| Author |
Message |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 6:58 pm: |    |
Here's the new topic that was suggested, and the board format has been changed. Mike worked on it today. Suggestions are welcome! |
Roy Piwovar
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 7:32 pm: | |
Deb,
I like how the new format eliminates the need for a lot of side to side scrolling. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:57 pm: | |
Nice to hear you approve, Roy!  |
Becky
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 01, 2008 - 11:31 am: | |
Here is my story. I originally posted it in the "How you made the MSG Connection" section in April 2007.
Every day at work I was having these uncomfortable gas problems. I felt a putt...putt..putt.. sensation in my gut. It was extremely irritating and made it hard to concentrate on what I was working on. I also had loose stools. At that time I was eating a "cup of soup" type lunch every day because it was easy to prepare (add water and microwave!) I also went to see a chiropractor for neck pain at that time. In the X-rays, you could see the gas bubbles in my intestines! He thought that chiropractic would help with my digestive problems, but it didn't. Finally, I decided to try a series of cleanses - a colon cleanse, a parasite cleanse, and a candida yeast cleanse. These required a very strict diet. I ate mostly brown rice and other gluten-free grains, vegetables, eggs, fish, granny smith apples and whole milk plain yogurt. I was forbidden from having any wheat, sugar, yeast, MSG or vinegar. Well, when you cut out wheat, sugar, and vinegar, there's really not any processed foods out there that you can eat! So I ate all homemade foods. After a few weeks, I had no more gas problems and I was digesting my food again! After my official "cleanses" were over, I gradually went back to my normal diet, and the gas problems returned. I decided to read up on MSG since I didn't know why it was bad for you. In doing that I learned all of the "hidden" names of MSG. I was astounded to see them in all of my foods in my pantry! I threw them out and have been avoiding them ever since. After 1 week of eating my homemade food from scratch, I was free of my gas problems and now it only returns when I eat something that I know is risky, like food that someone else has prepared. I am so grateful for Deb and everyone else who spreads the message about the dangers of MSG. Thank you! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 3:42 pm: | |
Becky, thank you SO much for posting your story here under the new topic. I hope people searching for answers will read these MSG "horror stories" and be able to relate to them to find the answers they are seeking. We need to share these firsthand experiences here. |
Anonymous
Posted From: 71.254.43.22
| | Posted on Monday, January 07, 2008 - 12:51 pm: | |
Greetings,
Thank you Deb & Mike! I no longer suffer from migraines, blurred vision, muscle spasms, mood swings, irrtablity, and many more symptoms. I firmly believe that MILLIONS of people have reactions but aren't able to make the connection to their food. The withdrawals were almost unbearable. Now that I made it through the withdrawals my family & friends notice an unbelievable change and they want to be free of the poison as well. You have impacted my life and I thank you so very much!!! |
Rose
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, January 07, 2008 - 1:57 pm: | |
Deb, I don't know that I've posted this before, but I had dental work done in November and a couple of days later had a reaction to cashews(throat goes dry and then starts closing up and my tongue swells). The following week same thing after some lobster chow mein, this time necessitating a trip to the emergency room.
Then it started happening all the time, it seemed no matter what I ate, so I did some research and came across your site and ordered your book. Thank you. While I'm still learning and to be sure very cautious, I'm at least able to get thru the day without a visit to the doctor or emergency room, lol.
I also had reactions to the Benadryl because it was a gelcap (tell me that wasn't scary!) I've had to adjust my Levoxyl as well because I was reacting to the dye.
I've lost a lot of weight (37 lbs. since Thanksgiving), but I'm sure a lot of that is because of the removal of salt and sodium from my diet. I was drinking multiple diet sodas a day.
My question is has anyone else noticed that this started happening after they had dental work done? I seemed to have a reaction to the shot he gave me too. This worries me a lot because I'm supposed to go back for a checkup in December, and I know part of another filling has come out. |
Rose
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2008 - 8:34 pm: | |
Dianne, I'm sorry, it is a success story in that I've found what's causing it, but I did want to ask that question as the timing seemed to be truly too coincidental. I've had problems with my stomach and different foods before the dental work, but not my throat. |
John W
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 6:30 am: | |
Rose
I don't know what type of dental work you are having but have you considered the possibility of mercury in amalgam filling to be the source of some of your problems. Like MSG there is a controversy as to the dangers of the mercury in amalgam fillings and many dentists and others believe it to be harmless. In my experience though, I feel the amalgams contributed to my symptoms just as MSG is a factor (I have periodic episodes of heart irregularitite, a-fib).
Having amalgam fillings removed has it's own risks also and should be done with a specific protocol as you get a large does of mercury just by having the fillings drilled out. |
Anonymous
Posted From: 209.204.178.27
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 4:19 pm: | |
I too had some unknown health issues. Unknown because I never got a diagnosis for my problems, but I think all the symptoms point to something like fibromyalgia. I have scoliosis, so I've always thought the back pain I was having was "normal". Then in 2004 it got much, much worse. I could not find a comfortable position to sleep in. The pain was severe. Then my skin became extremely sensitive; when I took a shower the water hitting my skin was agonizing. Also along with that came "panic attacks". They had all the physical symptoms of a classic panic attack, but I thought it was odd that I could be rational during the attacks, and wasn't afraid of anything specific. I had no clue what triggered them. On top of that, I was dealing with a depression that I had for almost two decades. I never got treated, though now I'm glad I didn't have to. Had I followed traditional medical practice, I would most likely be addicted to codeine, on antidepressants and disability.
I had discovered I'm sulfite intolerant about I year before I found out about MSG. Some of my symptoms got better - I could take showers again. I returned to work after eight months off, recovering. But I still had the depression and panic attacks. Especially at night. They were bad enough that my husband asked on a number of occasions if I wanted to go to the ER. The attacks felt like a heart attack, but I knew that I don't really have any risk factors (the numbers of various tests I had trying to find out what's wrong all read "healthy") so if I went, especially on a recurring basis, I would be labeled as one of "those" patients, that's got some serious mental issues or something. I love how modern medicine will claim it's *your* fault if you don't respond to their standard treatments. I was also considered and excellent candidate for back surgery, where they use a rod to straighten the spine. With a success rate of about 50%. I'm especially glad I didn't go through with that one.
So by cutting out sulfites, that meant a lot of processed foods were removed from my diet. That explains the partial success, but really wasn't much of an incentive to learn how to cook. I had NO idea there were so many aliases for MSG, not a clue. It was the Deb's home page on her website that gave me my first clue, with the list of symptoms. I had more than half of them. The fact that they were all labeled together due to one common cause really got my attention. That was March of 2007. It was very, very frustrating at first, and it's been posted here a number of times, that it fills people with rage at the food industry. I sure felt that. But it could have been all the excitotoxins. ;) But it turns out I really love to cook, and I feel *so* much better. Along with a martial arts class, my back doesn't really hurt me at all anymore. Yes, I can overdo it, but I think it's in the "normal" range now. I lost almost 20 pounds with little effort, my skin is fine, my depression is gone. This is the first time, possibly in my entire life, to know what "normal" is supposed to feel like. It's ironic to think that the best health I've probably ever had is actually the level of health that a human is supposed to have in the first place. I'm not an exercise nut and not in the best shape I could be in either, but at least I have something I can work towards if I want. Thank you Deb!
Jennifer |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 9:43 am: | |
Jennifer, THANK YOU!...for sharing that with others. I know that we are making a difference when we take the time to tell people about our before and after MSG stories...stories that they can relate to..and I sure can relate to yours...brought back some memories that I buried..very painful. SO many people are still suffering and are unaware of what MSG and aspartame are doing to them. I get so frustrated at times, but with the film coming soon, more and more people are going to get the message. I am so grateful for my husband who got this site and discussion board up and running. He's the man! The word is spreading and more people are finding our anti MSG sites. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 10:06 am: | |
To anon who posted way back, I still get the blurred vision if I get some MSG by mistake...or even if I eat too many wheat products...any amount of glutamate that tips the scales against me. I made the mistake once of keeping my optometrist appt. when I was suffering from an MSG induced headache. My pressure scores were 22 and my doctor suspected I had glaucoma. Luckily, he agreed to check me in a week and sure enough, it was back to 16 or 17. My sister, who is not as careful as I am because she doesn't get the excruciating headaches from MSG ingestion, has just had laser surgery for her glaucoma and she's 4 years younger than I am. I'm so glad you found us! |
AmyJayne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2008 - 1:53 pm: | |
I just made the MSG connection last Friday. I'm pregnant and have had a high risk pregnancy before where I had problems with blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. Well we ate Chinese on Friday...less than an hour later, I started feeling light-headed and seeing floaters in my vision like I did in my last pregnancy when I got high BP spikes. I checked my BP and it was 152/88...went to emergency room because I just didn't feel good...nauseated, pain in my abdomen..all of which can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. They checked my BP and it was 148/100 at the ER! They told me I had "established high blood pressure" and gave me a presciption for BP meds. I ended up not feeling like this was the answer and an EMT at my husband's work suggested maybe it was MSG-sensitivity. I have kept a close eye on my BP's and they have all been normal ever since. This is scary stuff!! I think back to my last pregnancy and remember all of the Chinese and frozen & boxed foods I ate and I cringe!!! It also makes me mad that they pass this stuff onto consumers who were oblivious like me!
UGH! I'm not oblivious anymore!
Amy |
Roy Piwovar
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2008 - 4:58 pm: | |
AmyJayne,
My blood pressure was in the 140's as a child. Ever since I reached adulthood and began buying my own food it's stayed in the 120's, and I'm in my 50's. I never took medication for it. The difference was reading food labels. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 9:59 am: | |
AmyJayne, here is an excerpt taken from section 5B of an FDA periodical: "Glutamic Acid. Safety of Amino Acids Used as Dietartary Supplements, July 1992":
"The continuing controversy over the potential effects of glutamate on growth and development of neonatal animal models suggests that it is prudent to avoid the use of dietary supplements of L-glutmaic acid by pregnant women, infants, and children. The existence of evidence of potential endocrine responses....would suggest a neuroendocrine link and that supplemental L-glutamic acid should be avoided by women of child bearing age..." They are discussing a glutamic acid supplement, but it angers me that they completey ignore the massive amounts the average American gets from processed foods daily, not to mention, protein bars and drinks, infant formulas, fast foods and restaurant foods. And today, many vitamins and mineral supplements contain glutamic acid chelated to some of the ingredients, along with glutamate rich fillers, binders, coatings... and it's in the gel caps. I'm very glad that you found our site. Please keep learning and you will be helping the both of you. Best wishes on the new little one! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 9:12 am: | |
I'm reposting these entries here because I think they are wonderful stories to share with newcomers.
Courtney
Unregistered guest
Posted on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 7:00 pm: Delete PostPrint Post Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)
Lauren, you are so right! My main MSG symptom was that I was just hungry all the darned time. And apparently migraines of which I've had none in nearly two months. :-) I don't crave anything anymore. It makes it hard to figure out what to eat! On Friday I went out with some friends to Buffalo Wild Wings. They ate wings and jojos and mozzarella stix - and I ate their celery. :-) It smelled good, but I didn't want it at all. Just looked like poison to me. OK, so I also had a couple stoli and club sodas. And they were delicious! lol. I just never really want food anymore. It's fantastic! Right now, after dinner, I've only had 1700 calories today - that includes some Dagoba dark chocolate and a rice cake with almond butter on it. Without those two things, I'd be at closer to 1500. I may have some veggies later, but I may not.
I get a completely balanced diet. And you'll all be happy to know that I've transitioned to American Spirit cigarettes (no additives) on my way to my March 1 quit date. I'm the kind who needs to plan for such major life-changing things. But less than a month and I'll be completely additive and preservative free - for good. In addition to all of the horrible things smoking does to you, it didn't make sense to get all of the toxins from my food out of my body and keep pumping different toxins in. I'm also trying to leave all of my bad habits here when I move cross-country and save for the move. The time is just right.
I did get withdrawals, Lorri. Headaches, cold and flu symptoms, and even "brain shivers" similar to those that you get from coming off antidepressants like Effexor. Never mind that for the first three or four days I was starving all the time because my body was in shock wondering where it's MSG fix was. After that, though, it was the other symptoms and now after five weeks I'm fine.
I'm only hungry when my body wants real food - and then sometimes I'm still not and I make sure to eat anyway. No migraines. I have more energy, more clarity, sleep better, and the list goes on.
And the transition was so easy with the help of everyone here. I'm so grateful to all of you! Hang in there, Lorri. It's all so worth it!
LaurenC
Unregistered guest
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 6:20 am: Delete PostPrint Post Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)
Courtney, I'm so excited to hear that you are going to quit smoking!!! Good luck to you. I quit about 17 years ago and while it was hard (as I'm sure you know), it was amazing to finally be free of the addiction, the smell, the cost. Oh, and being able to breath again was a big bonus :0). I'm so happy to not be held a prisoner anymore by always thinking about my next "fix." Same thing with caffeine. Both those things had such a hold on me. I think having a start date is a great idea. Being ready for it is important. Remember too, part of the battle is getting over the act of smoking itself (while driving, talking on the phone, after dinner, with coffee, socializing, etc.). Hmmm, maybe between now and March 1, you could try not smoking at your regular times? Just a thought. And, if you do slip up, don't quit trying. Be sure to post about how it's going! |
LaurenC
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2008 - 9:18 am: | |
I wasn't sure where to post this, so I'm posting it here. I find this quite fascinating: About 10 years ago I had an MRI done because of my migraines. The doctor said I had lesions on my brain. He said that it's typical of MS, but did not think it was MS in my case (and didn't have any other explanation). Anyway, I was supposed to go back for a follow up and never did... until this week. The tests came back normal! I find it interesting, because recently I read about MSG causing brain lesions (I think was in Dr. Blaylocks book). Granted, I don't know if something else happened over the last 10 years or if it was because of being MSG-free the last 3 months. I'm more inclined to believe the latter, but of course I'll never know for sure. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2008 - 2:59 pm: | |
Wow! I'm so happy for you. Yes, I remember Dr. Blaylock in his book saying that many young people are developing brain lesions due to MSG.
What is always amazing to me is how the body heals itself with excitotoxin elimination. |
Becky
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2008 - 9:12 pm: | |
Wow, that's great Lauren! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, February 07, 2008 - 9:35 am: | |
Fibromyalgia
Maggie, I am reposting this so that newcomers with fibromyalgia can relate:
I am new to this board. I discovered I had fibromyalgia last summer. Extensive research brought me to this web site. I
ordered Deb's book and I am completely pain free. My question
is this. I shop and cook and bake and keep everything fresh
and healthy. I eat no processed food. I am sure all of are
the same way. My problem is this. How can you do things
such as traveling. My husband of 34 years has retired and he
wants to take a few short trips. I am absolutely fearful of
leaving my safety net, my kitchen. I know I can eat carefully
if I eat out. I can bring my own salad dressing and order
a salad, but that is here in town. We have not really been able to eat very much
since last July. Is there a way to travel and not become sick?
Can anyone help me? Thank you so much. |
Zoomer
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, February 08, 2008 - 12:28 pm: | |
I know Deb, I have the same problem. For me, boiled eggs are OK, real hard non-aged cheese, organic ham (sometimes), smoked salmon slices (sometimes), fruit, etc. Boring yes. Try to stay in a hotel with a kitchenette or drive around with mobile home. Learn how Taurine, NAC, magnesium, and Q10 works for you before you leave. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, February 11, 2008 - 1:34 pm: | |
Great ideas, Zoomer. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, February 11, 2008 - 1:40 pm: | |
By Sharon
Unregistered guest
Posted on Saturday, February 09, 2008 - 5:45 pm:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi again,
Gosh, I have to say I am doing 100% better then I was three weeks ago!
My pain from the Arthritis is almost NOT, all inflamation is gone!
Since I have gone, Gluten and MSG free my body is regaining it's health in leaps and bounds!
This week alone I have been sled ridding three times!
I climb up and down the hills with no problem and my daugther in-law can't even keep up with me! :-)
It has not been easy with changing the way I eat...But, it is worth it.
I still have the dry mouth problem at night....but...I am thinking this could be due to caffine. I only have one cup of coffee a day, sometimes a little chocolate also.
