...we have heard from people who say that they bother them. Many things can be stirred into a little water and swallowed or eaten dry as powder. I suspect that although the caps may not be made from gelatin, vegetables high in protein may have been used to make them...hydryolyzed protein can be very high in glutamate. I am assuming that you are squeezing fresh lemons to make him lemonade. You can try using cane sugar or honey or stevia instead of the syrup. And sicne a lot of citrus fruits are spayed with a hydrolyzed protein wax, it's a good idea to wash them well in warm sudsy water, first...good for a lot of veggies, too. And be aware that many supplements contain fillers and binders that contain glutamate. You might take him off the supplements for a week and see if he improves. I buy farina in bulk (avoid Cream of Wheat brand) and simmer that in water just until cooked...never over cook wheat, tomatoes, mushrooms...anything high in glutamte. Sweeten to taste and add a little whole organic milk or Rice Dream plain rice milk or just thin with water. Some fresh sliced fuit on to is good. Simmer a pot of brown rice or white (rinse well before cooking if white) and keep it in the fridge and/or freezer. It's good eaten with a dab of real butter (cream and salt only) or milk and sweetener and/or fruit. Or use it to make your own Goya type rice dish. There is a good recipe in the book for a rice dish that has onions, celery or peppers, and tomatoes with some chili powder...easy and good. You can add hamburger. I was just at our Super Walmart and people were loading ground round into their carts. It was on sale for 99 cents a lb. When I got there, I read the label and now they are adding "natural flavorings"...that is always MSG when used to label any meat. I was shocked..that was the first time I saw that. So be careful about meats...and then you already know about AuxiGro...Idaho potatoes, some onions, lettuces, and now carrots are being sprayed with this glutamate rich pessticide... so are some things like bell peppers and cauliflower...so be aware that if your son reacts, it could be a vegetable. Please don't give up, especially after you have made a mistake...we all do that from time to time...but you will eventually get so good at this, and the mistakes will subside quite a bit. That you are trying is everything...and please read the first 80 pages of the book a few times...there is so much to absorb. This feels overwhelming for everyone at first, so please don't beat yourself up when you give him MSG by accident. Your son sounds exceptional and he is so fortunate to have you for his mother. A hug to both of you. And know that we are here to help when we can. Roy Piwovar Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 4:22 pm:        Laura, Maybe your efforts in eliminating MSG from your son's diet are helping to control his cystic fibrosis as well. http://depts.washington.edu/ceeh/PilotProject/pilotyr6.html Laura Gould Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 7:29 am:        Thank you everyone for your helpful suggestions. Graham had a good night last night =) I'm hoping today he feels a better still. You are wonderful and encouraging....no tears today......feeling a little more hopeful =) Graham said we are living like they did a long time ago....everything homemade...he thinks it's kind of cool. He couldn't believe I made such yummy bread =o) Today we have to go out...instead of pulling through a drive-thru I'm packing a picknick =) Keep helpful hints coming... xox Laura Mom of Graham Laura Gould Posted on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 5:09 am:        Graham is still feeling the mental effects of disconnection, inability to concentrate, surges of uneasiness.....he feels seperate, out of cinque. He is afraid these feelings are never going to end. Is this unusual...it has been going on for over 2 weeks. He is scared his brain is never coming back. Has anyone tried methylcoalamin and/or SAMe? http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag98/aug98_abs.html Is this lengthy recovery unusual???? Will Graham ever feel like himself again =( thanks so much, Laura Mom of Graham Tom Fernstrom Posted on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 5:32 am:        Laura, It took me more than two years to get my health back and to begin feeling "normal" and healthy again 99% of the time. It may have taken me longer because this site and its information were in its infancy when I discovered it. So the regimen and supplementation strategies had to be learned and experimented with over time. Hopefully the information available here and the support will help you & Graham reach the same health benefits a lot sooner. But don't let discouragement and failures along the way deter you from vigilant abstention from these dangerous excitotoxins. Laura Gould Posted on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 7:56 am:        Morning Tom, Did you feel the mental feelings of disconnection for that long? Anyone else have long recoveries? xox Laura Laura Gould Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2003 - 6:50 am:        I have found these following things while searching for help. Could Advil help Graham? And could any of the ingredients in Vioxx be aggravating his symptoms of; distance, inability to concentrate, fuzzy feeling, brain fog???? Ibuprofen may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen have been found to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the underlying mechanisms of action are unknown. However, Casper and colleagues have recently found that NSAIDs protect neurones from glutamate toxicity in vitro – glutamate toxicity has been implicated in AD, Parkinson's disease (PD), and other diseases. Aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen were all found to attenuate the reduction in dopamine uptake caused by glutamate on cultured primary rat embryonic neurones taken from the mesencephalon area of the brain, indicating preservation of neuronal integrity. Furthermore, ibuprofen 100µm protected both dopaminergic neurones and neurones generally, against glutamate toxicity. In addition, of the drugs tested, only ibuprofen increased the relative number of dopaminergic neurons - by 47%. The authors concluded that NSAIDs deserve further consideration as neuroprotective agents in PD. Source: Casper D et al. Neuroscience Letters 2000;289(3):201–204. Updated September 2000. Vioxx contains: Each tablet of VIOXX for oral administration contains either 12.5, 25 or 50 mg of rofecoxib and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and yellow ferric oxide. Thanks, Laura Mom of Graham Roy Piwovar Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2003 - 9:27 am:        Laura, Vioxx is great for arthritis, but gave me terrible stomach trouble. I won't take it again. No brain fog from it, though. Ibuprofen is the only thing that will actually stop one of my MSG brain fog reactions in its tracks and clear my mind right up again. Some people can't tolerate ibuprofen and other NSAIDS at all. Some find it helps to rub off the brown coating first. Ibuprofen and vioxx have similar coatings, which I think may be there to protect the stomach. I don't think different NSAIDS can be taken together - some fight each other - and it also tends to increase side effects. Laura Gould Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2003 - 6:29 am:        Morning all, I began Graham on advil yesterday 2 tablets, three times a day. He is also on B6, B12, taurine, vit C. and magnesium...all carefully chosen to contain no gelatin or glutens. Every night he goes to bed hoping to feel better the next day...each day he is disappointed =( I hope the clears up soon.......any more tips? Oh we also began SAM-e xox Laura Mom of Graham Roy Piwovar Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2003 - 7:39 am:        Laura, Have you tried him on fish oil supplements? http://www.healthbulletin.org/foods_for_health/foods3.htm Roy Piwovar Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2003 - 7:47 am:        Laura, Sorry about the article's ending. I think the research shows real promise. Happy Mother's Day. You deserve it! Laura Gould Posted on Monday, May 12, 2003 - 4:43 am:        Thanks for the article on fish oils...I'm very aware of the research and it does hold some hope. Clearly another case where diet and health are intricately entwined. Graham still remains foggy and depressed..... I wish I could help him feel better =( xox Laura Mom of Graham Tom Fernstrom Posted on Monday, May 12, 2003 - 7:27 am:        Laura, Because of Graham's Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and because of the fact that it is an incurable genetic disease, his symptoms from MSG ingestion can intermingle with the CF symptoms to a very frustrating level -- especially for a caregiver such as you. As you probably are aware, in CF the body's inability to produce the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein responsible for the movement through cell membranes of chloride ions results in symptoms such as impaired breathing, heart problems and digestive problems. The classic CF is an abnormality in the glands, which produce or secrete sweat and mucus. Sweat cools the body; mucus lubricates the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems, and prevents tissues from drying out, protecting them from infection. People with CF lose excessive amounts of salt when they sweat. This can upset the balance of minerals in the blood, which may cause abnormal heart rhythms. Going into shock is also a risk. Mucus in CF patients is very thick and accumulates in the intestines and lungs. The result is malnutrition, poor growth, frequent respiratory infections, breathing difficulties, and eventually permanent lung damage. More info on CF: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/other/cys_fib.pdf With all of the above attributable to CF, it is amazing you were able to identify MSG as a sub culprit of some of the interrelated symptoms such as the asthma induced by MSG which in Graham’s case could be very dangerous. The point I’m trying to make is that we here have had the comparative luxury of abstinence equals improved health. We can attest to the positive results associated with abstinence and proper supplementation because of the results. Some here experience lingering difficulty overcoming other reactions that may or may not be attributable to prolonged excitotoxin ingestion such as sensitivities to other food additives or food intolerances or even organ and glandular dysfunction. But to try to answer your question from the other day, “Did you feel the mental feelings of disconnection for that long?” is difficult. For me I’d have to say that the fogginess and disconnected mental symptoms persisted even with abstinence – it was not until I settled into the regimen of supplementation of Taurine, Magnesium Orotate, Vitamin B6 and CoQ10 that I attained that “feel good” level of health and mental clarity. Whether this would be true for Graham is beyond my simple capabilities to determine. Laura Gould Posted on Monday, May 12, 2003 - 8:01 am:        Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply Tom... I am so aware of the numerous and critical imbalances that CF brings to this additional problem....and you can imagine my despriration. Could you please tell me the dosage you take of Taurine, Magnesium Orotate, Vatamin B6, and CoQ10 Graham currently is taken the recomended amount: Taurine - 500mg once a day CoQ10 - 60mg x 2 B6 - 50mg x 2 (One dose in B Complex) Magnesium Glycinate (not orotate? not ok? buy KAL) I have been reading up on glycine and concidering it...any thoughts? http://www.springboard4health.com/notebook/proteins_glycine.html Becuase of Graham's absorbtion difficulties he has depended on night feeds....most of the formulas are soy based. We have suspended these but the calories are diffcult to replace... Graham has been doing a wonderful job of drinking several glasses of whole organic milk a day...this is making up for the missed overnight calories. BUT I'm afraid the extra calcium may exacerbate inflammation and mucus production.... All thoughts on my choice of supplements is are welcomed.... I'm at my whits end.......very sad...I'm scared of the effect on his mind. xox Laura Mom of Graham Roy Piwovar Posted on Monday, May 12, 2003 - 4:03 pm:        Laura, It appears that the balance of a whole group of amino acids can be altered by cystic fibrosis. One amino acid mentioned in the link below is phenylalanine. I am wondering if CF causes a deficit of phenylalanine, and if that in turn could cause an excess of glutamate, especially if the cells have a tendency to absorb excess sodium. Any chemistry majors here? Towards the end of the article linked below is mentioned a treatment that is apparently being worked on as a result of having located the CF gene: "Another treatment that has been suggested is to squirt solutions of genetically engineered cold viruses in an aerosol form into the nasal passages and into the lungs of people infected with CF. This is done in hopes that the virus will transport corrected copies of the mutated gene into the affected person's airways so it can replace the mutated nucleotides. This form of treatment is known as gene therapy." http://www.studyworld.com/newsite/Science/Physical%5CCystic_Fibrosis-382663.htm Carol H Posted on Monday, May 12, 2003 - 4:44 pm:        Laura, you may want to try to find another source of calcium besides milk. Many on this board have had trouble with milk, and as a singer, I know many singers and voice over performers avoid dairy products due to mucus production. That could spell trouble for Graham. Does Graham's doctor say anything about milk and mucus production? Could he cut down on it for a while? To make drinks for myself to replace meals, I have been using the rice protein powder recommended by Hoteru, added to Rice Dream or water, mixed with a teaspoon of sweetener(in my case, I use fructose) and I add some frozen organic blueberries or cherries or peaches and blend it with a hand blender. It tastes really good. You may want to use rice milk instead of water for the extra calories. Homemade almond nut milk would add even more calories and additional calcium and magnesium. But, I'd run any diet changes past his doctor first. Deb A. Posted on Monday, May 12, 2003 - 5:41 pm:        You might try not giving him so many supplements at once. Just try one at a time for a few weeks to be sure there is no reaction to one of all of them. I also make a drink of canned and rinsed kidney beans (1/2 cup), 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed, 1 cup of fruit or berries, a few ice cubes, and 2 cups of Rice Dream Plain rice milk, and cane sugar, honey, or pure stevia powder to taste....a little vanilla is good in it. Donna Posted on Monday, May 12, 2003 - 7:51 pm:        Laura, I know how your son feels in some sorts I had the lack of consentration for over a year, I would describe to anyone that would listen I felt like I was in a glass jar and everything was happening around me but I was not a part of it. My children would come into the kitchen and talk to me and I would just stand there like nothing was registering. I tried all kinds of supplements and this and that but continued to get sicker. I know many things are being sugested to you and it can be overwhelming when you are desperatly looking for answers but I wanted to share withyou the two things that helped me the most just in case it might help you.One was discovering about msg and the other was learning about something called Celiac disease I thought I remembered reading something about this and its connection to Cystic fibrosis and the book I have was listing people who should be tested and cystis fibrosis was on the list. I dont mean to complicate things this diet avoids gluten found in wheat, oats, rye, and barley. After four days on this diet I could consentrate and had energy to stay up past 6:00. My husband noticed the difference and said I dont know what you're doing but I think you should keep it up. The last thing I want to do is throw something to further overwhelm you but if it helps its worth looking into. Laura Gould Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 6:18 am:        Thanks for all this wonderful input! I have asked Graham's doctor about all the milk...he says it's alright but I do notice an increase in mucus =( I was afraid of mucus and inflammation from milk.. I hope Graham likes Rice Dream...he may like Almond Milk as well...poor kid...he sure doesn't need this problem...his life is already so complicated......... I have used Rice Dream for a few years now...today Graham will give it a try, I think he will enjoy it. Thankfully he is very compliant and very smart and is willing to do whatever it takes to feel better =o) I have found rice protein powder at - http://www.herbalremedies.com/ricprot21oz.html is this a good product? It does say it is not gluten free....gluten is ok? as opposed to free glutamates? Graham has been tested for Celiac's years ago... his uncle has it...thankfully that is one problem that we don't have....... Last night we had corn on the cob...a huge summer favorite.....Graham got a little tight for about half an hour....but then he felt better. He got tight last week when he had enjoyed some organic corn chips from Frito Lay; corn, expelller pressed sunflower oil and sea salt....I was hoping it wasn't the corn...because he loves it so much...but I'm afraid it may be one more food we need to watch out for =( (tight means reactive airways) He also got a an aching lower back and a pain up in his shoulder/neck...all about the same time....all sypmtoms improved in about 30 minutes....except this morning he is very achy. Are all these classic sypmtoms? I called Frito Lay to aske how they processed their corn...they said it was processed with water and