I am going to have to go off all caffine and see if this helps.
I did the Celaic test, but it came back Neg. However, I did tell the doctor I was off gluten for almost two weeks...
He said with the new test it would show up no matter.
From all I have read, he is wrong.
I also fround out I have a neice who is Celiac, so it is in the family.
I really believe as time goes on I am going to feel like a million bucks!
God is so good!!
P.S.
I had bread today...Gluten free! I made it from scratch...banana bread! It was so good! Being gluten free is not all that hard if you take the time and effort to bake! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, February 28, 2008 - 3:09 pm: | |
"Dear Deb,
I just wanted to write you and thank-you for providing your informative website on the dangers of MSG. What a godsend! I am not crazy! My symptoms are real!
I just ordered your book, and look forward to reading it when it arrives.
I'm a 36 year old women who is very sensitive to MSG, and the ill effects it causes. When I'm not exremely careful, and injest MSG, I get symptoms within 10-20 minutes. A burning/tingling/tightening sensation at the back of my neck hits right away, followed minutes later by a migraine that lasts DAYS. Achy muscles and joints, fatigue, heart palipatations, shakes, sweats and depression are also some of the symptoms I experience and I wondered why! I knew msg was a major trigger for my migraines. I had no idea it could be the cause of my other symptoms! I'm a 36 year old mom of 4, who is otherwise healthy and fit. I take pride in having a healthy lifestyle. Having these symptoms is very frustrating at best.
My biggest challenge is in meal preparation and snacks for me and my family. I'm hoping that your book will help with that. Two of my children (that I've found out so far), also are sensitive to msg, and experience it's ill effects. Providing them msg free snacks/meals takes on new meaning when it's more than myself who's affected if I don't."
R.W from Canada |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 7:41 am: | |
Bonnie M.
Unregistered guest
Posted on Monday, March 10, 2008 - 1:58 pm: Delete PostPrint Post Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)
...and Deb too, for having this wonderful site.
I have taken all the things out of Conor's diet that he has reactions to. (including MSG)
It's been just over a week now.
I was starting to think it wasn't working with his behaviour.
Yesterday I noticed he was talking politely and with patience, he wasn't fighting and constantly bugging his brother and sister and he didn't have that "frantic energy" that he seams to have constantly. We had a very nice day yesterday.
I hope this is a sign of things to come. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 9:26 am: | |
Just received this email today:
"Debby,
Thanks for exposing the dangers of MSG in our diets. For years, I considered people “extremists” who held your views – that is until I started running into inexplicable health problems. I am 50 years old and two months ago, my doctor put me on blood pressure medication to lower my consistent 150 / 110 pressure readings. He also advised me I was anemic. Added to this diagnosis, I was experiencing a lot of “head fog” and extreme fatigue. When I heard about the side effects of excitotoxins such as MSG and Aspartame, I eliminated all foods with these additives and my recovery has been no less that dramatic. Within two weeks of cutting out all MSG, my blood pressure returned to normal and I have stopped taking my medication. As a matter of fact my blood pressure stays in the 110 / 70 range consistently – something I haven’t achieved since my 20’s. My anemia is gone, the head fog has completely lifted, and my wife says I look 10 years younger. The puffiness and dark circles under my eyes have left and I have never felt better physically in over 25 years.
The most surprising side-effect (my wife calls it a blessing) is that I have been consistently losing weight without dieting. I describe it this way: My hunger used to control me, now I control my hunger. Without MSG in my diet, I no longer have cravings for high carb foods and junk food. Many times, I forget to eat lunch at work as I seldom think about snacking or eating during the day. The only downside to cutting out MSG is the cost – the cost of a new wardrobe as nothing fits anymore.
Perhaps my wife will be the next one to email you. For 18 years, ever since she had our first child, she has not been able to keep her weight down. To quote her, “I never knew what it was like to feel ‘hungry’ until I was pregnant, and since then the hunger pangs have never ceased.” My wife has been dieting ever since giving birth and losing the battle inch by inch, so to speak. Since coming off MSG, and without dieting, she has been consistently losing weight. What is more, she says she no longer has the cravings associated with “emotional eating” and, in her mind, she believes MSG was driving these insatiable urges.
Keep spreading the word – MSG is detrimental to people’s physical and mental well-being.
Best Regards,
MG" |
Becky
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 9:55 pm: | |
I have another success story since eliminating MSG from my diet.
I have always had problems with having chest pains - particularly during exercise. Even as a child I had this problem. Since I was a teenager I have always tried to exercise regularly, but the chest pains made it difficult to do.
Well, I was at the gym this morning, and I was thinking about how effortless it was to exercise and I realized that I can't remember the last time I had any chest pains. (I made the MSG connection about 1 year ago.)
Thank you, thank you! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - 1:27 pm: | |
Oh Becky, that's wonderful! |
Anonymous
Posted From: 208.69.10.6
| | Posted on Friday, March 14, 2008 - 9:32 am: | |
Here's something interesting. I haven't posted for a few years but i thought of this forum when I saw this.
MSG.
The food additive MSG (Mono-Sodium Glutamate) is a slow poison. MSG hides behind 25 or more names, such as "Natural Flavoring."
MSG is even in your favorite coffee from Tim Horton's and Starbucks coffee shops!
I wondered if there could be an actual chemical causing the massive obesity epidemic, and so did a friend of mine, John Erb. He was a research assistant at the University of Waterloo in Ontario , Canada , and spent years working for the government. He made an amazing discovery while going through scientific journals for a book he was writing called The Slow Poisoning of America.
In hundreds of studies around the world, scientists were creating obese mice and rats to use in diet or diabetes test studies. No strain of rat or mice is naturally obese, so scientists have to create them. They make these creatures morbidly obese by injecting them with MSG when they are first born.
The MSG triples the amount of insulin the pancreas creates, causing rats (and perhaps humans) to become obese. They even have a name for the fat rodents they create: "MSG-Treated Rats."
When I heard this, I was shocked. I went into my kitchen and checked the cupboards and the refrigerator. MSG was in everything -- the Campbell 's soups, the Hostess Doritos, the Lays flavored potato chips, Top Ramen, Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper, Heinz canned gravy, Swanson frozen prepared meals, and Kraft salad dressings, especially the "healthy low-fat" ones.
The items that didn't have MSG marked on the product label had something called "Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein," which is just another name for Monosodium Glutamate.
It was shocking to see just how many of the foods we feed our children everyday are filled with this stuff. MSG is hidden under many different names in order to fool those who read the ingredient list, so that they don't catch on. (Other names for MSG are "Accent, "Aginomoto," "Natural Meat Tenderizer," etc.)
But it didn't stop there.
When our family went out to eat, we started asking at the restaurants what menu items contained MSG. Many employees, even the managers, swore they didn't use MSG.
But when we ask for the ingredient list, which they grudgingly provided, sure enough, MSG and Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein were everywhere.
Burger King, McDonald's, Wendy's, Taco Bell, every restaurant -- even the sit-down eateries like TGIF, Chili's,
Applebee's, and Denny's -- use MSG in abundance. Kentucky Fried Chicken seemed to be the WORST offender: MSG was in every chicken dish, salad dressing. and gravy. No wonder I loved to eat that
coating on the skin -- their secret spice was MSG!
So why is MSG in so many of the foods we eat? Is it a preservative, or a vitamin?
Not according to my friend John Erb. In his book The Slow Poisoning of America, he said that MSG is added to food for the addictive effect it has on the human body.
Even the propaganda website sponsored by the food manufacturers lobby group supporting MSG explains that the reason they add it to food is to make people eat more.
A study of the elderly showed that older people eat more of the foods that it is added to. The Glutamate Association lobbying group says eating more is a benefit to the elderly, but what does it do to the rest of us?
"Betcha can't eat [just] one," takes on a whole new meaning where MSG is concerned! And we wonder why the nation is overweight!
MSG manufacturers themselves admit that it addicts people to their products. It makes people choose their product over others, and makes people eat more of it than they would if MSG wasn't added.
Not only is MSG scientifically proven to cause obesity, it is an addictive substance. Since its introduction into the American food supply fifty years ago, MSG has been added in larger and larger doses to the pre-packaged meals, soups, snacks, and fast foods we are tempted to eat everyday.
The FDA has set no limits on how much of it can be added to food. They claim it's safe to eat in any amount. But how can they claim it's safe when there are hundreds of scientific studies with titles like these:
"The monosodium glutamate (MSG) obese rat as a model for the study of exercise in obesity." Gobatto CA, Mello MA, Souza CT, Ribeiro IA. Res Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol. 2002.
"Adrenalectomy abolishes the food-induced hypothalamic serotonin release in both normal and monosodium glutamate-obese rats." Guimaraes RB, Telles MM, Coelho VB, Mori C, Nascimento CM, Ribeiro.
Brain Res Bull. 2002 Aug.
'Obesity induced by neonatal monosodium glutamate treatment in spontaneously hypertensive rats: An animal model of multiple risk factors." Iwase M, Yamamoto M, Iino K, Ichikawa K, Shinohara N, Yoshinari Fujishima. Hypertens Res. 1998 Mar.
"Hypothalamic lesion induced by injection of monosodium glutamate in suckling period and subsequent development of obesity." Tanaka K, Shimada M, Nakao K Kusunoki. Exp Neurol. 1978 Oct.
No, the date of that last study was not a typo; it was published in 1978. Both the "medical research community" and "food manufacturers" have known about the side effects of MSG for decades.
Many more of the studies mentioned in John Erb's book link MSG to diabetes, migraines and headaches, autism, ADHD, and even Alzheimer's.
So what can we do to stop the food manufactures from dumping this fattening and addictive MSG into our food supply and causing the obesity epidemic we now see?
Several months ago, John Erb took his book and his concerns to one of the highest government health officials in Canada. While he was sitting in the government office, the official told him, "Sure, I know how bad MSG is. I wouldn't touch the stuff." But this top-level government official refuses to tell the public what he knows.
The big media doesn't want to tell the public either, fearing issues with their advertisers. It seems that the fallout on the fast food industry may hurt their profit margin. The food producers and restaurants have been addicting us to their products for years, and now we are paying the price for it. Our children should not be cursed with obesity caused by an addictive food additive.
But what can I do about it? I'm just one voice! What can I do to stop the poisoning of our children, while our governments are insuring financial protection for the industry that is poisoning us?
This message is going out to everyone I know in an attempt to tell you the truth that the corporate-owned politicians and media won't tell you.
The best way you can help to save yourself and your children from this drug-induced epidemic is to forward this article to everyone. With any luck, it will circle the globe before politicians can pass the legislation protecting those who are poisoning us.
The food industry learned a lot from the tobacco industry. Imagine if big tobacco had a bill like this in place before someone blew the whistle on nicotine?
If you are one of the few who can still believe that MSG is good for us and you don't believe what John Erb has to say, see for yourself. Go to the National Library of Medicine at www.pubmed.com.
Type in the words "MSG Obese" and read a few of the 115 medical studies that appear.
We the public do not want to be rats in one giant experiment, and we do not approve of food that makes us into a nation of obese, lethargic, addicted sheep, feeding the food industry's bottom line while waiting for the heart transplant, the diabetic-induced amputation, blindness, or other obesity-induced, life-threatening disorders.
With your help we can put an end to this poison.
Do your part in sending this message out by word of mouth, e-mail, or by distribution of this printout to your friends all over the world and stop this "Slow Poisoning of Mankind" by the packaged food industry.
Blowing the whistle on MSG is our responsibility, so get the word out. |
Anonymous
Posted From: 208.69.10.6
| | Posted on Friday, March 14, 2008 - 9:42 am: | |
I just uloaded the prior message.
I forgot to identify myself as the one who promoted the idea that MSg worked on the Pancreas to over produce insulin over 5 years ago on this bulletin board. The surplus Insulin sucks all the sugar from the blodd leave you hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemic headaches can be the worst. As an aside, here I am in the City where insulin was developed as an injectible at the Banting and Best laboratories.
Those who get caught ingesting insulin inadvertantly...I still get caugth every other week...dose your system with sugar...sugar pills, chocolate...coke...I know it sounds awefull but the headache won't wake you up in the middle of the night if you sugar up before bed, knowing that you ate the MSG...or if you don't know until the headache arrives in the middle of the night...take analgesics and force as much coke down as you can stomach...go back to bed, and wake up much better....if you don't you will have that headache until you go to bed the next night. |
Anonymous
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, March 15, 2008 - 4:48 am: | |
lol...Coke. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, April 07, 2008 - 2:51 pm: | |
Karen
Unregistered guest
Posted on Saturday, April 05, 2008 - 2:34 am:
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Hi Courtney;
I am by no means an expert of any kind, but I would like to tell you about my own spasms, and maybe it will help.
Keep in mind, that until 2-19-08, I had NO clue AT ALL what MSG did to us.
I now realize I have had symptoms all my life, increasingly bizarre and insistant until I went to the ER in Feb. Since I have recognized it as MSG, and have changed my diet, all those symptoms have either stopped completely, or decreased so drastically that I am still amazed.
One of those symptoms was odd little tics, spasms, and strange muscle jerks. I never associated them with anything particular, only my body behaving strangely.
Since I was in my early teens, I have had odd twitches in my fingers, and just like you described, would start in my pinky, then to my ring finger, my index, then my thumb. Not always with numbness. In fact when they would come on, I would make a show of it to my family, we would all laugh at my strangeness, but they never really believed me, thought I was doing it on purpose.
As I said, I have always had odd tics of some sort or another. Just about 2 months prior to my ER visit in Feb., I began to have very annoying and very strong tics in my eye lids, and very strange feelings in my nostrils like my nerve endings were just jumping around. It was getting very annoying.
I did not know, or think to ask if, it was related to MSG until I changed my diet, and within a day all my tics, dancing nerves, and spasms stopped. Even my muscle aches, that sometimes twitched. It did not occur to me that this was from MSG or sulfites, until I was having a reaction one day from something I had eaten that I knew I should not have, and suddenly along with the normal reaction symptoms, I started getting the eye twitch again. My fingers have not actually twitcehd again, but they get the same feeling inside them as they did when they did twitch.
I hear you about the debilitating stomach pain. That was a surprise! I had never felt pain that bad in my stomach, and did not know it was from MSG until I read more on this site.
I hope this helps, though it may be unrelated. |
anonymous
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 3:45 pm: | |
Eye twitch, limbs twitching, crawling sensations on my skin, severe muscle aches and pains, and those were the easy to live with MSG reactions I had. It was the disabling vertigo, nausea, tinnitus and deafness that really got me serious about looking for answers.
And, those very answers Deb provided in her book. What a terrific find that was!
This is my first time back to post about my recovery since incorporating your knowledge and cookbook in to my MSG plan of attack, what a difference it has made. Thank You Deb.
I knew before I met you that MSG was a problem for me, and I had been trying to eliminate it, but was continually making mistakes from lack of knowledge. Your wisdom was the final missing piece for me. It has been almost a year now since I made a signfificant mistake, and I feel great! Thank You. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, April 14, 2008 - 12:49 pm: | |
If you could see me, you would see a very huge smile !!! Thanks for making me very happy with your story. Hope it helps others coming here for answers. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 3:45 pm: | |
Anonymous, whose email I posted above on April 12, 2008 said she was happy to have her name, Meg, be added to her story. She just added that she now can notice if her 4 year old has eaten MSG by the way she acts. It's so wonderful to know we are reaching so many people! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, April 20, 2008 - 4:59 pm: | |
Thought I would repost this here for those wanting to read MSG horror stories and recoveries:
"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 - 6:38 am: Delete PostPrint Post Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)
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 - 5:39 pm: Delete PostPrint Post Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)
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 - 5:47 pm: Delete PostPrint Post Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)
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. |
Carol H
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 - 5:34 pm: | |
It is so good to hear that you are doing better. I remember your post from then too. Thank you for giving us such a wonderful update!
Happy endings like this really keep our spirits up and keep us going |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - 7:24 pm: | |
Found these older stories posted elsewhere:
"Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 1:45 pm:
"Dear Debbie -
I am one of your son, Michael's, chiropractic patients. He told me about your book because of some of the symptoms I was having. I ordered your book and started watching what I ate, trying to avoid as much MSG as possible. I was doing pretty well, because the symptoms were abating and I was feeling quite well. The dizzyiess and balance problems were almost gone. Then, my son, Scott, who did not know about what I was doing, put some meat seasoning on our steaks one night. I got very dizzy, lost my balance and had to go to bed. The next day, I tried to think what I had eaten different and went to look at the seasoning he had used. The ingredients were salt and MSG. Needless to say, I believe I proved that the MSG is at least a large part of my problem, if not all of it.
I told my son what is going on so now he knows not to use the seasoning on my meat and to cook my meat in a different pan. I am just writing to tell you how much I appreciate your book and you for the work you are doing to educate us all.
I too am a believer and believe that God led me to Michael and you. I had been praying for healing for this and I believe God has given me this information/tools to make me well.
June C."
david l smith
Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 7:15 pm:
Dear Debbie, This is the first time i have visited this sight,and have already found out some good information.I have had some health problems for quite some time now and have always went to a doctor and had test after test done and when the test results come back it always negative.I went to the doctor about two weeks ago with problems diffculty swallowing{even liquids}. The doctor checked me out told me to come back in two weeks after i have finished the antibotics he had giving me.He looked down my throat and said it was a little red but Know major problem.He told me it could be acid reflux and ordered a barium swallow test.{did that yesterday no results yet}. My wife pointed out to me that i need to stop useing that {accent} on my food.At that point i looked up the ingredients and now you Know why i am at this sight.I have been putting that stuff on my food for years and did not Know what it would do.I am seeing a ent doctor right now and are waiting for the results from yesterday but should i be seeing a different type doctor. |
jjmartin
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 2:23 pm: | |
I had a bit of a breakthrough on my journey to wellness. Since 1991 I have been avoiding nitrates and I have been avoiding MSG since 1999. I do well most of the time and live a fairly normal life but this last year I have been increasingly puzzled and discouraged by the number of headaches I was having. Many times I knew I had done or eaten nothing that should bring on a headache.
I go away from home quite a bit for various occasions and would always notice that about two days after I got back from a trip I would get a horrible headache. I always thought it was the stress of driving or riding long distances. Last week I got a headache I could not seem to get rid of no matter what I did.
I sat out in my chair at 3AM in a very weakened and hopeless state. I asked God to please help me. I knew He wanted me to figure this out. I started to think of things that I do at home that I do not do away from home. I looked down at my ragged fingernails which have long been a problem that I had attributed to a fungus and in fact had been treated for fungus. No amount of care or creams had ever been able to heal them in the last several years. I had been so happy that they had cleared up completely during the two weeks we had just been gone, but now after being home a week they were cracked and bleeding again.
It hit me that I do dishes at home and not away from home. I went to the sink and looked at the Dawn bottle—Ultra Concentrated Dawn it said. I hadn't noticed that before. It was a huge bottle I had gotten at Sam' Club and we use it in smaller containers to wash our hands as well. The ingredients weren't listed so I got on the computer to learn that Dawn contains ethyl alcohol or ethanol and they some time ago had introduced a "concentrated formula".
I was essentially bathing my hands constantly in alcohol, drying them out, causing cracks and cuts and taking ethanol into the blood stream by dermal absorption through my hands and cracked cuticles. I know I would be seen as a crackpot if I said it but I think I was basically suffering hangovers from Dawn detergent! I have totally reevaluated all our cleaning products, am wearing rubber gloves, and have been headache free. |
Anonymous
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 5:56 pm: | |
Have any of you found a safe soap to wash your hands with/wash your dishes with? |
jjmartin
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 3:02 am: | |
I'm trying BIOKLEEN purchased at the health food store for dishes. And am going to try GTC laundry soap and all purpose cleaner sold at Linens and Things. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, April 28, 2008 - 3:32 pm: | |
I wonder if soy or corn products are also used...what a chemical brew! Their waste products are being used for so many new products. I noticed that the Dawn I had used last year had changed in recent months...smelled different and behaved differently, too...bet it's a cheaper formula...profits are everything today. 
I'm so glad you posted this...it validates what I have been thinking...my nails have been bad for a long time...cracking and dry hands. They DO heal for the time I am on vacation...thought it was the relaxation! Thanks, jjmartin! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, May 12, 2008 - 12:29 pm: | |
Luann
Unregistered guest
Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 3:40 pm:
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We recently discovered that msg has been triggering migraines and chronic headaches in my husband (an MD) and half of our twelve children. Deb, I've been reading your book and it has been very helpful. Eliminating msg has changed their lives. Thanks! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, May 12, 2008 - 12:30 pm: | |
Lisa Marie
Unregistered guest
Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 7:23 am:
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I am sorry for what you are going through with your sister. I drank multiple diet sodas a day for years (in fact, it was about the only liquid I consumed) because of being insulin dependent and diet soda did not raise my blood sugar. I didn't know then that I was killing myself.
When I learned about MSG, and listened to the experts here on the board saying also to avoid aspartame, I stopped drinking it in one day. I have never even had a swallow since, and it has been almost four years. I don't know about the addictiveness of it, but I imagine it is since it affects the neurons in the brain. (another thing which I never knew)
The weird thing for me is that, as I totally eliminated MSG and aspartame, over about a month my life changed. Here is how. When I drank diet soda, for years, I would always feel like I needed to lie down several times a day. Almost like a shortness of breath, or a draining of all energy from my body. So I would lie down, and grab another diet coke--thinking that I needed the caffiene. Well, in the first month of being off soda, I noticed I gradually noticed I did not have to have "naps." I rarely lie down during the day now, and when I think of all the time I wasted when I could have been living, I get sick inside.
Another thing which happened. For years I was loosing my memory for simple events, and also would stumble over simple words. As the diet soda wore off, these problems disappeared. Both the not needing naps, and the memory returning was very noticable--even to people around me.
I just wanted to put this in here, because I know that diet soda profoundly affects people, and they, like I used to, are walking around with it in their hands like it is water. I want to go up to them and say, "You have no idea what you are doing to yourself." I know they would not listen however.
Courtney
Unregistered guest
Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 8:09 pm:
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Diet Coke has been labeled one of the most addictive substances on the planet. People who drink Diet Coke specifically tend to drink more soda in a day than those who drink other sodas diet or otherwise. So... whether or not it's the aspartame specifically - because it is used in other sodas - it is definitely part of it. I think it's their particular cocktail of artificial sweetner and caffeine that do it. Not to mention the citric acid. There's a reason that Diet Coke refused to change their recipe when Splenda came out - instead they launched the Coke Zero label instead. If it ain't broke (i.e. if people are drinking cases of the stuff a day), don't fix it.
Speaking of caffeine. Since I gave it up - if I have a little for whatever reason, OMG do I notice. I actually get stupid. If it does that to everyone, I think I might know what's wrong with the world today! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - 1:42 pm: | |
Lisa Marie
Unregistered guest
Posted on Monday, May 12, 2008 - 6:26 pm:
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Hi Anon,
I just looked up my first posts here for you because I had similiar symptoms. I am also copying the some of the answers to my first posts. One of the most telling responses was "A lifetime of MSG abstinance, no more, no less." After almost five years of this, I can say, that is a totally correct statement, unfortunately.
It really sounds like MSG is your problem.
"Hi everyone,
I am posting here for the first time. After accidentally consuming MSG, the worst symptom I have is a severe reddening of my cheeks and nose, along with an intense pressure which feels like my face will explode any minute. My face becomes so hot that I literally think I must have a fever of 150 degrees. This normally happens about 4 hours after I go to bed, but lasts (along with insomnia and GI distress) a good 36 hours or more. During those hours, I am just plain sick--like you have all described on the board before me. So, I must be having headaches in my face instead of my head? As the bright red areas across my cheeks diminish, I am left with one or two new bright red spots (flat, small like freckles) under my skin. Sometimes they are even blue or purple. I am beginning to have a polka dotted face. I am eliminating MSG and aspartame to the best of my ability, but this is still happening with such frequency. Has anyone had any experiences like this, and is there anything that will help the symptoms when they occur while I am learning how to avoid MSG and the offending substances? I really admire and am envious of all of you for your knowledge and successes in learing how to eat! Thank you for any comments.
DJ
Posted on Saturday, October 11, 2003 - 7:21 pm:
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Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, May 22, 2008 - 8:27 am: | |
Tom Fernstrom
Unregistered guest
Posted on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - 1:43 pm:
"I had my bout with congestive heart failure in 1998 when I was 48. I found out about the MSG link between then and 2000 by exploring theories here with all of you. Now in 2008 and at age 58, I'm in better health than I've been since I was in my thirties. Thanks to all of you. :-)" |
t.n.t
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 7:34 pm: | |
Heres my horor story about MSG:
About five years ago my astma flared up and doctors had no idea why I couldn't spent more than a week outside of hospital. I was admitted to hospital atleast 15 times in one year and rushed to emergency about 30+ times. Eventually, they (the doctors) said it was all in my head. They made me see a psychologist (who eventually said that I didn't need to see her anymore). We began experimenting with food to see if it was something I was eating. We noticed that whenever I ate anything with MSG in it, sometimes within minutes I would react. We cut out MSG. I stayed out of hospital for nearly a month. Three years ago I ate at a restaurant with my family (we happened to know that this particular restaurant had an allergy book that listed MSG in it) I had a SALAD *we asked the waiter to check the book to make sure it was good*. The next morning I was rushed to hospital. My lungs collapsed and I had to be paralyzed and put into a coma for five days. It turns out that the every ingredient in that salad had MSG in it (stupid waiter). The paramedics came to see me and said that if it wern't for one of the medicines I was taking at the time, I would have died at the restaurant. I wouldn't have had the 24 hours to go "down hill" slowly like I did.
Since that episode, I try my best to cut out MSG... but MAN! it is stupidly hard. With all the hidden names and sneaky ways companies get it into their products grocery shopping becomes nearly a three hour task!
Now when I eat MSG (never by choice... its always an accident) I feel my lungs start to tighten up and my throat starts to close. I get a raging headache and its just all not very nice.
dj: The best thing I have when I realize I've eaten MSG by accident is Benadryl (the syrup) the paramedics that took me into hospital reccomended that I carry it around with me, along with an epi pen... the benadryl really does help. I take it when I feel my lungs starting to tighten up and it helps to counteract the "poison" |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 8:18 pm: | |
t.n.t,
Wow, that is a powerful story and I'm so glad you lived to tell about it. It does seem like we can never trust restaurants to provide us with the truth. We have all had our own experiences eating out, but probably not quite as harrowing as yours.
We have an MSG Petition we have been asking people to sign (online) and submit a comment with. You could centainly come up with a compelling comment. The information is under our Topic "MSG Petition Information and Updates". I hope you have time to take a look at it and also come back and post again. |
Roy Piwovar
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 5:37 am: | |
t.n.t,
I agree. Please go to:
http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=FDA-2007-P-0178
and click on the "add comments" icon to the right on line FDA-2007-P-0178-0002 to add your important story. |
Zoomer
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 9:02 am: | |
Get an aggressive lawyer and sue the restaurant. I know that MSG is considered harmless according to the official lies but it is also officially accepted that some people are oversensitve. It would be great to get a high profile case in the media. Then maybe other restaurants learn that this should be taken seriously. |
gagabond
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, June 07, 2008 - 12:09 pm: | |
I am 62 years old, and I discovered I had a problem with MSG so long ago that I can't even remember how I discovered it. I do, however, remember the pain that I suffered before I found out what was causing my headaches. They were the headaches from "you know where". They would make a migraine look like a picnic in the park. When I had a headache, the muscles in my neck would get so tight that they would pull my spine out of place, and I would have to go to the chiropractor to get my spine put back in place. This was the vicious cycle of my life for many years. After discovering the MSG connection, my husband and I purchased a small motor home so we could at least get away from home, and I could have total control over what we ate. However, after a time I experienced a headache that I knew was not caused from MSG. Since the headaches were so bad, I had no choice but to find out what was causing them. I finally discovered that the culprit was citric acid. I would go to a doctor and ask him why I was having a reaction to citric acid. I got a lot of different reactions. A couple of them even laughed in my face. The ones that were cluless but sympathetic, I really appreciated. Then I recently ordered Debby's book, and finally I was validated about the citric acid. I was just staying under the radar where the headaches were concerned, but after reading Debby's book and eliminating more things from my diet, I have gone to a new level of health. I do so appreciate all of the research she has done to put this information into a book for us. I am so angry at my government for allowing these things to be put in our food supply and mostly for allowing them to be so well hidden. Our younger daughter has the same type of headaches when she ingests Aspartame.
I know not everyone has the same violent reaction to MSG that I do, but I am convinced after reading the research that this product is killing us, and all for the love of money. It really is the root of all evil. This product has robbed me and my family of a lot of precious time. |
LisaMarieSS
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, June 07, 2008 - 2:45 pm: | |
Well said. "It really is the root of all evil." And I'm glad you are feeling better. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 3:02 pm: | |
I'm so glad you shared your story here and feel validated about citric acid. Doctors know so little about food additives and disease. Aspartame loads on the same brain receptors as MSG, so it's no surprise your daughter reacts to it. Aspartame, L-cysteine, and MSG are the most dangerous excitotoxins. Glad you found us and the book! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2008 - 8:40 am: | |
Pregnancy/MSG..This was sent to me today.
"I didn’t develop any symptoms at a noticeable level until I became pregnant. I didn’t have any symptoms during my first pregnancy at 17, but now I’m 28 and I have headaches, my nausea level is through the roof but becomes worse through the day instead of in the mornings; my fatigue is also something that becomes worse through the day. This isn’t uncommon but I thought it was strange. I’d be sick if I didn’t eat much like my first pregnancy, but it would get worse if I ate. My new husband grew up on a boat and although we cook every night he uses some of the staples that come with boating life (i.e. processed foods). This is after me spending over 2 years barely eating any red meat, having many fresh veggie and or vegan days, etc. I noticed fatigue since our relationship began even before I became pregnant but once I did it became much worse.
My sense of smell is also very keen due to pregnancy and noticed there was a certain smell to dishes he would make that was odd to me. It was the same smell be it soup or his rice. Immediately after eating these foods they would come right back up and I’d be ill all night. It was he who linked it to MSG when I told him I could tell by the smell I’d be sick if I ate it and that it was every time he used something out of a box or can. I checked a can of cream of celery soup I’d eaten a few days before… Yes it contained MSG. I’ve done more research and found all the hidden names after eating things that supposedly didn’t contain MSG.
I thought it would be very helpful to let people know that pregnancy exacerbates these symptoms. Just having it somewhere on record would be amazing help to women who are experiencing my symptoms. It could make not only their pregnancy something more enjoyable but also the years to come. I do not believe my sensitivity started with pregnancy, but just became much worse during it. It could be the reason that a few pregnant women suffer sickness all during pregnancy. It would lead to these women having healthier babies, not just from the lack of preservatives but also by creating the habit of cooking fresh foods in the home. I’m definitely talking to my doctor about it and I thank you for all the information put out by your website and those like it.
D." |
Anonymous
Posted From: 69.254.77.168
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 9:45 pm: | |
I would like to join the forum and not sure how to go about it. I have been struggling with msg complications since 1999, much of it trial and error in the beginning. I eventually had documented atrial tacchycardia which resulted in an RF ablation on the nerve pathway between my atrium and ventricle. I asked the Dr at Emory after they did the procedure, if MSG could be a trigger. His exact words were, "Well, we don't try and figure out what triggers it, we just fix it." I responded that if msg caused it once couldn't it do it again? He basically said they would fix it again, or next time put it a pacemaker.
Since that time I had my appendix, gall bladder and a bout with kidney stones, which I believe msg somehow contributed to it. Thank you for your book, your site and the support I have found in just knowing that there are other "weirdos" out there like me who despite Drs denial, have adverse reactions to msg!