steam only..no chemicals... I wish I could make this all go away....... Is it every possible after going through a hyper sensitized state to reintroduce food on a moderate level with out triggering negative effects? For example...it we ever get Graham clear of all the brain fog and feeling like himself again... Have any of you been able to reintroduce something on moderate levels that were difficult to eat when you first got extreme reactions. Sorry if this is confusing.... We will also keep supplements as simple as possible. Tom Fernstrom Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 7:59 am:        Laura, You asked about the dosages of the supplements I am taking: SUPPLEMENTS I AM TAKING NAME Pill Size Dosage Frequency Taurine 1/2 tsp. Powder 1 Daily Beyond a Century 750mg per 1/4 tsp. Mag. Orotate 1/2 tsp. Powder 1 Daily Beyond a Century 73mg per 1/4 tsp. Vitamin B-6 50 mg 1 Daily Geritol Tablet 1 Daily Complete CoQ10 75mg capsule 4 Daily "Member's Mark" @ Sam's Club Judy T Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 9:35 am:        Laura: Yes, I have had some luck in reintroducing foods... in moderation, really moderation, I can eat bread, fresh corn, salad dressing all natural with xantham gum as a last ingredient, home baked cookies and cakes, 2% milk, hard cheeses. Gosh, I feel now that I do eat everything but you can see that basically I do avoid processed foods except for Wild Oats Ranch Style salad It took 9 months to even think of beginning these foods and a few years to feel good. Deb A. Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 11:51 am:        I have given up on most of the Frito Lay corn products. The only ones I seem to tolerate are the Santitos yellow corn triangles. Jackye Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 7:41 pm:        Judy T, Jackye, again. Did you lose a lot of weight initially? I have lost 20 pounds. I have been following basically the cave man diet since Feb 2, 2003. I have had a lot of trouble with flour. I have a new organic flour made from hard white winter wheat. I haven't tried it yet. What works well for you? I need calories. I can tolerate a couple servings of soft cheese from the dairy per week. My husband has churned butter from organic cream. You sound as if you were once super-sensitive too. I love Deb A's featherly light pancakes. I could eat them all day...if I can just find a good flour. Deb A, where do you buy your organic wheat that you mill? Thanks a ton for the help. I was asked for this website by the director of our pharmacy. I had sent him a little info to help me find a maintenance inhaler without lecithin. He said his wife has most of these symptoms. There is more out there than we know about. I am always so proud to share about you all. Judy T Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 - 7:52 am:        Jackye, Yes I also lost 20 pounds, which I needed to do. The minute, almost the exact minute, I began with the bread, pasta, pastry in moderation I gained back the weight. I did eat lots of nuts, nutbutters, Lays Classic Potato chips...all of which should have put on the weight but not like the flour! I just use a full purpose white flour for baking (once every month), and bread once a week, and pasta about once a week. I can now use butter from the store as well for cooking. If I went back on the strict caveman I know I'd lose those pounds again but I just can't face it now. Deb A. Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 - 2:26 pm:        Jackye, you can make those pancakes with brown rice flour. It's especially good if a little white flour is added to it...(no malted barley flour), like Pioneer or White Wings brands....don't know if you can get those where you live. You can find organic wheat berries online, I think. I find mine through local granaries. Roy Piwovar Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 - 2:52 pm:        The company that makes Pioneer and White Wings brands has an online store: http://www.chguenther.com/pioneercart/ Jackye Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 - 4:24 pm:        Judy T, Deb and Roy, Thanks for the help. I clicked on the website but could not get a catalogue or product list to come up under any of the choices. My husand will soon be home and he can help...da! Deb, will the flour list malted barley flour if malted barley is an ingredient. I will contact the Health Food Stores tomorrow. I did find a local source of organic beef...I have ordered one half to store in the freezer. I also asked a nearby health food store to order me a case of safe frozen pork chops. My parents have taken time away from their jobs to freeze organic fruit. I am blessed to have such great support. Thank you all for the help. I will get busy locating Pioneer and White Wings products. I am thinking about trying my organic cashew nut butter tomorrow. I try everything for the first time at work...a hospital. What better place to react? I am a true coward. Deb A. Posted on Thursday, May 15, 2003 - 8:50 am:        Remember that the White Wings and Pioneer flours are bleached and that could cause a problem for some chemically sensitive people. I really prefer Gold Medal organic white flour...it just costs more...but I can't always find it. Try the various brands of whole wheat flour until you find one that tastes and bakes more like what you are used to...some are lighter and others make heavy baked goods...each brand is a bit different.I end up mixing 1/3 white flour or sometimes 1/2 white and 1/2 whole wheat in my baked goods. Roy Piwovar Posted on Thursday, May 15, 2003 - 3:08 pm:        Besides Gold Medal, General Mills also has a brand of flour called Sperry that they market to professionals. http://www.generalmills.com/GMFlour/sflour.asp?type=Sperry Hoteru Posted on Thursday, May 15, 2003 - 4:58 pm:        Laura, Just keep going working on eliminating free glutamic acid from Graham's diet. Things will get better, they don't get worse. You are on the right road. Laura Gould Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 6:50 am:        It seems like such a long road...his blood sugars have even been effected. I have done some research on PubMed and found MSG really messes with the pancreas and sugars =( There seems no end to the problems this stuff causes..... I'm getting better recognizing food ambushes and we are enjoying pic-niks instead of fast food =) Much nicer all around =) Thanks for the encouraging thoughts... xox Laura Mom of Graham Deb A. Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 5:20 pm:        Rou, I checked the site and the Sperry flour looks good...haven't seen it our here...just the Gold Medal organic white. Jackye Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 9:05 pm:        I did note that the White Wings and Pioneer flours were bleached. I am going to stay away from those for now. I did go the the site that Roy provided, and requested information as to how I could get their products. Thank a bunch for the help. Roy Piwovar Posted on Saturday, May 17, 2003 - 5:19 am:        Jackye, The Sperry web site shows what looks like sacks. It may not be sold in practical sizes or retail stores for home use. Jackye Posted on Sunday, May 18, 2003 - 4:22 pm:        Roy, You were right! What flour do you use Roy? have you been able to ingest flour since the beginning of your no-msg days? You guys are the best. I pray that you never lose patience with me. Roy Piwovar Posted on Sunday, May 18, 2003 - 8:14 pm:        Jackye, I don't seem to have a problem with flour. Ironically, I test allergic to all grains and none of them bother me. Jackye Posted on Thursday, May 22, 2003 - 8:49 am:        Thank you Roy. I will stay after it. I am hoping, with time, that my sensitivities are fewer...or at least my reactions fewer in number. I will take all encouragement. Guenivere Armstrong Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 11:57 am:        Hi, I have suffered with severe msg sensitivity for 3 yrs at the slightest taste produced extreme cloudiness, mental and emotional anguish, a burning sensation in my head an inability to concentrate or do anything or communicate with people (felt like a mental patient), have found it hard to find right words to describe it, but best I can do is say it has been like an unbearable toxic poison in my head that has lasted from 24 - 36 hours. Managing it by avoiding foods, has still caught me out (yes the old let's not really put what's in the label trick) - it has been a sheer private mental torture which has robbed me of countless days, made it very diffilcult to work, socialise with friends even go on a simple thing like a date without feeling strange. Reading this has given me hope and now I realise I am not alone. Even going to many doctors, naturopaths they havn't seemed to have understood what I have been talking about and this increased my feelings of alienation. Most family and friends havn't understood and in many cases they have been very unsupportive, and have referred to me as a hyperchondriac. I feel quite negative writing this, as like to stay positive but I realise deep down I have had moments of utter despair and hoplessness wondering if the pain will go away and what is going on and seeking clarity to the cause and cure and a sense of normality to my life again... perhaps sharing all of this is a positive step forward, and also someone might relate to it who currently feels alone. I do believe there is a cure, and through sharing experiences with positive, supportive and understanding people in such a wonderful forum like this, we will move forward, pull it all together. I feel it is a holistic approach. Treating the underlying emotions, physically detoxing and repairing the body, stress management etc. It seems to be finding the right vitamins and supplements and the right approach. I also have been treating myself for chronic stress, anxiety, candida, liver, shampoo,conditioner,soap,fruit,yeast,sugar etc severe sensitivities, hormone imbalance and fatigue and I have come to the conclusion that one thing can throw your whole body out of whack , pin point the cause and treat that and the symptoms will naturally fall away - which would be the sensitivity to msg. I have tried many diff treatments (I am sure many of you have also been on the merry go round) over the past years and have recently had some real improvements. Pescribed a combination of liver antioxidant - phytocare oxyguard, digestive aid containing pepsin, pau darco and maca (for hormones and energy) which has erradicted the sensitivity to shampoos etc and def increased my energy levels. I was told I had no villi left which is a layer in the digestive tract which was contributing to sensitivities, fatigue etc as nothing I was eating was being absorbed thus a reduced immune, pancreas defficiency, nervous system, circulatory system, brain function etc which could contribute to body's ability to deal with toxins? Avoiding gluten which attacks these villi has helped. I have also undertaken a stress management course which was cognitive based and do a daily practice of exercise / yoga, meditation, affirmations and eating well. Bach flower remedies have also helped in times of stress. I feel 75% better, however I still feel there is another piece to the puzzle to resolve msg and sugar. My body feels it needs to be nourished and strengthed with some kind of boost (ie spirulina, body balance? )and it will return to balance, lower stress etc, better deal with my emotions especially unresolved anger which I have read is linked to the liver which could be a direct link to msg? Just throwing a theory out there? I am currently looking into Spirulina as a replacement for current vitamin regime as it is very costly - anyone have any comments on this, or suggestions for an all round tonic? Also doing working on being mindful of my thoughts - so much easier said hey ? I am looking for some positive support from understanding people to provide clarity to help move forward and heal as I do believe that there is a cure, and I think together we can find it. It is such a relief to know that I am not the only one. My email is guenivere1976@yahoo.com.au Guenivere Armstrong Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 12:07 pm:        Hi, I have suffered with severe msg sensitivity for 3 yrs at the slightest taste produced extreme cloudiness, mental and emotional anguish, a burning sensation in my head an inability to concentrate or do anything or communicate with people (felt like a mental patient), have found it hard to find right words to describe it, but best I can do is say it has been like an unbearable toxic poison in my head that has lasted from 24 - 36 hours. Managing it by avoiding foods, has still caught me out (yes the old let's not really put what's in the label trick) - it has been a sheer private mental torture which has robbed me of countless days, made it very diffilcult to work, socialise with friends even go on a simple thing like a date without feeling strange. Reading this has given me hope and now I realise I am not alone. Even going to many doctors, naturopaths they havn't seemed to have understood what I have been talking about and this increased my feelings of alienation. Most family and friends havn't understood and in many cases they have been very unsupportive, and have referred to me as a hyperchondriac. I feel quite negative writing this, as like to stay positive but I realise deep down I have had moments of utter despair and hoplessness wondering if the pain will go away and what is going on and seeking clarity to the cause and cure and a sense of normality to my life again... perhaps sharing all of this is a positive step forward, and also someone might relate to it who currently feels alone. I do believe there is a cure, and through sharing experiences with positive, supportive and understanding people in such a wonderful forum like this, we will move forward, pull it all together. I feel it is a holistic approach. Treating the underlying emotions, physically detoxing and repairing the body, stress management etc. It seems to be finding the right vitamins and supplements and the right approach. I also have been treating myself for chronic stress, anxiety, candida, liver, shampoo,conditioner,soap,fruit,yeast,sugar etc severe sensitivities, hormone imbalance and fatigue and I have come to the conclusion that one thing can throw your whole body out of whack , pin point the cause and treat that and the symptoms will naturally fall away - which would be the sensitivity to msg. I have tried many diff treatments (I am sure many of you have also been on the merry go round) over the past years and have recently had some real improvements. Pescribed a combination of liver antioxidant - phytocare oxyguard, digestive aid containing pepsin, pau darco and maca (for hormones and energy) which has erradicted the sensitivity to shampoos etc and def increased my energy levels. I was told I had no villi left which is a layer in the digestive tract which was contributing to sensitivities, fatigue etc as nothing I was eating was being absorbed thus a reduced immune, pancreas defficiency, nervous system, circulatory system, brain function etc which could contribute to body's ability to deal with toxins? Avoiding gluten which attacks these villi has helped. I have also undertaken a stress management course which was cognitive based and do a daily practice of exercise / yoga, meditation, affirmations and eating well. Bach flower remedies have also helped in times of stress. I feel 75% better, however I still feel there is another piece to the puzzle to resolve msg and sugar. My body feels it needs to be nourished and strengthed with some kind of boost (ie spirulina, body balance? )and it will return to balance, lower stress etc, better deal with my emotions especially unresolved anger which I have read is linked to the liver which could be a direct link to msg? Just throwing a theory out there? I am currently looking into Spirulina as a replacement for current vitamin regime as it is very costly - anyone have any comments on this, or suggestions for an all round tonic? Also doing working on being mindful of my thoughts - so much easier said hey ? I am looking for some positive support from understanding people to provide clarity to help move forward and heal as I do believe that there is a cure, and I think together we can find it. It is such a relief to know that I am not the only one. My email is guenivere1976@yahoo.com.au Deb A. Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 10:32 am:        Hope you can find the answers you are looking for. The best way to regain our health when we react to MSG is to avoid it as religiously as possible. Most supplements contain glutamate sources in the fillers (cornstarch, dextrose,maltodextrin, whey), binders, coatings, and gel caps, themselves. There are high amounts of glutamate, the harmful component of MSG, in supplements that are derived from seaweed, algae, etc. The best way to get vitamins that benefit the body is from whole foods. That, in combination with avoiding foods that contain both hidden and obvious MSG, is the best way to regain health. Any toxin as powerful as MSG will compromise the liver. Some people opt for detox as an answer for their ills. They have some success and feel better...then begin to go back to eating some of the things that may set them up again for illness. Many shampoos and other toiletries today contain glutamate in the form of milk, soy, wheat, silk proteins...also citric acid contains some glutamate. Carol H Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 1:04 pm:        Hi, Guinevere. Glad you found us. I know exactly what you mean. MSG stresses the body in a lot of ways. MSG makes you crave sugar to boost the energy the body needs because of the stress. Balance will return when, by avoiding MSG, it is no longer thrown off so easily. Let us know how you progress. MEMorrisNJ Posted on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 7:35 am:        Guinevere. Thanks for telling us your story. I understand. It has taken me so long. Everytime I think I have it all figured out, I find there is more to learn. During the past month, I really started to realize how my cooking methods impact what I eat --- even though I have read warnings from Deb A's book and writings many times before. For example, when I eat cooked organic oatmeal prepared by using lots of water and high heat (e.g., microwave), I become very ill within a couple of hours. I am quite certain whatever natural glutamines in foods such as oatmeal and rice mixes with water when cooked with high heat resulting sometimes in the formation of glutamates that are just like commercially produced MSG. (Perhaps, someone can correct me here if I am using the wrong terms.) I am curious how you know your villi left. (Sounds terrible!). For me, taking Needs' Flora Biotic 16 (a probiotic) which supposedly restores stomach flora seemed to help alot when I was recovering from long term MSG exposure. Yet, I still want to know what it is about me that makes me react so violently and why complementary and traditional doctors know zero about free glutamates. You mention sugar. Perhaps, you would find this article of interest: http://mercola.com/2001/jul/14/insulin3.htm This is Part 3 of a 4 part series. I recommend reading all 4 parts. Deb A. Posted on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 6:01 pm:        MeMorrisNJ, do you know if you are sulfite sensitive? Just wondered if this could be a problem for you, too. I know my sulfite sensitivity would throw me off when I was just beginning to make the food connection to my symptoms. Many of the reactions are the same as for MSG toxicity. Deb S. Posted on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 4:28 pm:        MEMorrisNJ - Have you tried oatmeal cooked the old-fashioned way, on the stove? It doesn't have to boil for very long, as you can put a tight lid on, remove from the burner and let it sit and finish cooking that way. I suspect that microwaves "denature" food due to the way they work. I think Carol H has described it as "flipping the molecules back and forth real fast" or something like that. Oatmeal has a higher protein content than wheat and other grains, so it's probably easier to create enough free glutamate to cause a reaction. Glutamine is different than glutamate - what you probably mean is that "bound" glutamate is converted into "free" glutamate when cooked with high heat or for long periods of time. ~~the other Deb Valerie Posted on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 4:58 pm:        Hi Everyone; It's been awhile since I've been here. I was suffering with terrible food and product sensitivities and have not been able to pinpoint what happened. I followed an ayurvedic cleansing diet for a few months and low and behold I recovered fully!! I made the false assumption that I now could eat anything and everything. Not only did I gain weight but the headaches, cloudiness, mood swings, blurry eyesight, etc. came back. It got real bad when I went out for Thai food. Silly Me! I'm back on track with all my homemade food and it only took three days to feel better, well almost. Please use me as an example and thank goodness for this site. Valerie Deb A. Posted on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 8:13 pm:        Valerie, thanks for your honesty and for giving a first person example of what I have been trying to tell people about some of the quick fixes that really aren't. Sorry you had to go through that. I have recently been trying to help two women via the phone. They call with a lot of questions about the supplements (protein drinks, too), they are using and try to talk me into telling them that they are safe. I learned from a friend of theirs that one has spent about $500.00 on vitamins and minerals. I want so much for them to understand, but since they have spent so much on homeopathic doctors and their special programs, they don't want to get our book...even at a price that barely covers our costs. I think their mutual friend is planning to get them books. It's really frustrating...they are suffering with so much pain. (fibromyalgia, migraine, etc.) The answer seems too simple to most people who are so sick and have listened to so many voices telling them how they can get better....they are very confused, and I do understand. But for every person we can't reach, there are so many more that are listening. guenivere Posted on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 6:33 am:        Hi MeMJMorris. Thanks for your reply to my message. Since I wrote I think I have some more clarity on my condition from visiting a new naturopath / homeopath who also does kinisieology which pin points exactly what your body does and doesn't need in terms of supplementation and diet and also what it is sensitive to - surprise surprise msg came up The healing process is like peeling the layers of an onion, each avenue peeling back layers until you reach the core. The clarity I have is that my body has basically been burnt out and depleted through stress over the years - simply had too much than I could handle ... hmmm balance seems to my life lesson What I am at now is the understanding that past stressess along with recreational drug use in my early 20's has impacted on my digestive system (attacking the villi I would say) which in turn I think created leaky gut syndrome. This is then responsible for a whole gammet of problems. Therefore msg being a symptom of a larger problem. Leaky gut opens up your body to parasites (candida - which in itself makes you susceptable to allergies, foogy head, emotions etc), emission of toxins into the blood stream, decreased liver function in which the body is unable to process toxins it would have usually eliminted and repelled, chemical sensitivity, fatigue, allergies, decreased immunity - basically thowring the whole body out of balance, drecreasing immunity and depleting it. I have also have lead detected in my body - however I am unsure how this happened? Seeing the kinisieologist was of great help as often many things that are known to help may not be suitable to your body or many in combination can be too much for your body - as per Debs mesasges. In my case - detoxing is out for now, as I need to build my health back up so that it is strong enough to detox. I am taking some herbs called withania and astralagus to rebuild, along with a practitioner quality mineral supplement, homeopathic adrenal support and spirulina. Originally he though this would be innappropriate due to it's detoxifying effect however it came up with the testing as good for me now - it has excellent properties for digestion, promoting internal flora, gentle cleansing, energy etc. However these supplements won't be suitable to everyone as Deb has discussed in some people they produce adverse affects and some supplemets contain glutamtes etc. This is why a professional and reputable naturopath who practices kinisieology seems to be the way forward for me at the moment. I am combining this with eating well - I am a big believer in a healthy diet and food as medicine (diet whole foods, low carbs but balanced and good quality protein - right now as autumn here in Australia making chicken, vegetable and lentil soup) yoga, meditation, and keeping my thinking positive where possible - however I have to admit I struggle with this sometimes, and now it is clearer as if you are depleted and weak of course you are going to be more sensitive, so just giving myself some time. I really do understand your frustration re cooking methods. Tonight I am cooking soup and fingers crossed the pots are safe for me. I feel neurotic hunting down stainless steel pots (or explaining to someone that you can't cook in that pot if it has had msg cooked in there before - so don't eat at friend's usually or eat out much which happens to be a great enjoyment of my life) and get very frustrated when you buy something that is meant to be quality and turns out it isn't what it says it is and you react - this journey can be hard enough to stay strong and positive - we don't need the extra stress, to tip us over the edge ! Did you try cooking the porridge on the stove, did that make a difference. Perhaps your body is intolerant to oats? Kinisieology could ascertain that. Oats have a high amount of gluten - perhaps you have a gluten intolerance? Just a suggestion to think about? I am doing my best at the moment, to manage my health and try to focus my energies onto other things. My health has prevented me from working and left me in quite a disempowered position staying with family which is not ideal and a log way out. I am saving money from government support to move out to be more central to be able to get work and building my health so that I can begin my program of re entering the work force gradually. It could be a bit tight moving out on government supplments, however it will be a big boost being in a peacful and comfortablle surroundings near what I enjoy and looking for some like minded nice people to share with and it feels like the right thing for me to do. I trust it will work out for me. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, however I have moments where I think I won't make it, but each day I focus on positives and be grateful for what I do have, but also trying not to beat myself up if I get frustrated and fall into a bit of despair about it now and then as it can be very diffilcult. Also as my body rebuilds I will regain my mental and physical strenth - I used to be such a together person and a high achiever (possibly part of the problem). I know the healing process can take a while, but deep down I always have faith that I will heal and recover and know that life can turn around when you least expect it. I enjoy having a healthy diet and will always avoid msg in my cooking however my aim is to rebuild my body so that if it is accidentally in something I am unaware of or in a friends cooking etc my body can tolerate it. I would love to see it banned all together from foods. So this is my new avenue forward. I will keep you posted. Wishing you well with your health. Let me know how you are progressing and if the pieces of the puzzle start to click into place so you can see the whole picture. A website that may be of interest, see type two allergies and article on leaky gut if it is applicable to you at all? http://www.vitaminlady.com/Articles/Allergies.asp Deb A. Posted on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 9:28 am:        Have you ever considered the possibility that leaky gut is caused by MSG? Of all the things that one puts in one's mouth daily over many years, isn't it possible, due to the vast amount of MSG added to foods, especially since the 1970's, that such a powerful neurotoxin can do terrible damage to the digestive system, possible even destroy healthy villi? Just thinking out loud again...sorry. Dr. George Schwartz, a toxicologist, in his book, In Bad Taste:The MSG symptom complex, says that MSG fits every criterion for a poison or dangerous drug. It builds up in ones system over the years, destoying various normal patterns in our bodies. It's an endocrine disruptor and binds to glutamate receptors eveywhere they exist, including the lining of the stomach.In this country, there seems to be an epidemic of stomach disorders with every other TV commercial selling some reflux disease medicine. I used to have colitis, before we learned MSG was causing it. Roy or Tom posted some fascinating information about the stomach as being our "second brain". You can do a keyword search at the left menu to possibly find it, if interested. Every doctor ( all kinds) we took our son to told him his severe health problems were caused by "stress". Yes, stress adds to any illness or condition and can cause some, to be sure. If that, along with the damage you consider may have been done in your 20's, and homeopathic remedies are the answer for you, that will be wonderful. You say you are also avoiding MSG, and that's great, too. Luckily for our son, we found out what MSG alone was doing to him on our own. For many people who think they are gluten intolerant, they later find that is is not the gluten they are reacting to, but the amino acid, glutamate in the gluten (protein complex) that they are really reacting to. In the book by Reader's Digest: Foods that Hurt, Foods That Heal, it states: " In susceptible people, MSG may trigger headaches, allergic reactions, or a flare-up of Celiac Disease." It states that MSG is made from "wheat or corn gluten or the liquid waste of sugar beet refining". Boiling or cooking any food high in natural glutamate, such as oats or wheat, or chicken in soup, for a long time (especially on high heat),will break down the bound glutamate (the peptide linkages are destroyed)to a form (free glutamic acid) which, when consumed, will enter the bloodstream 8 to 10 times faster than glutamate naturally found in foods. So much of the commercially prepared foods contain this form, whether it is called MSG or autolyzed yeast. One thing that you say that I wonder about is your belief (or hope) that as you reclaim your health, you hope that when you get the occasional MSG "poisoning", that you will tolerate it better. I am much healtier now that I have learned over the years how to better avoid MSG. If I get it by mistake, I still react, but not as badly as I once did, or so I thought. I ate at a "friend's" home who said she knew all about my problem with MSG and assured me everything was made from scratch and was MSG free. That night I had a full blown reaction, something that I hadn't experienced in years. So now I think that my reaction is relative to the amount of MSG I consume, which goes along with Dr. Schwartz's view.....dosage related toxins. I for one, will be more vigilant, or at least more than I was last month. My friend didn't think using canned broth was not cooking from scratch! I hope you continue to get stronger. My chatter isn't meant to say that you are not on the right track. I just felt a need to share what I have learned over the years about some of the treatments others have found little or temporary success with. You may be one of the "lucky" ones whose leaky gut is the underlying cause for every sensitivity. Take care. Ruth Posted on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 10:49 am:        Guenivere, I first learned about my leaky gut problem when visiting a naturopath in England. It was a short visit from America and I wasn't there long enough to find out what she would have done for me to kill the yeast and heal the gut. She gave me a bottle of probiotics to start me off and told me to find a good doctor when I got home. The problem with leaky gut is that food sensitivities get worse and worse, no matter what you do. Deb's book about MSG is very helpful. You are making MSG in your soup pot just by combining certain, so-called harmless, ingredients. The cooking process, heat, frees up bound glutamates. My leaky gut problem required a prescription drug to kill the yeast. I did take probiotics for a few weeks first, to build up my body a bit, but then we hit the problem with the drug. I don't know how you do it without the drug (Nystatin is what I took). I've read that it is possible sometimes to cure leaky gut with diet and supplements, but it takes much longer that way, and some cases are resistant no matter what you do. What I'm trying to say is that if you change the way you eat by knowing where all the hidden sources of MSG are, and know how to properly cook foods (as described in Deb's book), and you still have a problem with more and more foods making you feel sick, you may have to get a prescription for a drug to cure the leaky gut. The leaky gut problem itself may prevent you from getting strong enough to detox, since in leaky gut, the harder you try to eat well, the worse your food sensitivities get. My advice, get Deb's book to learn where the hidden sources of glutamates are and the safest way to prepare foods, follow the book carefully, and if your condition gets worse and not better, ask someone-doctor or naturopath, about something stronger to kill the Candida. Stay positive. Deb A. Posted on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 5:10 pm:        That sounds like great advice, Ruth. So happy you are doing so well and can be of such help to others here. jolts Posted on Saturday, August 07, 2004 - 7:29 am:        Hello all. Here is a very good article put out today by Dr Joe Mercola on magnesium deficiency: http://www.mercola.com/2004/aug/7/miracle_magnesium.htm The part on fibro really caught my eye since I have fibro & a lactic acid problem; he states: "Magnesium malate has been promoted for people with fibromyalgia to help break up lactic acid that seems to be part of the fibromyalgia picture." Pat Sr Carol H Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2004 - 8:23 pm:        Magnesium flips overtaxed nerve cells to the "off" position. I think it's opposite action to MSG is what makes it so helpful for all the conditions Dr. Mercola cites. jolts Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 5:29 pm:        Good description Carol. Pat Sr Deb A. Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 8:28 pm:        Just as a note of interest, Dr. Mercola used to to a member of NoMSG. He certainly understands the dangers of MSG. It's good that we have him on our side. Anonymous Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 11:34 am:        does wine contain gluten harry Roy Piwovar Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 4:21 pm:        Per a posting in the forum linked below ("Gluten is a possibility"), some winemakers are said to use gluten to clarify red wine. http://food4.epicurious.com/HyperNews/get/wine/995.html Lisa Marie Posted on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 11:58 am:        I have a question for you guys. Recently I was in a Health Food store where one of the owners,a lady who said she has MSG sensitivity, recommended taking L-Theanine. I did a search here, and it doesn't really come up as being bad. I was very surprised then, when I put it into google to find this: L-Theanine DESCRIPTION L-theanine is a non-protein amino acid mainly found naturally in the green tea plant (Camellia sinensis). L-theanine is the predominant amino acid in green tea and makes up 50% of the total free amino acids in the plant. The amino acid constitutes between 1% and 2% of the dry weight of green tea leaves. L-theanine is considered the main component responsible for the taste of green tea, which in Japanese is called umami. L-theanine is marketed in Japan as a nutritional supplement for mood modulation. L-theanine is a derivative of L-glutamic acid. It is a water-soluble solid substance with the molecular formula C7H14O3 N and a molecular weight of 160.19 daltons. L-theanine is also known as gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid, gamma-glutamylethylamide, r-glutamylethylamide, L-glutamic acid gamma-ethylamide and L-N-ethylglutamine. ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY ACTIONS L-theanine may have activity in modulating the metabolism of cancer chemotherapeutic agents and ameliorating their side effects. It may also have mood-modulating activity. I can't believe she would recommend this--I had asked about the hyper feeling, nervousness and rapid heartrate which come with an MSG reaction. Can someone please explain this for me. Thanks. P.S. I realize taking supplements is not the answer. I was asking after an accidental reaction. Roy Piwovar Posted on Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 6:23 am:        Lisa Marie, Per the article linked below, admittedly by a company promoting green tea: "L-theanine is an analog of glutamic acid,25 which is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and an integral component in the synthesis of GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter).26 Because L-theanine is structurally similar to glutamate (a form of glutamic acid most abundant in bodily fluids), it can protect the brain from toxic levels of this neurochemical by serving as a competitive antagonist on glutamate receptors, thereby shielding brain cells from glutamate-induced toxicity.25,27,28 Although glutamate is essential to brain chemistry, too much can destroy brain cells or cause degenerative brain disease. If the brain doesn’t get adequate blood flow, as in the case of ischemic stroke, glutamate concentrations surge, resulting in increases in calcium ions and free radicals, which can damage brain cells.25,28 By binding to glutamate receptors, L-theanine helps guard against neuronal death and damage,27,28 as well as vascular dementia.28 These observations are based upon in vitro and animal studies." http://www.naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com/ASP/articleDisplay.asp?strArticleId=1220&strSite=NFMSITE&Screen=ARTICLEARCHIVE Lisa Marie Posted on Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 12:39 pm:        Thank you Roy. It sounds like to me then, that the L-theanine will occupy the same places in neurotransmitter that the glutamate will. Do you then believe that the L-theanine is a protector as stated, or that it would actually do the very same thing which the glutamate would? But I am not a chemist, so maybe I am not understanding this. Roy Piwovar Posted on Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 9:12 pm:        Lisa Marie, If L-theanine works as described, it should be helpful for all conditions in which excess glutamate is a factor. Central ValleyCA Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 4:55 pm:        Laura, one thing to watch out for is California Grown anything. The use of Auxigro (contains MSG) as a spray for fruits and veggies is all over the area. Why it's used, I have no flipping ideas, but it's a huge source of MSG. Grow or buy organic, this is just another hidden source. Arlene Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 2:07 pm:        Has anyone tried with success infrared sauna for fibromyalgia pain and to pull msg out of the deep tissues? Thanks. Deb A. Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 11:03 am:        AuxiGro is being used extensively in California because both traditional and organic farmers consider it to be very "natural", since it is made from natural ingredients. It is a metabolic primer, which is what it was developed for...think HUGE produce!...but they learned that the bugs leave the fruit and vegetables alone..they are more instinctive as to what a toxin is than we are, apparently. So, the truth is, growers are ignorant of the problem they are creating....larger and bigger crops = $$$$$$$ Anonymous   Posted on Sunday, July 16, 2006 - 4:09 am:        illustrate crown gasket Eveready chases vigilant previews?port Byronizes percents texasholdem games online ointment steeps Africanizes bond weds free game of texasholdem Edgewood abdomens Steinberg,industrially play free texasholdem online download Anonymous Unregistered guest Posted on Monday, February 12, 2007 - 11:15 pm:        Since green tea is extremely "rich" in fluoride, I think it's quite dangerous. Fluoride is NOT good for your teeth! It robs the body of both calcium & magnesium, just like MSG. It's as serious a poison as MSG, if not worse. (I know, it scarcely seems possible!) But remember that Oriental women are prone to osteoporosis ... and white women, too. Aren't they stereotypically the ones most likely to drink tea? Also, I saw "Umami Manufacturers Association of JapanCopies of IGTC" in a list of companies that promote the use of MSG. (Sorry, I'm not sure which website I was on.) But the fact that "Umami" is in the name of such a company reinforces my suspicion that it isn't good for us. See Christopher Bryson's book, The Fluoride Deception, printed by Seven Stories Press, available on Amazon, for more fluoride info. Even reading the reviews of it on Amazon will give you a lot of info, 'though there's even more in the book, of course. Sorry I don't know how to sign in properly. I'm using a cellphone/PDA hybrid, & I'm doing well to get comments online at all. I'll just sign off as HLR. Anonymous Unregistered guest Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 12:17 am:        Do kelp and dulse also contain MSG? They ARE seaweeds, although not kombu. And what about spirulina? Is that MSG-safe, or another problem? HLR Deb A. Unregistered guest Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 11:48 am:        I would suspect that most seaweeds and by products made from them contain a lot of naturally occurring glutamate and free glutamate, the form found in MSG. MEMorrisNJ Unregistered guest Posted on Friday, February 16, 2007 - 6:57 am:        question: Benadryl - Does anyone have any advice on which brand, form and how to take this to help with sleep after a MSG episode? I am concerned about gel caps and dyes. Thanks! Carol H Unregistered guest Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 3:45 pm:        Do they have a liquid without dyes? I usually get the liquid one for Eric. Roy Piwovar Unregistered guest Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 6:41 pm:        my May 12, 2003 posting: "Once a doctor suggested benedryl in glass ampules so I wouldn't react again to the artificial colors in the capsules. I never filled the prescription, though." MEMorrisNJ Unregistered guest Posted on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 - 11:58 am:        Deb A. - What do you use? Carol & Roy: I'll look into both & report back. Thank you! Debbey Unregistered guest Posted on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 - 12:06 pm:        Benedryl-I think you can have it compounded with a script if you are worried generic diphenhydramine may be available without additives Also they have Benadryl Dye Free but I do not know what is in it Deb A. Unregistered guest Posted on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 - 2:20 pm:        I buy a generic brand pill that is usually the store's product and it's placed right by the Benedly pills. I have found it at grocery and drug stores and at Walmart. Look for diphenhydramine and the least amount of questionable inert ingredients or fillers. MEMorrisNJ Unregistered guest Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 5:45 am:        Deb A - one more question: Do you keep it in the gel cap? Deb A. Unregistered guest Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 1:03 pm:        It is a pill, not a gel cap. I rinse off the exterior coating, which can sometimes contain hydrolyzed protein. I rub it under running water...the slimy coating dissolves away. Sherry L Unregistered guest Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 3:38 pm:        