I have lived in the Philippines during the last 16 years, (Sidebar:they use pure Ajinomoto there and all my neighbors know the trick to getting rid of roaming dogs--they just put a couple spoons of pure ajinomoto in a lump of meat and throw it over the gate. The dog eats it and dies!) trying to avoid msg which has been challenging. We don't have organic stores there, but we do usually cook everything from scratch, since alot of processed foods are not readily available. What is interesting to me, is that in the Philippines I have more symptoms of migraines(when I accidently get MSGeed) and when we travel to the states, I rarely get the migraines, but the rash is worse.(could be the temperature differences/different brands of msg?) Since we are missionaries, traveling has become much more difficult for me because of my food limitations. The past 3 years, my rash has become much more sensitive/spread and I am now including maltodextrin, aspartame etc...in my toxic syndrome list. I have always known for me, that somehow, certain times of the month(my female hormones), eating msg seems to intensify reactions. I am 54, and I guess finally hit menopause 7 months ago--my rash, my sensitivity has gotten much worse! Things that I deemed safe before, like wheat and oats, now trouble me. I have no idea if our vegetables over there are sprayed with Auixgro or formaldehyde. We wouldn't have a clue if our tomatoes had salmonella or not--but I am pretty sure our chicken is not packed in chicken broth! The last couple of months I have been very discouraged trying to figure out what to eat--it seems my choices have become very limited. One thing I have realized in the Philppines, all the tuna in can is labeled simply tuna, water, salt. or tuna, soybean oil. But here in the states, every can of tuna I see in the grocery has vegetable broth in it.
I am in the states again for the birth of my first grandchild, and had a skin biopsy of my "msg rash" while waiting for the exciting birth. The initial results came back as mycosis fungoides(under the T cell lymphoma group) and of course the Dr was so excited he had proved I was crazy thinking it was a "food/additive" allergy! I am awaiting another biopsy and a recommedation to an oncologist. I am not sure what course to take from here. From what I have learned, MF is on the rise from an extrememly "rare" cancer to becoming the leading adult lymphoma over Hodgkins. Of course, no one is sure what causes it, many think it is environmental--but I know for me--it is msg.(and the other excitotoxins) If I do have MF, there is no doubt in my mind that msg has triggered this cancer in my skin cells and is a stronger causitive agent than cigarettes are to lung cancer, or sun to melanoma. Why do Drs have such a had time making that link? Why is it so difficult to get legislation passed to at least quit hiding the stuff in everything we eat?
My daughter did her science project this year on MSG affecting blood pressure in 3 different nationalities. Becuase she used Doritoes, I called the Frito Lay company several times explaining the project. They were all bubbly wanting to help in any way. I explained since their web site claimed there was very little msg used in their products we wanted to know how many mg in their Doritoes. She put me on hold and spoke to the Dietician, they came back on the line, all bubbliness gone and in a very serious voice informed me that the information I was seeking was "proprietary" and even if she knew she couldn't tell me becuase its proprietary. Of course I know they don't really want us to know but she was surprised and a bit flustered! The second time I called back and got another secretary and tried to go about it by asking which of their products had less msg, Doritoes or Salt and Vinegar? She reacted the same way and when she asked the dietician she then told me in a shaky voice that the info was NOT proprietary, but that they get the msg in with the seasonings from another company and they don't have any way of knowing how much since it is already mixed in the seasonings. So I questioned if they don't know how many mg.of msg are in their products how can they claim it is very little?
Well, I have trailed on too long--but my main question is to ask if anyone else out there has received a diagnosis of MYCOSIS FUNGOIDES and have been treated for it.
You may post my message and add me to the forum.
Thank you again for all your labor and trials in helping the thousands of people like me out there who struggling with msg toxicity!
Sincerely,
Gloria Fern
fernfam8@gmail.com |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:57 pm: | |
Doritos are loaded with glutamate rich additives. Yes, it sure is frustrating talking to these companies. |
Anonymous
Posted From: 24.187.155.23
| | Posted on Saturday, June 21, 2008 - 4:45 am: | |
I recovered completely! I still do not eat anything with MSG or anything else that is not natural for that matter, but I no longer have reactions, I can eat out I am healthy strong and happy. What did I do, I started with this forum, then I went to energy work to clear out past emotional traumas... I now help others recover
check out my website www.findthehealerwithin.com |
Kerry E.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 8:37 am: | |
Thought I should share my story too. I got my first migraine when I was 7 years old. They run in my family...my mom had them bad and my sister has them too. I would get a really bad headache about 2 or 3 times a year...no big deal. I am now almost 30, and my headaches have gotten so much worse over the last 5 years or so. I litterally have a headache everyday of my life. Most of them are not particularly bad headaches, but some are and they it's just always there. I have been dealing with them by taking Imitrex ( I can take 5-7 a week easily ), Lortab, midrin, fiorecet...none of the over-the-counter meds have any effect on them. Recently I decided to start seeing if it was something I was eating that was causing me these pains and other symptoms like fatigue, joint pains and muscle aches, blurry vision at times etc...
then it hit me like a ton of bricks just 4 days after starting a food/headache diary...could it be msg? I got on-line and was absoulutely horrified when I saw just how many foods this nasty toxin is in! My jaw hit the floor when I read the list of things to avoid....that list was MY DIET! Well right then and there, I started to really pay attention to what I was eating...I got all of those "tainted" foods out of my pantry and am looking for healthier alternatives to feed my children and husband.
I've always eaten they way I've eaten, so I can only assume that MSG is just added to more things and in larger amounts today than it was 10 years ago. I am sickened that this could be the source of my problems...we trust those who make and package our food without question....ha...not anymore! I read every single label now. I have been avoiding msg now for about 2 weeks...I am still having headaches but they are not as intense so I hope I am on the right track, I know if nothing else, I will atleast be healthier and so will my family. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 9:58 am: | |
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Kerry! I know it will help others looking for answers. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, July 14, 2008 - 2:08 pm: | |
inannacat
Unregistered guest
Posted on Monday, July 07, 2008 - 6:25 pm:
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Holy cow! I've been having 2-5 seizures a day for six months. I was on the low glutamate diet on-and-off, but not in a strict way and I still ate lots of problem foods.
I bit the bullet two days ago and went really strict...and I did not have a single seizure today! Not one!
The link between glutamate and epilepsy is well established, but I never expected to be seizure free. I am so grateful for everyone who went before me and shared the info. |
hhon378
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, August 03, 2008 - 1:11 pm: | |
MY STORY: At age 21 I suddenly was struck by almost unbearable back, neck, and shoulder pain. It came on all of a sudden, like a flu, but refused to go away. Physical therapy didnt' help. Not knowing what to do next, I turned to chiropractic and massage. This helped slightly, on occasion. I began to believe i was just the unlucky owner of a "bad back". The pain ruled my life at times. I tried physical therapy again--no luck. I began seeing a kinesiologist, who told me to avoid popcorn and carbs. That HELPED! I was feeling better! But i still didnt' believe that other food besides popcorn could cause my pain! My pain cycles sometimes seemed in remission, sometimes worsened. After having 2 kids, I was in daily pain, forced to lie down by 2:00 every afternoon, using ben-gay and advil daily just to try to barely take the edge off. In January 2008 my kinesiologist suggested i give up coffee (horrors!) and all milk products. I did, and felt noticably better. Was still having 'attacks' of pain a few times a week. FINALLY, May 2008, he asked what i'd cooked the night before, and made me list the ingredients. "Chicken broth? I bet it's MSG." "THere's no MSG in my chicken broth!" I replied indigently. As it turned out--there was. Since then i've been learning all i can about MSG, and avoiding it as much as possible. I am feeling MUCH MUCH better!!!! The severity, duration, and frequency of my pain has been reduced DRAMATICALLY!!!!! Only when i mess up and eat something i shouldn't...but then it goes on my 'avoid' list. I can't believe i'm finally almost PAIN FREE after 16 years!!!!!! -Heather |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, August 03, 2008 - 8:30 pm: | |
hhon378, So glad you are feeling so much better - almost pain free after 16 years - Yaahoo! And thanks for posting your success story here for others to read and find encouragement. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, September 15, 2008 - 1:25 pm: | |
Tom Fernstrom
Unregistered guest
Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 11:33 am:
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Laura, Nancy & Deb A.,
My wife still has a hard time relating to other people how sick I was ten years ago. I sometimes look at her in amazement and wonder why she can't remember the nights I had to sit up on a couch in the living room to sleep because otherwise I would cough all night long. How I suffered with swollen extremities due to fluid retention. How I endured Cardio Version shock treatments to try to get my heart out of Atrial Fibrillation, was hospitalized for weeks and had to take about five different prescription medications just to ensure I would not have a stroke.
All these symptoms eventually went away when I found out about MSG and learned how to abstain from it and supplement myself based upon past physical damage I had caused myself.
No. No one can describe to others the relief one feels ridding themselves of these toxins other than ones who experience it themselves. We need to keep telling disbelievers what can be accomplished if one eliminates these toxins. Eventually, someone will listen. |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 4:16 am: | |
From: Anonymous Posted From: 71.165.240.122
Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 1:22 pm:
I'm new here and want you to know you what you are doing is amazing and so appreciated! I stumbled upon the site while doing my "migraine research" as I called it then it changed to "msg research" I just couldn't stand watching my 13 year old son suffer from migraines. He would beg me to make it stop and I had to at least try. We have completely changed his diet and in the last 75 days only 1 migraine (hidden msg) I finally ordered the book and it came today! He will be happy to know there are options to his limited diet. Thanks for all the advise and information. We need it! |
Tom Willow
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, September 20, 2008 - 6:34 am: | |
Wow, I have been searching for a website like this for quite some time. I thought I was crazy or had some mysterious non-diagnosable disease because I had all kinds of doctors telling me theres nothing wrong with me. Then I found this, and it was almost scary. I've had chronic fatigue, inability to focus or concentrate, pressure/tightness in my head, vision & balance problems, occasional tightness in chest for years now. That head pressure was driving me crazy partly because nobody understood what I was talking about, as if it was a symptom nobody had heard of. These symptoms have severely detrimented my skills as a jazz musician and in my ability to perform in every aspect of life. MSG sensitivity is the only thing I have read about that even comes close to making sense for me. I've been trying to eliminate it, but I keep realizing that something I've eaten still may have MSG, it's ridiculous to think that something that is almost impossible to avoid may be doing such costly damage to me. I'm not positive yet if MSG is my problem because I still have my symptoms, but I am determined to keep trying harder to avoid it, and hopeful that I will feel better. I am absolutely horrified reading stories here that are much worse than mine, it makes me want to leave America and never come back |
jjmartin
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, September 22, 2008 - 1:57 am: | |
Our food is laden with MSG and its cousins. I have been avoiding and eliminating offensive foods for 10 years now. I advise everyone that while writing in your food journals also try to take a look at environmental chemicals you may have come in contact with as well--petro chemicals are big offenders for example fragrances, solvents, fumes. Make it a battle on two fronts....I just started to do this and the results have been gratifying. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 2:41 pm: | |
Tom, so glad you found us here. Keep reading and learning how to avoid hidden sources of glutamate...and avoid aspartame and cysteine, too. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 2:21 pm: | |
LaurenC
Unregistered guest
Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 5:08 am:
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My last meal at Chipotles put me in the hospital (this was before I learned about MSG and didn't connect the two at the time). It was the worst SVT attack I had ever had and my pulse was at 240 for almost an hour. I was driving home, so my pulse shot up from my resting rate of 70. By the time the ambulance got there I was on the verge of passing out from lack of oxygen (pretty scary when you're gulping air and getting none). Not fun and I'm never eating there again. Now I know why their food tastes so good |
Lynn46
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 9:00 pm: | |
Hello all,
I just posted my experience under the sub-thread, "Heart troubles caused by MSG?"
I just want to urge all of you, especially the ones who have SEVERE MSG reactions, to pursue a permanent lifestyle strategy of procuring whole foods grown/raised by local farmers, and then preparing them yourself. There are a number of web sites, such as www.localharvest.org, where you can learn more about how to find out local sources of whole, natural foods.
Don't kid yourself for one minute that all of the processed foods sold in "health food" stores are healthy or MSG-free. There are now many companies who call themselves makers of healthy organic foods, when in reality, their processed foods are not healthy. You still need to scrutinize labels carefully and use Deb's book to identify all of the aliases for MSG. There are many loopholes in food labeling laws. A couple of examples: the big corporation dairy processors of the Horizon and Organic Valley "organic" brands of milk use milk from factory-farmed cows (not from grassfed cows). These cows are not healthy because they are fed artificial feed containing grains, soy, and some other nasty stuff. This low-quality milk is pasteurized using an ultra-high-temperature (UHT) method, which destroys all of the enzymes and damages the fragile milk proteins, but gives the milk long shelf life. Another example is the acquiring of small organic food manufacturing companies by mega-food manufacturing corporations who then start cutting corners by using fewer amounts of truly organic, high-quality ingredients.
For many people who are so used to "convenience" processed foods, the idea of buying whole foods and properly preparing them is a complete paradigm shift. The idea seems so daunting. More and more (at least in areas with big populations), there are what I call complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) health care professionals/specialists (such as nutritionists, naturopathic doctors, health coaches, and so on), who offer seminars on healthy eating/foods, cooking classes, and similar educational events to help people learn food sourcing and preparation skills that they never learned in their formative years. The Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) (www.westonaprice.org) has chapters all over the country. Visit the web site and learn more about healthy, traditional food preparation. Contact a local chapter and find out about events and educators in your area. One of the founders of WAPF, Sally Fallon, wrote the book, "Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook That Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats." The book has been a big help to me in learning how to prepare whole foods using traditional methods. Another great book for cooking pasture-raised meats and poultry is Shannon Hayes' book, "The Grassfed Gourmet Cookbook" (www.grassfedcooking.com). Making a commitment to eating whole, natural foods is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones, and you should make it a high-priority feature in your life. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 8:54 am: | |
Lynn, thanks for sharing your story and very excellent advice and information. Well researched! |
jjmartin
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 3:40 am: | |
I believe I have had another break through in defeating my migraines. I began taking flax both whole and powdered about a month ago. I had tried several times before to take it along with dried fruit such as dates and figs but always got a headache and blamed them. I tried again about a month ago to add flax and dried fruit and started experiencing amazing digestive regularity, something I have always tried to have but it seemed all the foods that would promote it made me react. Amazingly I noticed that my headaches were disappearing. I used to experience headaches about every 3 or 4 days. My theory is that my body was retaining toxins much too long within the body. The flax and dates are providing the needed fiber and also possibly absorbing toxins as well. When I started this a month ago I did experience some discomfort but decided to see it through and it wasn't the flax that was causing the headache after all. Our bodies are designed to filter toxins from "bad foods" although we should never knowingly eat "bad foods", but if we are already on toxic overload the liver can't keep up. I feel I was on toxic overload because I wasn't experiencing daily regularity. I can only say that the flax, dates and now the smoothies have allowed me to eat various "good foods" that I could not enjoy during the ten years I have struggled with this condition. |
sara B
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, December 12, 2008 - 1:21 am: | |
My 30+ year ride on this crazy train! and I'm only 39!
Symptoms over the years: asthma that didn’t respond to regular treatments, swelling, IBS, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, arthritic-like pain, TMJ, Bruxism or teeth-grinding, nausea, vertigo, tinnitus or ringing in my ears, nausea and dizziness, mental dullness (duhhhhh…), depression, panic attacks, A.D.D., anger issues (and I’m most of the time very gentle and sweet), feelings of inebriation (even very real dreams at night that I’m drunk at work and can’t open my eyes…I think these dreams were mirroring how I was feeling in my msg-induced sleep), sleeping disorders (here I am awake again at 3am, racing, headache, nausea…), migraines, nausea and dizziness, restless leg syndrome, dry mouth and extreme thirst, stomach cramps and gas, swelling, abdominal….AGH!! Help!…discomfort, shortness of breath, tightness of chest, postnasal drip (I swear I can actually hear it drip sometimes!), Skin rash, rosacea, flushing, tingling and yes, burning of face and chest, Face swelling (yeah, no eye wrinkles! Boo, I have a pumpkin face), Dark circles around eyes, difficulty focusing (what was I talking about?), GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux, awareness during sleep paralysis (this sounds scary, not sure if I’ve had it, what is it?). Oh, did I mention nausea and dizziness?
I remember….I was 8 years old, at dinner at a friends house with our family…by 6pm couldn’t breathe…I do recall during dinner feeling a red flush, racing heart, skin rash, tingling-burning sensation (I thought it was due to the cute 10 year old boy I was sitting next to me at dinner!) My first “asthma attack”.
I remember as a teenager having constant back pain, headaches, fatigue, (I was a diet pepsi addict) and feeling like I was going crazy.
I remember missing work because I couldn’t breather, but my “asthma” wasn’t responding to my albuterol…I think I had Chinese and a Corona bear for dinner. I didn’t recover for a week.
I remember being in high school and eating some cookies my friend brought to volleyball practice. 10 minutes later I was in the nurse’s office drinking black coffee and hanging out the window trying to cool down, and the nurse said the coffee might help me breather.
I remember eating the school lunches during elementary school and middle school and feeling sick ALL the time. I’d run home of the bus and head for the bathroom.
I have been taking 3-12 Advil a day for over 20 years for headaches stemming from my jaw and the back of my neck.
Oh, don’t forget about the hospital visit for migraine, high blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, panic attack ( I thought I was having a heart attack).
Lately my reactions and symptoms have gotten worse and more frequently.
Lately I feel nauseas and dizzy most of the time along with migraines and jaw pain. I can’t read to save my life (can’t focus and my dizziness, nausea gets worse), especially on the computer. So, while there is this wealth of information on this site, I can’t seem to read it or absorb it. I made a HUGE batch of rice and have some veggies (I reacted to a can of chick peas that I had with my rice and veggies?), but it still seems to take so much planning.
4 years ago I figured out it could be msg, preservatives, etc. because I got so frustrated I fasted for 10 days. Nothing but water. It was the best I ever felt!!! No headaches, no dizziness, no asthma, no jaw pain, Oh My Gosh, I went about 6 months after that feeling great, but I still didn’t know what to avoid and what I could eat or all the different names on labels I had to watch out for. So, back in the dark tunnel called my msg-life. Now I just can’t seem to control my diet in such a way that keeps me healthy. Oh, by the way, most friends and family weren’t that supportive. They thought I was crazy when I told them about preservatives, even when I said it was just my body and not everyone was sensitive to it. They pretty much convinced me it was all in my head. Once I was feeling better, I thought maybe it was in my head. I didn’t, at first, seem to be as sensitive to the foods that used to bother me; until I build my levels back up and became intolerant again.
I remember making a packaged Lipton fettuccini Alfred pasta and becoming so ill, my heart was racing and I thought I was going to die. That was when I was 18 or so.
I remember being in college and eating dinner out that caused shortness of breath, etc. I remember talking to my professor about his sulfite allergy/intolerance and thinking that might be what was happening. I guess I have that too.
What about nightmares? I had really bad nightmares as a kid. Wonder of that was the creation of the msg-monster?
Anyway, now I just need to get the book (I ordered it) and somehow try to make good food choices for myself. I certainly am tired of feeling lousy all the time. |
Sara B
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, December 12, 2008 - 1:26 am: | |
You know what's really sad? The amount of money that I have paid and my insurance has paid for my medical bills. Between going to doctors and hospitals when I'm sick and to try to figure out what is wrong, it sure hasn't been inexpensive. I really didn't connect the dizziness, nausea and migraines until very recently. What a shame that food companies are making a "killing" |
James D.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, December 12, 2008 - 4:55 am: | |
I agree Sara. It truly is a shame that the food companies are making a "killing" and that the Federal Death Administration protects them and does little to protect those whoses lives have been severly affected.
Now there are ads like a soup advertised on TV as "MSG Free" and then at the bottom of the ad it says something like "except that which is naturally occurring in yeast extract" Wow, lying and telling the truth at the same time! Hmmm, interesting deception tactic!
Anyway, good luck on your journey to a reaction free diet. I am sure you will find Deb's book and this forum very valuable. |
Anonymous
Posted From: 209.204.178.27
| | Posted on Friday, December 12, 2008 - 12:01 pm: | |
Sara,
Wow, your symptoms sound an awful lot like what I was going through. It was indeed caused by MSG for me. With the help of Deb's site, I was made aware of what foods I shouldn't be eating.
I took me nearly 6 months to get it figured out, and perhaps about a year to get it under control. I'll have been MSG free for two years in March. Even now I have the occasional reaction. After detoxing for a while, you add more and more foods, but it's still easy to try something new and get bit. But by being careful, usually I'll only have a rough night and I'll be fine the day after (once I catch up on sleep I missed).
Keep at it, but you will know pretty quickly that you're on the right track. Perfecting it takes - a lifetime I guess.
Jennifer |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2008 - 10:09 am: | |
Sara, James, Jennifer...I don't know if it's the Christmas season, or what, but reading your posts (and previous posts of others) has made me a bit weepy...sad for the all the suffering of you wonderful people, but also very glad that you have found this site and discussion board. I hope all of you will find better health as we take this difficult journey together. Keep up the good work and share this site and information with as many people as you can! |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, December 19, 2008 - 6:56 am: | |
Fibromyalgia
E mail I received yesterday.
"Debby,
I just ordered your book this morning. I am 53 years old and have been suffering from the effects of MSG for over 20 years. I was diagnosed with FMS, had horrible migraines, painful joints, chronic fatigue and a weakened immune system. I am now taking Topamax as a daily preventative for migraines because the doctors could not figure out what was causing them. Although doctors told me I was healthy as a horse, I felt like I was dying.
The past 2 weeks I have been removing MSG from my diet. When I say removing, I keep finding the MSG in places I had no idea could be there. I already feel much better. The pain in my joints has started to lessen and I have not taken a nap in over a week.
I know you have a busy life but I wanted you to know you have reached one more person. Until 2 weeks ago, I had no idea MSG was in anything except Chinese food. What bothers me is that my doctors had no idea, either! Cannot wait to receive my book.
Thank you for the work you have done for us.
Marnie" |
Brenda
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, December 20, 2008 - 9:48 pm: | |
Hi. I wanted to update everyone. I posted back in…I believe it was August, feeling absolutely desperate. Here is what MSG and aspartame have done for me. I was a truck driver (yup, stuck eating a lot more of “quickie” foods – loaded with extra MSG. And I consumed TONS of aspartame and “energy” drinks) I had to give up my truck due to becoming so sick and am filing bankruptcy. But it’s not so bad, because, well, that truck and a credit report are not my God – and neither is money! I stood up and said, “no”.
MSG and aspartame have damaged my brain. Thanks to Dr. Blaylock’s book I learned about the blood-brain barrier, the hypothalamus and got a wonderful overview of how the brain reacts to these chemicals, and that the brain is a electro-chemical, biological computer. It’s unfortunate that most doctors are willfully clueless about all these things. I have found many of them work more for Big Pharma than you. That’s why when many of us go in we’re told “it’s just stress or depression” and it feels like they chase you with a big bottle of Prozac or the latest psych drug. Our labs don’t seem to become skewed until we’re extremely sick. Even when they do and you’re tested for various diseases and the tests come up negative, I found they’ll shrug their shoulders and say “live with it” and still blame depression and push their drugs some more.
In my case these chemicals have hosed much of my hypothalamus, which I learned controls your endocrine system. My entire endocrine system is malfunctioning. My thyroid doesn’t work right – it fluctuates a lot. In my case it tends to run hyper and this is not consistent. This has been medically documented. I’ve also come up as “low calcium” which indicates my parathyroids (these are located next to your thyroid gland and control blood calcium levels) are also malfunctioning. I’ve had trouble regulating blood sugar and am underweight. I’ve been told, and can verify this through my research, that my adrenal glands are fried. Your adrenal glands produce stress hormones that your body uses to deal with stress. If I am stressed, my body goes under and I am also much less resistant to MSG and aspartame – which caused the problem in the first place – what an awful cycle. It is true that stress is a problem, what they don’t catch is that there IS a physical basis.
It seems that these chemicals will cause an auto-immune type reaction due to hypothalamus damage. And your system can slowly shut down but you can still test negative for many of the common diseases. I have the hyperthyroid/low calcium labs, but am negative for Grave’s, nodules, etc. The doctors are clueless because it’s random so I’ve been written off as “unexplained” and told, “here, have a Prozac!” which I’ve refused! I’ve come up negative for Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. I’ve gone in to the doctor recently as I now have constant black circles around my eyes, sometimes they swell up. I went into the doctor like this and was blown off. I have random joint and back pain and am sometimes so fatigued I can only lie down and do nothing. Sometimes I “lose my speech”, will fumble words and have muscle jerks. Thanks to Dr. Blaylock’s book, I understand these are mini-seizures. I’ve also dealt with the rage attacks and suicidal thoughts.
BUT – I totally got off aspartame a few months ago. (Yeah!) What a battle that was. For any that are hooked on it, wean off slowly. Since being home, I can now prepare many things from scratch also whereas I could not do this in the truck - and it HAS helped. I am dealing with the aftermath of damage at this point. I know if I had stayed in my truck I would have been dead within a few years.
We are sensitive to these chemicals. I believe that for some of us, we pick up on the malfunctions many times before lab results show anything wrong. When you go to the doctor and the tests keep coming up “negative” (and they try to shove psych drugs down your throat) but you know you don’t feel well, perhaps it will help some with the frustration to remember that every one of us is different. They use standardized values and ranges. For example, I am 5’ 2”, 103 lbs. What should be optimum for me may differ from what is optimum for say, a 5’ 9” 170 lb person. It’s like it would take 2-3 alcoholic drinks for me to feel a buzz, and 4-5 for the other person. I can feel awful, but my results will read “normal” based on their broad standards. By the time my labs come up skewed, I’m sick enough to require a hospital, which has happened before.
The frustration is if we don’t catch this ourselves, by the time the doctors do, the damage is pretty extensive. If we listen to and accept the pats on the head, and take our Prozac like good little children and don’t listen to our bodies, later down the line – something traditionally “diagnosable” maybe WILL show up, such as Lupus, MS, ALS, etc.
I wanted to tell the people here who still fight a lot even after giving up these chemicals, don’t quit. If you stop and have a definite improvement but still struggle, you may be dealing with “damage control”. If these chemicals have damaged your brain, it’s an injury. Your brain basically runs your body’s systems. It is like if someone is burned, you can take the flame away and halt further damage – but if it has been in contact with the skin for awhile, the injury has occurred and won’t be instantly better just by removing the flame. And that area of skin will be extremely sensitive to further burning. Healing a burn is touch and go.
Unfortunately, they got me pretty good so I’m running damage control. Over the years I’ve been losing my endocrine system little by little from slow hypothalamus destruction. These chemicals have eaten it away and I have the ramifications left of what’s been done. You all have been VERY IMPORTANT in helping me identify and try to take the flame away, even when no one else would listen to me. Just by reading what you have to say and that you’ve come forward.
For those of you who read the Bible, you may find this interesting. And I believe it backs up what is going on with the corruption for the sake of the almighty dollar and us knowingly being fed harmful chemicals. And also having it insisted upon that we “need” further Big Pharma chemicals, pushed upon us by the damage these crooked snakes caused in the first place.
Rev 18:23 …for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries** were all nations deceived.
**The word in Greek translated as sorceries is…pharmakeia. (Medication: “pharmacy”). (!) Research one of the subsidiaries of Monsanto. They named that subsidiary…Pharmacia.
Being as it’s close to Christmas I wish to thank you all. Deb, for putting this information out there. I have your book - I made the moist wheat rolls by the way, they were great! Where else would I access recipes to make the things I like, even condiments, without having to consume harmful garbage to have those things? If it were not for everyone coming forward in the face of being ridiculed, we’d all be hiding feeling as though we were just nuts, fed further harmful psyche drugs until we were zombies and probably dying off slow.
I consider this a success story in that while my recovery is not complete, I was able to see the source of the flame. I maybe wasn’t smart enough soon enough, but…if only others would hear and realize they are being poisoned for profit. You know, all that processing and all those chemicals really don’t taste so good as your brain was tricked into thinking once you go back to the way it was intended. Home baked bread blows away any of that stuff that comes out of a plastic bag. I scrub and peel potatoes and cut them up, add carrots, beef or chicken, peas and onions, a little Mrs. Dash, sea salt, olive oil or real butter and bake it in the oven. Delicious! I freeze the extras. It’s fairly quick to do and NO MSG required. A Stouffer’s or “Whatever Helper” dinner now sounds repulsive to me. I’ve been baking from-scratch cakes and breads when I feel energetic enough. So much tastier. I’m not perfect and slip up sometimes with what I eat. When I do feel well I get caught in the trap of feeling “invincible” - like I can just eat whatever and it won’t bother me – ha!
You know, many chase the dollar now. I’ve found, especially with baking, it’s really the little things that make a person happy. The smell of fresh ground coffee brewing and homemade bread baking, someone giving you a hug. Little things – and you can’t buy them. I think I would rather have less and be able to do those things than chase after the Joneses and be dying because I don’t have the time to eat anything but the poison marketed for time-saving and “convenience”. Being as I don’t have much money, I decided to use what I did have for a few gifts this year. I have a scroll saw and made name plates with it, and baked homemade sweet cornbread. Maybe I couldn’t give expensive things but I could give something that required my time. And you know what? I like it better that way. Becoming sick did get me OUT of that truck and the poisonous chase-the carrot race and made me realize that it sure wasn’t worth it. That is a success. For all the chemicals have taken from me, I did get back something.
One other thing to watch – I will get these weird, awful random itchy patches sometimes. I’ll scratch till I bruise and bleed. I didn’t understand this until I found the following regarding reactions to ribonucleotides, which I understand can amplify the effects of MSG 10-15 times if they are also in there. It’s something else to watch for:
http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/factsheets/635/RIBO1.htm
Merry Christmas to all.
Brenda |
Cherylin
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 - 4:44 am: | |
Hi Brenda,
Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to update us. I am very impressed with your attitude and with your ability to see the 'gifts' in what has happened to you. Yours is definitely a success story, no matter what appears to still be challenging you. Perhaps it is more true to say that you were not 'aware enough soon enough' versus 'smart enough soon enough' because it is quite obvious to me that you lack nothing in the intelligence department. Your ability to communicate and articulate will ultimately be a tool you can use effectively to prevent others going down the same road as you.
Thanks too for that info. on ribonucleotides. It is very useful and something I was not aware of.
Blessings to you this Holiday Season...
Cherylin |
Carol H
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, December 25, 2008 - 8:30 am: | |
Brenda,
Thank you for telling us how you are doing. It was a nice present to read your post this Christmas morning. I know just how you feel. I had to declare bankruptcy after my health hit absolute rock bottom. But I am now doing so much better. I feel so much better and I too am enjoying the little things and my friends are enjoying all the homemade foods I make since I can't afford a lot of presents. Life is so much better now for us and it will get better for more folks as we share our stories with them and help them through these very rough times. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 8:34 am: | |
This was just emailed to me from "Mary"
"Hi!
I just wanted to write to give you an update on my adventures with staying away of all the MSG products. I have been on the no MSG plan for 3 weeks now. I have noticed my pain level has lessened greatly and my Fibromyalgia flair ups are just weather related. I have my doctor fully convinced keeping this out of my diet is a good thing.
We do have a plan of action in case I do accidentally get into the stuff. The reactions are very severe if I get into the stuff. I am enjoying the recipes and all the info in the book has taught me a lot. I am allergic to sulfa I never saw the connection now I do.
I am currently working on letters to the FDA about safety of MSG and the labeling of medicines. Pharmaceutical companies, by law, do not have to label the inactive ingredients. I now use baking soda for mouth wash and tooth paste (allergic reaction to both).
I have to say this is an adventure full of trial and errors. The Lemon Chicken recipe was outstanding and I made the country sausage with ground turkey at it was quite good.
Thanks for all your information." |
Miss Kitty
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 12:38 pm: | |
NaturalNews.com put together a petition which will be "delivered to every member of the House and Senate as well as the office of President Barack Obama. As this is a U.S. petition, it is open only to U.S. citizens and residents."