Hi..everyone...I am new to all this...and I was wondering if you are sensitive to citric acid should you avoid oranges and lemons etc. Deb A. Unregistered guest Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 7:51 pm:        The citric acid that is used in many canned and bottled items is 9 times out of 10 made from hydrolyzed corn, not fruit, so it has residues of glutamate. However, citric acid and ascorbic acid found naturally occurring in fruit is another thing. Unless one has a true allergy to citrus fruits, they should be safe...of course, unless they have been treated with sprays rich in glutamic acid, like AuxiGro, which I read is being sprayed on some citrus fruits. Be sure to wash well and be aware that many are sprayed with wax coatings that contain preservatives and sometimes hydrolyzed proteins. Removing the peel of such fruit may help us avoid this extra glutamate, but I am unsure. Sherry L Unregistered guest Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 9:01 pm:        Thanks for the info Deb A. I have another question...How does one know if they have a problem with citric acid and they should avoid it? Also aren't alot of the things that contain sulfites also contain or have citric acid....these part is soooo confusing to me... Deb A. Unregistered guest Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 7:16 am:        If you have our book, you can go to the chapter that tells what foods usually contain sulfites or do a web search. You can even do a search here using the menu at the left at "Search". Citric acid is often found in tomato products, salsa, and many other products where either a tart taste is wanted or a higher or acidic PH for foods like tomatoes that are canned. Jack Samuels of www.truthinlabeling.org is convinced that citric acid producers are adding glutamate rich fillers to the citric acid since the number of people who complain of reactions to it are growing...and the reactions are becoming worse. He says it may be that some manufacturers remove more of the glutamate residues from the process than others (from the corn). People who react to sulfites have a true allergy to this preservative. Sulfites do not contain glutamate. The reactions to sulfites are found in the book and on the Net. I am allergic to them and will react with diarrhea, belching, abdominal bloating and pain, back pain, etc. With MSG, it will usually be some stomach distress at first followed by a bad headache that can last days....among other lovely symptoms. You can read my story at www.msgmyth.com for more details of what this terrible toxin does to my systems. Sherry, it is somewhat overwhelming at first, but we are here to help when we can. Be patient with yourself while you are learning a major lifestyle change. It IS worth the effort.Trust your body. If you find yourself feeling a bit off after using a product that contains citric acid, avoid it. We promote using whole foods and that means avoiding food additives that are dangerous to us. Instead of using canned tomatoes or pasta sauce or salsa, it means making them from fresh tomatoes...and not over cooking them. Anonymous   Posted From: 130.166.79.209 Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 - 6:13 pm:        I'm sorry for being out of the loop, but can anyone give me the name of Deb's book? I'm really interested. Anonymous Unregistered guest Posted on Thursday, April 19, 2007 - 10:42 am:        "battling the msg myth" go to www.msgmyth.com on the left panel, click "to order our book" and you will receive instructions from there... Deb A. Unregistered guest Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - 8:49 am:        Thanks Anonymous. We'd sure like some of you "anons" to give yourself a name, even if it is made up. Makes this board a bit more personal and friendly. Anon, I'm glad you and others are here to post and help newcomers when I can't be here. We left Thursday for the coast to spend some much needed R&R at my sister's home. We were was so pleasantly surprised by the food they served. Most of the time I have to rely on food that I bring in a large cooler. But they had been very careful and are now trying to eat more like we do. It was great just to know they are starting to listen....plus I got a break from cooking. anonymous Unregistered guest Posted on Friday, December 05, 2008 - 6:13 pm:        Hi Group, My name is Sara and I will take time to set up an account tonight. I am happy to have found this site. I have been battling MSG and other preservatives for a while. My reactions seem to be getting worse and more frequently, so i really need to get serious. I have lost enought of my life to this "natural" substance. I usually had immediate swelling and asthma attacks when I accidently or unknowingly ingested MSG. Now, I have these symptoms that develop later, last longer and I didn't connect them to MSG until this week. Dizziness that lasts for a few days, nausea and migraines that seem to greatly occur from the right side of my neck and into my head. Also blood pressure problems, muscle twitches and other symptoms which I will expand more on later. I did want to make a note here that Benadryl helps me a lot. I am looking for other help as well. For those that haven't tried Benadryl, it's worth a shot. And yes, it is Diphenhydramine. I don't know why it works, but it does. Mostly on my dizziness, headaches and oddly enough the nausea. Thanks...Will talk more later! Great group! Dianne Unregistered guest Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 4:39 pm:        Sara, And we are glad you found us. This is indeed a great website - it has helped so many. Everyone here is so willing to share info. Your symptoms are not unique and Benadryl helps because MSG messes up the adrenals. There are many other things that also help, but I will let Deb A. answer this as she is an expert. Tom Fernstrom Unregistered guest Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 5:58 pm:        Sara, When a person doesn’t feel well there is a somewhat desperate loneliness that overcomes them. As time goes on and seemingly unrelated symptoms begin to build, the loneliness and desperation take over the psyche. The mind goes wild and everything that is happening to them causes even deeper mental trauma. It soon becomes overwhelming and even those around them that they would normally count on to provide help, don’t understand or comprehend the fears that begin to control their life. Then all of a sudden they find a sympathetic ear. That is what you have found here by reading this discussion board. The first step to recovery is to find out you are not alone. You are actually surrounded by people suffering similarly from the affects of Excitotoxins, but they don’t know it. You, in fact are unique amongst a multitude of sufferers because you chanced upon this site. Congratulations. Welcome aboard. Good health to you. Tom EmilyS Unregistered guest Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - 1:02 pm:        Welcome to the board Sara! This board has years and years of great advice- I use the search feature all of the time to look up past discussions. There are a lot of us here that are happy to help. Glad you found us. Diphenhydramine and tums help when I have a reaction as well (my reaction affects my stomach lining). Thanks to this site, it has been 4 years since I've had a bad reaction. Welcome! Deb A. Unregistered guest Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - 3:01 pm:        Emily, has it been that long since you have been a regular poster/friend at this discussion board??? Whoa, time is flying by! It was so good to hear that you haven't had a bad reaction in years. I can say the same, thankfully. Have a wonderful, healthy holiday, everyone! It's the time of year we get most of our phone calls and email from people eating too much bad party foods. EmilyS Unregistered guest Posted on Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 1:21 pm:        Hi Deb! Yep, it's been 4 years since I found your site and have been posting here. I was missing in action for all of 2007 while I was pregnant and too sick to function and part of 2008 while I spent my entire days/nights with the most beautiful colicky baby. But now I have a happy toddler and I'm able to post/read on this board again (it's good to be back!). However while I was pregnant and not posting, this site was still a lifesaver for me as I searched for *anything* packaged that I might keep down. I found several dry cereal and cracker brands that turned out safe for me to eat during those months I couldn't handle the smell of my own baked goods. Hope everyone has a great holiday season! Deb A. Unregistered guest Posted on Monday, December 15, 2008 - 10:24 am:        So happy to hear about your little one. Toddlers are such fun during the holidays. It's good to know you were still tuned into the site during your pregnancy. Glad you're back to posting with us.

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