This link is to the petition through my facebook url. (cut and paste) " www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=52656253518&h=vhIcz&u=At8Gu "
This petition is endorsed by:
• The Organic Consumers Association (OrganicConsumers.org)
• The Life Extension Foundation (LEF.org)
• American Association for Health Freedom (HealthFreedom.net)
• Citizens for Health (Citizens.org)
• NaturalNews.com and the Consumer Wellness Center (ConsumerWellness.org)
I got the NaturalNews.com original link from this site about a week ago and opted for their daily updates. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, February 27, 2009 - 7:10 am: | |
Miss Kitty
Unregistered guest
Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 1:07 pm: Delete PostPrint Post Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)
John - I am very glad you are doing well. I agree with Lisa Marie and Deb A. I appreciate you letting us know your situation is turning around.
I tried to do the MSG elimination diet years ago but I did not have all the information to do a complete elimination and wasn't recovering enough to see a difference. Because of Deb A., Carol H., you and the other individuals who post here I am finally feeling a difference for the better. I have regained hope of feeling good which I lost years ago. Today is not a good day because I am finding I just should not eat tomato products but now I know and will feel better tomorrow. You all have given me tools to feel better and regain my life.
Without all of you I would not have a chance of feeling normal. It has been so long that I feel strange feeling good. I want more good though.
Thank you all. I am reading daily because I do not have local support and family think I'm crazy. I think they just don't want to believe it. Once I feel even better I plan on starting a local support group. In the mean time, I am reading and absorbing your posts and sacrifices. I don't post much but I just want you to know that you are being heard with much respect and appreciation.
Thank you! |
Marnie B.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, February 27, 2009 - 1:49 pm: | |
Thank you Deb A, Carol H. and John Erb for the tireless work you do to inform the general public about the dangers of MSG. I have been MSG-free for 3 months now because I found your websites and finally made the connection. My migraines are gone. My diagnosed Fibromyalgia is gone. I am sleeping at night. My friends and family are supportive but cannot believe MSG could actually be the cause of such destruction of one's life. If you do not own Deb's book, please buy it NOW. I prepare 99.9% of our meals and Deb's book is my guide. Deb A. gives you the tools to read the labels at the grocery for all the hidden forms of MSG.
If you read Deb's book, check this website and Carol H.'s www.msgtruth.org website, you have everything you need to live a normal life. I have my life back after 20 years of suffering. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. |
Carol H
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, February 27, 2009 - 8:26 pm: | |
Marnie,
Thank you for letting us know that you are doing better. It warms MY heart to know that even though we haven't been able to ban this stuff yet, we still were able to help yet another person.
Please keep us up to date. We LOVE good news |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, February 28, 2009 - 8:59 am: | |
Amen to that, Carol. Marnie, thanks for sharing that with all the newcomers to this discussion board. You have no idea how many people come here looking for answers to their misdiagnosed and over-medicated conditions. What most need is confirmation that, yes, MSG COULD be the culprit. When they can relate to something that someone has recorded here, they often have that, "Aha!" moment and feel hope for the first time. I am truly happy that you found us. Please share this information with fellow fibromyalgia victims and on FM support chat rooms, if you can. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, March 16, 2009 - 11:28 am: | |
Received this email recently:
"Last night I had listened to George Noory on Coast to Coast AM radio. He had a guest speaking about Aspertane I have known for 20 plus years I was allergic to MSG and I thought I was doing pretty good avoiding both of these. But, boy I have made so many costly mistakes. Back in 1985 I found out I was hypoglycemic. So trying to do the right thing, I switch from sugar to aspartane. During this time, I figured out I was also allergic to MSG. So whenever I saw MSG I would not buy it... lol little did I know til today the many ways it is hidden. WOW!! Anyway, 10 years ago I woke up one morning and had lost the sight in my left eye. I am now left with my left eye seeing in shadows and my right eye seeing normal. It is very taxing to the brain to figure out what it is suppose to be telling the brain what the eyes are seeing. I was told I did not have MS but the systems of MS kept appearing. Headaches, body aches, joint pain, stomach pains, sometimes bouts of running to the bathroom, sometimes ringing in the ears that drives me nuts...sometimes a racing heart, and oh those dreaded panic/anxiety attacks...when I get sick its seems to take 4 months before I recover.. and of course depression. When stress hits everything gets worse.
Two days ago I was saying to my husband, John what happened to me??? I was in tears and that night I cried out to GOD, please help me. I use to be so healthy and strong and now if I vacuum the floor I hurt so bad for the next 3 days all I can do is take Tylenol and lay on the couch. I use to clean this house from top to bottom in one day and now if I can dust a few pieces of furniture I feel like I cleaned 3 houses. I shouldn't be like this... I just shouldn't be so sick like this. I want to enjoy my life and I can't cause I am always sick.
I thought we ate fairly healthy. We eat salmon 2-3 times a week with organic rice and broccoli. Don't eat much meat. Maybe once a month we get an organic chicken and put it on the rotisserie so we could reduce the grease intake. I make our own broths. Only use fresh or frozen (plain) veggies. We have our own chickens that are fed all organic food. Each year we grow our own tomatoes and we spend a few weeks making our own spaghetti sauce. We haven't bought jar sauce in over 20 years. So I thought in general we were doing rather well with diet.
We have spent this whole day searching and researching when I came across an interview of Debby on a YouTube type thing. I went to your website and wow oh wow, I had no idea all the hiddlen places of MSG!! Tonight hubby and I went through the kitchen and threw out EVERYTHING that had additivies and I whimpered when I had to throw out my Ranch Dressing.... but out it went. Even saw where the veggie burgers we ate had hidden MSG in them. Wow!! We also take supplements and that is really a hard one to let go of. Things like COQ10, celery seed extract and cal/mag. Now I do have a problem with giving those up. Any suggestions on how I can continue to take them? Oh btw, I did order your book....two copies. I have a son who suffers from severe migraines and stomach problems. So one book will be going to him. I have another question. I make our own bread. I ground my wheat because I found out that store bought bread may only have 4 nutrients and that is chemically done and if I make fresh ground organic wheat flour I get 16 nutrients. You say no bread... but what about my bread? Ingredients are fresh ground flour, fresh ground flax seed, honey, salt, water(distilled), one egg, lethicin and yeast. This bread is so healthy ... that one of the claims were it would remove warts within 3 weeks. Well hubby had warts all over his hands and sure enough, 4 weeks went by and his warts were totally gone. (Fresh ground flour needs to be used within 72 hours or the nutrients are pretty much gone)
Tomorrow we will be starting your test diet. For a while I have been trying to figure this all out... and I kept saying it has something to do with the food but what??? We eat good food and we take supplements... so what are we doing wrong? I would say to my hubby, what were our grandparents doing that we aren't. Well, after spending 6 or more hours reading on your website, the answers were coming.... one after another.
Thank you again for this wonderful, informative website. We can't wait to get your book. Sorry for the length of this email. I tried to be as brief as possible. I hope I hear back from soon.
God Bless
Jan |
EmilyS
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, March 16, 2009 - 6:04 pm: | |
Thanks for sharing Deb. Don't you wish some days you can reach through the computer screen and give a big hug? My heart goes out to Jan because these stories hit so close to home.
Thank you again for providing this forum for all of us to talk, visit and lend support. It means the world to me to have a place where we can meet, talk and share ideas. |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - 8:55 pm: | |
Jan, If you are out there reading this - I hope you join our discussions and will let us know how you are doing. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - 10:04 am: | |
Yes, Emily, I sure do. When I talk to these people on the phone or via email, they know how much we all care, as I talk them through those first few months. I always suggest that they go to our discussion board, telling them about all the wonderful people here to help and support them. Jan knows about our board. I suggested she post her story, but went ahead. |
clp
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 - 11:53 am: | |
A few years ago I ate two packs of Ramen soup and went to a dermatologist appointment that I had. My chest felt strange but I thought it must be stress from the traffic. When my doctor saw me she said my face was red and she told me I have rosacea and that I need to stop eating spicy foods. I eat spicy food all the time and I never have any type of reaction, and all I had eaten that day was the ramen soup. I didn't think much of it until a year or so later I ate at a Chinese food place I had never eaten at before called New Asia. I had egg drop soup and sweet and sour chicken. About halfway through the meal my face and chest started going numb, my heart was beating fast and irregularly and my chest felt weird and fluttery. My husband and mom were with me and they told me my face was really red. I was very weak and I had to go lay down in the car, I thought I must be allergic to something in the food but I didn't know what because I have no food allergies that I know of, also I am young and in good health. Then within 15 minutes I was fine.
When my sister in law heard about the incident she told me she is MSG sensitive and she can't eat at that restaurant because she has severe reactions. We called and they said the proudly use MSG! I went through my kitchen and checked ingredients on everything, the ramen soup had it and I think that I was having a reaction to it the day I was diagnosed with rosacea. I went online and read that they use it in studies to make lab rats obese! I am horrified that the government lets companies pump our food full of this junk. |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 - 3:12 pm: | |
clp,
Your story has a familiar ring to it. So many of us have had something similar happen to us. Doctors usually don't have a clue about the problems that MSG and Aspartame can present us with, so don't ever expect one to diagnose it as such. Unfortunately, the FDA is totally corrupt and just feeds the greed of the food and drug conglomerates.
Thanks for sharing your story and come back again. |
Faith
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, March 29, 2009 - 6:23 pm: | |
I made this comment on the page Deb suggested:
(most of the symptoms i list are gone when i'm off of msg, and i'm sure there's some things i forgot, like hair loss which i just remembered)
my comment:
MSG is the bane of my existance. I was born with heart and lung disease and to have msg messing with me on top of that is just really hard to deal with - they even put the stuff in auxigrow so I react to PLANTS sometimes! MSG:
induces ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrilation in me,
makes my lungs super-sensitive giving me "asthma"
causes a lot of water-retention
makes me sleepy
makes my brain foggy
makes me antsy/nervous
gives me insomnia for weeks
makes me frustrated with everything and short-tempered
gives me a constant dull headache
makes my eyes sensitive to light
gives me "rls" and crawly feelings in my skin and joints
makes my tourette tics come back
makes my memory bad
caused weight gain.
causes my already low oxygen saturation level to be 5-20% less!
makes my heart work harder and i feel pressure in my head
makes me light-headed
i believe it's what messed up my vision and hearing (i can't be sure on that one but the rest of these symptoms i have tested and am sure are due to msg)
one other symptom i have is no menstrual cycle; i dont know if this is from msg or my heart disease but i'm having it looked at. i hear msg can cause damage to ovaries by attaching to glutamate receptors in the said organs.
I started avoiding MSG and 1 year to the day after, I started dropping weight. Now, I was eating the same foods and same amount of calories, only eating msg/free glutamic acid-free food alternatives. I dropped 40lbs and I still have 30 to go. I lost the 40 without even exercising! I have severe lung disease after all- 2 forms of pulmonary hypertension; so I can't exercise much.
Oh, to be free to eat food- such a basic thing should not be a hazard! Honestly! People ate butter a lot for a long time and were fine! Fat gathers on damaged arteries, the fat on the arteries is a symptom of damage, not the cause.
Thanks for your time
---end of comment
The problem when talking to doctors about it are that a lot of these can be attributed to my heart and lung condition, but I know the difference! I really do, lol. I do have swelling from heart problems, but it's made way way way worse by msg (rather than being a barely barely noticeable swelling, it's pitting edema and makes my feet look like cabbage patch feet) |
Faith
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, March 29, 2009 - 6:45 pm: | |
Another comment, I love how so many people here seem to have God as the primary informer of the MSG problem! He had been working throughout my entire life to help me avoid msg. My mom had us stay away from dairy and dairy is hidden in artificial and natural flavoring, and also dyes and other stuff that was bad. She did know about msg but wasn't aware of how horrid it really is. MSG seems to be the key in all of those foods that God instructed my mom to avoid. I'd be so dead right now if I'd have eaten a typical american diet as a child. |
cathy218
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, March 29, 2009 - 8:04 pm: | |
Faith, I have so many things to share re: your above post but I will keep it short. This whole MSG experience has been horrid BUT I feel I went through it for two destinct reasons but actually it is more like four! I have been VERY sick for one year. I was so dizzy, blurred vision, muscle pain so bad that I could not get out of bed last summer. I have two small boys.
I had been fighting the doctors in my town and my husband on "a feeling" that I did not want to vaccinate my one year old (who was much smaller than an average child his size and always sick??). The day I took him in (he had a yucky cold with green goo...ewwww) I asked the doctor if the vaccine had mercury in it and the doc said she DID NOT KNOW. They wanted to give my tiny baby 6 live viruses at once with a cold. I rallied a local pharmacy to order the MMR seperately after contacting every doctor and pharmacy within 100 miles. It took 9 months to get them in seperated (unheard of in my small town of Walla Walla, WA) and the day they finally arrived I had a doctor's appt. and I asked him his thoughts and he is the very first doctor (out of many I consulted) who did not think I was ridiculous. I had nurses laugh at me. He confirmed every thought I had and then the next day they called from the pharmacy that the MMR was ready for my still very tiny Connor. I will wait until he is two. All of it was timing and I prayed for guidance and clear answers...got them. If I would have never gotten sick I would not have known all that I know about the MMR, how to feed my family in a safe way (we grew up eating whatever was cheapest)...
MOst importantly, After 7 months of torture...anaphalaxic responces etc. I FINALLY "Gave it to God" and gave up control. I had prayed all along but never gave it to Him. In this process of this sickness we were church hunting. I went up to the pastor whom is my age and said only, "I am sick". He prayed, "let her find out what is bothering her". I didn't pray for health, I prayed to show me what my problem was. THAT VERY DAY after church and the prayer, I went shopping and as I grocery shopped...buying my boxed crap food...I drank a mocha. I got sooooo sick but I kept drinking. Silly girl. And then as I checked out...the mocha fell to the floor and soaked the aisle. I said, "I get it God!" And later that day we went to Applebee's....horrible reaction, "I get it God". And that night I found this MSGmyth website while researching Candida. All of this happened the day the preacher prayed for me and I gave it to God.
No doctors would/could help me. And a few months later my preachers came to my home and prayed specifically that I would find a doctor. That day I was contacted and told of a local MD who is more natural...and THAT was the doc I saw whom said to hold off on the MMR etc.
Timing. In God's time. I begged for mercy and I got it. From that point on, I have been on a mission to prove God is Good and I have done it time and time again and been able to share with people who were not believers. I am still suffering but I am getting there and I have been able to share what I have found with people who were not previously open to diet advice.
So in this mission I have become MUCH closer to God, my husband has had to learn to help me (SuperMom was not 100% or even 50%), found an amazing church, learned to heal my family through pure, healthy foods, saved my tiny son from what I FELT deep down was a sure path to Autism or ill health caused by immunizations his body was not ready for, and have been able to share God's grace with others.
There is more to this story but I will close. I feel I have learned a lot..."O.K. God I am ready to be healthy, vibrant again"
Hugs all, |
Faith
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, March 30, 2009 - 10:40 am: | |
Wow thanks for sharing that Cathy. God played a huge part, the major part in me discovering MSG. He totally lead my research. God told my mom to name me "Faith" because of the heart and lung problems I would be born with, and God has stayed so faithful to keeping me safe all of these years. My name reminds me to never lose faith.
I had prayed that God would help me discover what was bothering me. Before I prayed, I tried several things: First avoided dairy - I got some results. Then I avoided high fructose corn syrup - more slight slight results - then I avoided salt - then sugar - then all four and had pretty good results; but one day I had a massive arrhythmia attack which the doctors reacted to by saying "we don't know what to do for you, we don't even know why you're still alive!". Doctors don't want to touch me. I did find one that would put in an icd (similar to a pace maker, only it delivers shocks to restart heart rhythm), but I don't feel that God has guided me to get that yet.... So after that attack I begged God to show me what was up. The next day, and over the next few days I discovered all of these websites (truth in labeling, msgmyth, msgtruth) and tried avoiding msg. Bingo! I felt better and over some months I just got better and better.
A good thing is that even with my 2 forms of pulmonary hypertension, my oxygen is 5-20% higher when I'm off of msg. My oxygen used to be around 78-89%, but since I changed my diet I can actually eat salt and not swell and my oxygen is 89-97% now! (the average before was 87, now the average is 90, but it makes a difference because I get much higher in my oxygen level on good days).
I'd like a doctor that could address my issues, my lung and heart ones.
Incidentally my new lung doctor moved just before I started having success by eating well, and now I don't need him. He wanted me to go on this medicine that delivers a drug 24/7 via IV! I'd have to have ice with me at all times for the medicine because it's not stable at room temperature (makes me wonder what happens once it gets inside your body). I refused that and a new drug he wanted me to try. I said my lungs couldn't spare the risk of getting damage (as one lung medicine I was on - azmacort - had been known to do) |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, March 30, 2009 - 2:35 pm: | |
Your stories are inspiring. Thank you for sharing them. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 9:05 am: | |
Just received this email:
"Hi, I'm just writing to say "thank you" for your wonderful msg-related website -- in maintaining such a site, you are providing a wonderful public service. A couple of years ago, I began to experience occasional incidents of shortness of breath (I'm a 36 year old woman, otherwise in good health). Let me tell you, it scared the living daylights out of me - I thought it could be my heart, or lung cancer, or any number of horrible possibilities. I saw a total of four doctors about the problem - and was put on inhalers, oral asthma meds and told I was having panic attacks. One doc was ready to start me on anti-anxiety meds (which I nixed, I knew instinctively it wasn't anxiety -- I'm pretty laid back lol) You know what it was? MSG. I started to note what I had eaten the day before an "episode." First I noticed I would invariably be gasping after eating at one particular mexican restaurant (too bad, because their food is fantastic) - then I noticed other things too - canned soup being one. Sure enough, msg causes symptoms in me that doctors thought were serious enough to warrant all sorts of hard-core asthma treatments. Isn't that insane? Anyway, I wanted to share my story with you and thank you for your website - I will refer others to it, and encourage them to quit ingesting this poison.
Deena H." |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, April 02, 2009 - 11:04 am: | |
This was just sent to me by the woman in my last entry (Deena H.).
"Hi, Deb - yes, please do use my story - and you can use my name and even email address if you like. I'll be happy to talk to anyone about msg and pulmonary symptoms - it would be great to know that I'd helped someone else not go through all the worry that I did. I think it's awful that food items containing msg are not required to carry a warning label - who knows how many long-term health problems could be prevented if they were. It disgusts me. It's terribly frightening what the food supply in the US has become - a cocktail of chemicals, dyes and growth hormones. I think I'll grow an organic garden this year! lol"
Deena can be reached at haiberz@aol.com |
Monica
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, April 05, 2009 - 5:45 am: | |
I've taught Sunday School for 25 years and was sick as a dog the whole time. One day I said "God, either kill me or help me, because I can't go on like this." Soon after -- like so many others -- I found this website. Deb must be praying for us. I've been on the diet for only one month and for the first time in decades I don't sleep all the time. I'm highly educated, went to University to be a dietician, have been on every nutritional program or supplement that exists and I was STILL duped by MSG. I don't even know how to repay Deb. |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, April 05, 2009 - 1:42 pm: | |
Monica, that is fabulous!!!! Love to hear stories like yours
Just curious, did your University classes ever touch on free-glutamate or the like? |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 11:16 am: | |
I am so thrilled to hear that, Monica! That's payment enough. Please spread the word..that's all we ask. In my college nutrition classes decades ago, (the 60's) we were taught that MSG was safe and nutritionists now are taught the same thing...after all, the FDA labels is as such. It was given the GRAS standing without even being tested back in the early 50's. P.S..yes, I pray constantly to be able to reach more innocent victims of MSG toxicity. We all need all the help we can get. |
EmilyS
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 7:52 pm: | |
Monica, that is great news! Thank you for sharing your success with us! Welcome to the forum! |
Monica
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, April 10, 2009 - 5:01 am: | |
Dianne: As Deb said, universities (mine was in Ontario, Canada) taught that MSG was no harm, no foul. I don't think half the things they taught back then they would teach now. I mean, back in my day they thought yogurt was a passing hippie fad...
Deb: My money order for your book is in the mail.
Thanks for your replies, ladies! |
Roy Piwovar
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, April 10, 2009 - 1:23 pm: | |
In the 1960's I was already avoiding MSG like the plague that it is, and I would have gladly added it to the list on Wednesday. |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, April 10, 2009 - 1:48 pm: | |
Roy, What did you mean "and I would have gladly added it to the list on Wednesday". Was there a list on Wednesday???
Back in the 60s were there all the other hidden forms of MSG that we have now? |
Roy Piwovar
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, April 10, 2009 - 8:42 pm: | |
Yes, Diane, there was a list of plagues Wednesday, but not on this site.
I remember in summer 1963, when I was 10, having real big problems with MSG and also with anything containing disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate. I read labels constantly when in the supermarket with my mother, scouring the shelves and having to catch up to her. I noticed I had the same reaction to hydrolyzed protein as I did to MSG. Sometimes I had severe MSG type reactions when those things weren't in the ingredients, but it wasn't until many years later that I saw a list of hidden forms of MSG. |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, April 12, 2009 - 2:18 pm: | |
Roy, That's amazing that as a 10 year old you were reading labels in the store. Was it you and/or your mother that realized what you were reacting to? |
Roy Piwovar
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, April 12, 2009 - 5:31 pm: | |
Dianne, it was me. I don't think my mother had a clue. First I compared ingredient labels between the products in the house that I reacted to and those I didn't to find out what the former had in common that the latter did not. That I could do without being rushed, and I was able to isolate the culprits. Then in the supermarkets I could look at everything that we didn't have in the house. |
Roy Piwovar
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, April 13, 2009 - 4:12 am: | |
Diane, my mother continued serving MSG laden foods, and does to this day. When I visit for dinner I'm very careful. |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, April 13, 2009 - 7:06 am: | |
Roy, That's truly extraordinary that as a youngster you had the maturity to do your own research like that. I am dismayed that people we are close to still continue to eat the poison....even my husband feels no danger, in fact thinks it only affects certain people and he's not one of them even though he has bouts of dizziness, tinnitus, etc. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, April 13, 2009 - 2:26 pm: | |
I have to share this. My sister emailed everyone last week to let them know that her husband had to be rushed to the ER (again)...low blood pressure..irregular heart beat, dizziness (vertigo,..etc. This time, they are both convinced the cause is MSG. I have been trying to convince then to clean up their diet for eons. The problem is, my sister works, and so my other sister and mom who live with them, do all the cooking..and they use processed MSG items. My sister has believed me, but has had little luck convincing the "cooks" to change. Now they said that they are going to really co-operate, and my sister is very hopeful. She's even glad this happened. They could easily trace the high MSG meal he consumed prior to the attack. Yeah!!! Family is sometimes the hardest to convince. |
Jennifer
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, April 13, 2009 - 9:29 pm: | |
....or even if they're 100% convinced it's a problem FOR YOU, and will gladly tell others about the dangers of processed food, they still think it's not a problem for them. <sigh>. ("but I don't really eat that much bad stuff....not like I used to") yeah right....
Jennifer |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 - 3:33 pm: | |
Exactly! Even my neighbor across the street has tuned me out for years whenever I suggested that her bi-polar son and she could benefit from MSG avoidance. She had several of the typical warning signs herself, but since she never got migraines, she would say that she was not as sensitive as I was. Now she has Parkinson's. She's hopeful that the drugs (probably glutamate blockers) will be the answer. |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 - 3:39 pm: | |
Deb A.,
Sorry to hear about your brother-in-law's ER trip, but it may have been a blessing in disguise. Maybe they will all try to do without MSG now.
I had lunch with several women last week and as usual my order prompted questions and when I went into my short explanation I actually got some more questions and sincere interest about MSG, especially about the possibility of killing brain cells. So I am in the process of putting together some information to email to her - it was actually kind of exciting to have someone show interest for a change. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 - 3:48 pm: | |
Wonderful! I am in a lucky position. I may get discouraged by family and friends who turn a deaf ear to my suggestions, but daily, I hear from people (phone, email, letters and here) who are so excited with the information and can picture a healthier future. It more than balances the discouraging times. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, April 24, 2009 - 9:42 am: | |
Received this email today:
"This may be a small thing, but I wanted to thank you for all the great information you have. I have always known I have a sensitivity to MSG - I suffered for YEARS before I knew it was causing all of my health problems. Unfortunately I get nailed with it every now and then. Between your site and others I have finally found ways to manage it (Taurine! Red Bull saved me the other day!) and avoid it and I cannot believe the change in my health. I am constantly campaigning with my friends (who won't listen) and even my husband (who won't listen).
People treat me like I am weak or I have something wrong with me because I can't handle additives. The opposite is true.
I was very lucky to have a great pediatrician. He constantly warned and cajoled my mother into not feeding me anything from a box or can. I was raised on local farm food. It wasn't until college (and the cafeteria) that MSG finally hit me and my health. It took another 20 years for me to finally pinpoint the culprit.
I wish more people would listen - eat natural. Just because the FDA says it's okay does not mean it is - it just means a company or industry successfully lobbied them into allowing it. But it is changing and it will continue to change.
Thanks for your great site and keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Julia S." |
Anonymous
Posted From: 96.25.51.227
| | Posted on Monday, May 11, 2009 - 9:41 am: | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm new here and want you to know you what you are doing is amazing and so appreciated! I stumbled upon the site while doing my "migraine research" as I called it then it changed to "msg research" I just couldn't stand watching my 13 year old son suffer from migraines. He would beg me to make it stop and I had to at least try. We have completely changed his diet and in the last 75 days only 1 migraine (hidden msg) I finally ordered the book and it came today! He will be happy to know there are options to his limited diet. Thanks for all the advise and information. We need it! |
EmilyS
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, May 11, 2009 - 2:22 pm: | |
So glad to hear your son is doing so well! Welcome to the message board. Emily |
Dianne
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 - 7:16 am: | |
Thanks for posting on this topic, "Share Your Story..." We love to read about successes and it is so helpful for newcomers. |
davebf303
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 10:21 pm: | |
Eighteen months ago I was listening to a radio show on my way home from work. Their guest was listing all of the possible symptoms of MSG ingestion. I immediately thought of my oldest grandson (age 5 at the time) who had spent his entire young life battling "outbursts" and "episodes" that resembled ADD/ADHD and at times presented as paranoia and violence. As soon as I arrived at home I called his mother and we took him off of all food products that contained even a hint of MSG. In two days he was a different child. Before going MSG free, sometimes his reactions would last for 6 and 7 hours. His sleep was always broken and littered with nightmares. His mother and father were exhausted, his doctor was exhasperated, and as his grandparents we were heartbroken to see this loving child turn into an out of control kid that was often a danger to his peers, including his newborn brother. He would often scream while running through the house that we were all his enemies with a maniacal laugh that would send a chill up your spine. After we got his physician on board and she finally realized that we had figured out the root cause of his reactions, she began to document everything for us in his medical file. It was shortly after that when we missed something in his diet and he had a particularly bad episode, a neighbor called the police because he was screaming for two hours and claiming that we we hitting him, even though we were in the other end of the house. Because we had maticulously documented everything, social services was not called into the home. After our initial conclusions about his sensetivity to MSG, we slowly began to find that artificial food colorings produced much the same reactions.
The unfortunate part of our whole experience is that we discovered the MSG factor after he had been in kindergarten for three weeks. By that time he was labeled as a severe ADHD child with a mother who refused to see the truth about her son.
While under the long term influence of MSG in his early life, our grandson was often kept away from other children because of the danger of him unknowingly hurting another child, so he has had to "re-learn" many socialization skills and bounderies the past 18 months. He now has a teacher who understands what is going on and makes certain that he is not allowed to eat "prepared" treats for birthdays, etc, at school. What we are most happy about now is that he's learning new skills (academically and socially) without the cloud of MSG altering his perceptions on a daily basis. We are so grateful to have found this information and also to have found your site in our search for additional answers.
Before discovering this food additive monster in our pantry, we were certain that this loving child would eventually end up in jail, in a mental hospital, or dead by his early adulthood.
I wonder how many other children throughout the world are "out of control" simply because they are ingesting one form or another of MSG on a daily basis. (One of our grandson's favorite meals was Top Ramen. Read the label for both the noodles and the seasoning.) During his worst times he was eating this for lunch 4 or 5 times a week. His mother was too exhausted to make anything else and he ate it without a battle.
We know better now. We occasionally miss ingredients that set him off, but it's rare and we know what we are dealing with. Life is so good compared to what it used to be, and now our grandson has a chance at a wonderful life that surely would have been stripped away from him had we not discovered the MSG connection. We tell everyone we can of our story. Oh, and as a sideline story, his mother's migrains rarely show up since she no longer has MSG in her diet either. I wrote a short article about our experience and am planning a follow up soon.
Thank you for your continued work educating people about this danger.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/451066/monosodium_glutamate_and_my_grandson.html?cat=70 |
Marnie B.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 10:33 am: | |
Thank you for such a great post! I just linked your article to my facebook page because if this can help just one more person, it is worth it. Because of people like you and the great bloggers here, the word is getting out. |
Anonymous
Posted From: 96.238.11.226
| | Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 12:15 pm: | |
I have a question about garden soil with Miracle Grow in it. I thought you may have said you had used Miracle Grow, but not sure. It says organic matter, spaghmum moss and then it says fertilizer. They list nitrate nitrgen, ammoniacal nitrogen, Phosphate, soluable pot ash, ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphate, potassium sulphate. Calcium phosphate, calcium sulphate and a lot of other chemical sounding ingredients. Have you used this in your organic gardening Deb. I have known for a long time about MSG being poison for me, but even as I avoided it I still got sick quite often. I remember being about 10 or 11 and getting horrible migraines and very sick. My Mom always cooked from scratch and we had a huge garden that she used to can foods. Sometimes she served hot dogs or some other lunch meat as a treat and I think that is when I had reations. Coincidentally I was given a newsletter by my sister-in-law, who is a nurse, several years ago. It was written by a Doctor. I don't even remember her name now. My favorite saying is "Coincidence is God's way of remaining annonymous". I heard it on a talk show and the person talking about it did not know who to give credit to either, but I see it clearly so often. It was about your site and a lot of good info. After becoming sicker and sicker and experiencing migraines 3 or 4 times a week. I went searching for your site in desperation. You have been a life saver for me. I check the site all the time and pass the information on to anyone who will listen and to some who don't necessarily want to. I have never posted before, but I have such great appreciation for all of you who have. It helps me ferret out what might be safe and what is not. Fortunately for me my husband and children as well as my family are very supportive of me. They help to keep an eye out for dangerous food items for me. They have, very much, modified their eating habits as well. Even my grandchildren understand and help out. They are age 18 to 9, 3 boys and one girl. I have been organic gardening for the last couple of years and use so many of the things that you have learned and passed on to help myself. I am doing fantastically well now. I started on the rice and beans deal and have in the past 3 years added many wonderful things to my list. I bake my bread and cook all my food, use organics and now grow a good deal of my food. People are becoming more aware, I can see that clearly. I bought your book a couple of years ago so that I could have a travel around guide. This site is great, but it doesn't travel well. One of the best things that you said was "the good news is that you will soon be able to eat many good foods, the bad news is, that you will have to cook it." I can't tell you how that simple sentence touched me and made me feel that help was on the way and that I have the choice and capability to control my life and my health. I have lost over 35 pounds, I do yoga, I walk and play endlessly with the kids and my grandpuppies. My health is better at 65 than it has been since my 30's when MSG became a huge pain in my life. As I read your book and see the time line of MSG and its introduction and increase in our food supply, I can see when and how I was getting sicker and sicker. Thank you so much and God Bless you and all the people who give so much good information. I am so grateful. Mariann aka NanaNu |
Les
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, January 03, 2010 - 8:47 am: | |
are dental implants and bone grafts 'safe' for people with MCS?
Apparently the implants are almost pure titanium, and the bone grafts are from cadavers (but do they have antibiotics, or plastic dental ceramic, etc in them?)
Does anyone have experience with these, or tell me where to go to find out? Thanks , Les |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 3:28 pm: | |
Just received this important email:
"My husband has struggled with several issues for over 10 years including severe post nasal drip, clogged throat and sleep disorders. All of these escalated after numerous business trips to China until he thought he was about to die. I was struggling with what appeared to be a reaction to sugar - thrush in my mouth and severe twanging or "hot mouth" after I ate. We eliminated all sugar (we thought we did but were using Stevia with maltodextrin in it) and all gluten products. That helped, but the symptoms did not go away entirely. Then on a search to find the connection between GLUTEn and monosodium Glutamate, we discovered your web site and the truthinlabeling website. We eliminated everything with MSG in it for one day to test it out and were immediately cured. After several days with the same result, we threw out over $2,000 of food from our pantry and frig and cabinets and now feel 100% healthier.
Now, if we are suspicious of a product, all we have to do is give my husband a tiny taste of it and he will have an immediate reaction if there is any MSG present. The latest is sea salt. It is being presented to people as a healthy alternative to regular salt. We had read on your blog Deb's comments that some sea salt may have small amounts of sea weed in them and that could cause the MSG reaction. So we carefully went through all the sea salt in the local stores to find one we thought would be okay. It was Redmond Real Salt, ANCIENT All Natural Sea Salt sold by Wal-Mart. We assumed since it said it was mined from an ancient sea bed it would have no sea weed contaminant. I immediately used it in some home made crackers and Skip immediately had a reaction. We were surprised. So he tried a small amount on his finger and his throat immediately clogged and stayed clogged for several hours.
We are beginning to see this "healthy" addition of sea salt to many foods being produced by the big food companies as if they are concerned for everyone's health. It's pretty obvious to us that the have found a new way to add MSG to foods while appearing to be conscientious.
Thanks,
Jade" |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 3:34 pm: | |
I forgot to add that I have been struggling with some MSG type reactions for the last 2 weeks. I was trying to find the culprit in every way I could. The "Aha!" moment came after reading Jade's email this morning. I ran downstairs to see the brand of seasalt I had begun to use 2 weeks ago. Sure enough, it was Redmond's Real Salt. I hope this is the answer for me. We are so lucky to have each others input and support. |
Evelyn
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 5:46 am: | |
I found Millenium Dental, at milldental.com through a link from Huggins, the pioneer in mecury removal: http://www.hugginsappliedhealing.com/alliancedentist.php
Do your research and decide for yourself. Cost of mecury amalgam removal at Millenium was comparable to my former "regular" dentist. So I'm not thinking scam. Others are though, and I think scare tactics and outlandish fees would give the smart consumer a clue. I did think Millenium's TMJ and jaw realignment sales pitch is a scam. I asked upfront about cost to avoid the lengthy discussion and found the cost to be much higer than any benefit I could see. May be an answer to prayer for someone, but for me, it was lots of money for something that doesn't bother me.
So here is the other side of the story.
http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/mercury.html
As I said, due to the cost being comparable to "regular" dentistry - I'm not thinking I was scammed. I'm thinking I am short a couple of mecury fillings that may have been contributing to my health issues. I decided that before discovering the msg link. Caveat emptor and all that. Happy St. Patty's Day!
oh and 'smoking tooth' on you tube! Interesting!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ylnQ-T7oiA |
kristy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 6:09 pm: | |
Hi Deb, It is so frustrating when you start getting a reaction and know that you are being careful. I would much rather get a reaction because I chose to test out a product than to try to chase the source of a sneak attack.
We really loved having the kettle brands chips to eat as a treat from time to time, but they recently changed their formula so now no chips for us. It would have taken me forever to figure that one out if I hadn't read about it on the avoiding corn forum. It just makes me once again appreciate how much work must have gone into the research of your book before all these sources of information were readily available. Thanks again. |
Evelyn
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 4:28 am: | |
Deb - I wonder if the salt could really be the culprit. I use it and love it. It is mined, as I am sure you noted, not dried on seaweed in the present. The amount of seaweed present in ancient seasalt has got to be negligible. I wish there were some way of knowing (duh! nutrition lables!) the amount of free and bound glutamate in our foods. I have no idea of the amount it takes me to react and thanks to my recent massive transdermal infusion via hair color, it seems even the tiniest amount causes symptoms for me. I'm thinking I need to do more to clear it from my system, so I can get back to "normal". I am taking Taurine, but have no clue of what I am doing. Time for me to find a doc to help, I think. It is discouraging after feeling good for so long. I don't know why it takes so long for me to clear my system... |
Anonymous
Posted From: 65.5.215.81
| | Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 7:00 am: | |
Davebf303, very good article and recovery story. You ust described my 4 year old son exactly. He too has problems with food colorings also. His violence got so bad that (he was 3 and my youngest was one) my youngest would run and hide everytime she "heard him coming". He would run through the house screaming like a wild person and once he saw her he would hit her or push her down or snatch whatever she was playing with. She got to where she knew it was coming so she'd hide under the table or find the nearest adult and hide behind them. It reminded my of a scurrying mouse, if you turn the lights on. As long as he doesn't accidentally get MSG laden foods or any food colorings he is the sweetest most loving child. Not long after the change in eating, he would go around saying I feel happy, I love my little sister. It's amaing how even that young they know the difference. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 9:36 am: | |
I will try the sea salt again to be sure. Ancient sea salt has a lot of minerals in it for different reasons. Along with the salt are the broken down remains of dead sea plants and animals and fish. They must be, like seaweed, rich in glutamate. They would be found in any salt, which all comes from the ocean or salty lakes, whether present or past. Refined salts like Morton's, filters out such residues. But you're right, it could have been something else. Thanks for your great input, guys! Has anyone here had any luck with Kirtland brand vanilla ice cream...Costco? |
kristy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 2:08 pm: | |
Deb, I have to say that I use Celtic sea salt and I have no corn reactions. My daughter still seems to be more glutamate sensitive than I am (mine has gotten much better) and she doesn't react to it in any way. (She seems to know in seconds if something isn't right) I would think that the brand would make a world of difference. Maybe it has something to do with the drying or evaporation process as well because celtic sea salt is moist (impossible to use a normal shaker). I just don't know....one thing I have learned is that there is so much that goes on in the background of food manufacturing that the label isn't even much help. We basically rely on information from other allergy sufferers and guinea pigging. Once I discovered celtic sea salt, I never tried any others. I do know that Hain sea salt (the uniodized one - we never would have tried the iodized) did not work for us. I didn't like the Realsalt because it was gritty, I never got far enough to see if it caused reactions. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2010 - 10:52 am: | |
Just received this email:
"I can not thank you enough for sharing your experience through msgmyth.com and your book.
My daughter, now 14, has struggled with all sorts of physical and emotional health issues since she was 5 years old. She was diagnosed as being bipolar at age 9 and started medications, which helped, but never enough. And she was always complaining of not feeling well. We suspected changing her diet could improve things and would make token efforts in one area or another, but nothing significant. At age 10, she was hospitalized for being suicidal, and her diagnosis and medications changed. Asperger's Syndrome was the diagnosis, which seemed to fit well, as we suspected one of our 2-year old triplets had Asperger's.
With the change in medication and making adjustments for Asperger's, she improved. But she never really felt "well." Headaches, stomachaches were commonplace. She had symptoms of allergies (constant post nasal drip, sinus infections, etc), but comprehensive allergy testing did not reveal any triggers. She was always sick. We decided it was psychosomatic-- that until "she" wanted to feel better, that she wouldn't. We felt badly for her, but we'd spent so much time seeing therapists, doctors, acupuncturists, the whole nine yards, with minimal improvement, we thought that was just the nature of her personality-- downtrodden. Being the oldest of 6 children (and she "didn't like kids"), we figured that as along as she lived with us there was a certain amount of stress/unhappiness that she would just have to endure somehow. We didn't like it. We wanted so badly to help her, but nothing seemed to help.
It wasn't until the day she read your website (at the encouragement of a friend of ours), that things changed. She really felt that this was it. We ordered the book, and started the 2 week trial immediately, Dec. 26, 2009. After several days, she said, "Mom, my head feels weird. Wait. It feels weird because it doesn't hurt! I don't EVER remember it not hurting!!!!"
It has been 3 months now and I can not believe the change. I was hesitant to believe her improvements at first. I wondered if it was more of a "placebo effect." Could this really make such a difference?! In these 3 months, she has been happy, energetic, she hasn't complained of headaches, stomachaches or not feeling well (except for the few times that she has eaten questionable foods.) She has lost 7 lbs and feels GOOD! She hasn't missed school. And she is almost completely weaned off her medication for depression. I am truly amazed. So much so, that I am starting to make these changes in the diet for the rest of the family. It is quite an effort, but I can't believe the results.
ALSO, I have a question. Somewhere I read that you like using the book Set For Life. Can you tolerate adding gluten to your bread? I know this likely depends, person-to-person on sensitivity, but I wondered how "likely" it is that adding high gluten flour, or gluten flour, to homemade bread is to cause a problem for sensitive people? My daughter seems to be able to tolerate some questionable things...
Thanks much,
S." |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2010 - 10:56 am: | |
In response to the above question at the end of her email, we tell people to avoid gluten flour or powder here and in our book. It's very high in free glutamic acid. We can make most recipes by making substitutions. In the case of gluten flour, just delete it from the recipe. Some people like to add 1/2 t. of crystal vitamin C instead. |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2010 - 3:47 pm: | |
"S." in the last story posted 3/25/10 emailed again and added this to her daughter's story:
"
Deb,
I was thrilled with your quick reply! I'm sorry for my slow one!
It would be fine to post our story on your website with initials. (My daughter would not want her identity revealed, I'm sure.) Although I wish I took more time to include more details. I didn't even mention specifics of the last 2-3 years. Feel free to include any or all of the below paragraph, as well. It's difficult to summarize how much of a difference this has made.
Two or three years ago, she got mononucleosis (twice, actually-- an EBV-mono and a non-EBV mono.) It seemed like she never fully recovered, actually, until now. Her energy was so low.... She had back to back illnesses, including pneumonia and MRSA. She would catch everything, it seemed. She never fully recovered from the pneumonia either, then she was tested for and diagnosed with asthma. While she's always had periodic stomach aches, this past year she started having severe, crippling abdominal cramping. Scopes were ordered, not revealing anything significant, and yet 2 more medications were added to her regiment (prescription acid reducer and Miralax.) Throughout Maria's schooling, she has had excessive absences due to illness. Remarkably, since eliminating MSG and additive-laden foods from her diet, she has not had a single sick-day! It has truly been mind-boggling the changes we've seen in such a short time. She is now off ALL medications and has only needed to use her inhaler a couple times (which corresponded with eating unsafe food.)
THANK YOU again,
S." |
Mariann
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, April 01, 2010 - 4:57 am: | |
S. I am so happy for you and your daughter, what an inspirational story. I hope many new people to this site see it and realize that they can make themselves well too. God Bless You. Mariann |
ali
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 12:13 am: | |
Hi, I havent posted here before, but Deb A kindly posted a mail i sent her on my behalf. It was concerning my youngest daughter Isla. If i may, ill give a "brief" outline of our story so far.....
My eldest son Cai is now thirteen. When he was a year old we began to give him bits of "normal" food. We quickly realised that certain things changed him beyond recognision. Our usually placid, happy child, could be seen headbuttng the floor, screaming and screeching for no apparent reason and seemed confused. By which i mean, he seemed to not be able to make sense of toys that earlier he had understood and played with....if that makes sense. Anyway, we put him back on pureed foods and introduced things one by one. We then saw common links in the ingredients list and were able to keep him well. The list was very confusing though. Soya seemed a problem, anything chinese, annatto, msg, some colourings, some flavourings. Anyway, he seemed to grow out of his reactions by the time he was 8 or 9. Not that we encouraged him to eat these things, but he was suddenly able to go to a birthday party (where with the best will in the world, i couldnt keep him from reacting to something) and not be sleepless and agitated or vomiting on his return.
We then had Rosie our middle child nine years later. She seemed not to react to anything at all, and after having Rosie and no reactions, Cais earlier food problems were a distant memory.
Two years later we had Isla who is now 17 months old. She hadnt slept for more than three hours without waking since birth and when she woke she was awake for hours. I breast feed and i remember the hospital being amazed at how alert she was and how long she could stay awake...to think we felt quite proud of this at the time!!! I now realise my milk was in fact the cause of her alertness and sleeplessness. At about six months, i was, as im sure you can imagine, pretty wrecked and she was cranky and not sleeping and nothing seemed to please her. Though we would have good days wiht her too. I came across an old childhood records book of Cais and the list of ingredients to avoid for him were in there. Cai also didnt sleep through the night as a baby, though not as bad as Isla. Thats when i made the connection that my milk may be affecting her. I went right back to basics and began eating only foods made at home as much as possible and things improved slowly. I was now sure of the connection. When Isla began to eat solids, we began getting adverse sleep patterns, aggression, screeching for hours on end, repetitive behaviour. So back to basics for Isla. On doing some research on line i came across the website msgtruth and they had a list of hidden sources of msg. And what do you know, every single thing i had avoided for my eldest child was on that list. This has been a major breakthrough for us. We now for the first time have a glutamate free Isla and she is a different child. She still wakes often but now resettles quickly, she hasnt had a screeching fit for weeks and her repetitive behaviour and over excitement have all but vanished. She is now playing with toys appropriate for her age, words are flowing out of her, eye contact has improved...the list goes on and on.
As well as Islas improvement, we have had some unexpected bonuses as well. Our three year old Rosie has always been headstrong and difficult to control and into everything with a short attention span (we thought that was just Rosie). She also has changed beyond recognision. School are amazed that their hyper wild pupil is now concentrating well, articulate and calm and her dance teacher says her balance has improved dramatically in the last three weeks. And for me, ive seen a great improvement in my exzema, my stiff neck and shoulders that i have been plagued wiht for years is gone. Every week or so for years i have suffered from vision disturbance ( my gp attributed it to migrains without the headache??) I havent suffered anyvision disturbance for months. It has been a truly amazing journey, but not without its frustrations.
Only this week we have had a problem. I think it may have been tomatoes that caused the issue. I have noticed that my IBS has cleared considerably since our radical diet overhaul, but having had tomatoes twice in two days (once in spaghetti i cooked myself, the second at a friends house for lunch out of jar with home made meatballs....i know...i should know better, but there were no obvious oddities on the labelling!!) my ibs has bothered me and Isla has been agitated and sleepless, though she is fine and happy again now. So our learning is still ongoing.
I have found this site a weatlth of information. I am currently ploughing throught the archives.
For a while i was angry and frustrated at our situation and the lack of understanding from friends, family and the medical profession ( most of which seem to think i am a little mad and overprotective of my children)Though the last weeks have brought about a determination in myself and my husband to get to grips with this fully and we are making great progress. We now bypass the packaged aisles in the supermarket andspend our savings on upgrading our fresh produce to organic which seemed unaffordable before. The rewards are many,not least seeing my childrens health and behaviour improve. Only yesterday we noticed our middle child no longer looked puffy around her eyes and her eyes have a clearness to them we hadnt even realised was missing.
So thanks to you all, especially Deb A for her wonderful book and Mariann who was kind enough to reply to Debs posting.
I wonder if anyone on the site is in Europe. I am in Ireland. I ask this because a lot of the product information and brand naming isnt relevent here or things may have different names etc etc. It would be great to have a "allie" in this part of the world with a knowledge or our local brands.
Thanks to everyone on the site. Keep up the good work, you are helping so many people, and your input has been invaluable to me and my family.
Thanks
Ali |
Mariann
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 5:16 am: | |
Ali, I am so proud of you, you made a beautiful posting. You got all the details down clear and concise. Your post is going to help so many people. I certainly hope someone will step up from Europe to work with you. I have loved "talking" with you via EMail and I will continue to be in touch with you. I am here whenever you need help or a chat. I will send you the recipe for ginger (soft) snaps. I have been getting ready for surgery tomorrow, so I have been distracted the last couple of days. Please keep posting and checking out the site regularly, you have much to contribute and there is so much to learn. When a question is asked and a reply given you will see the earlier (sometimes) very earlier comments about the same subject in that thread. It is a good way to see archive information. You are such a good Mom and a great role model, keep it up. Mariann |
ali
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 8:00 am: | |
Aw thankyou Mariann. Ive enjoyed our emails and hope they continue. You have shown me such kindness and understanding. I finally posted as you see. I hope that by posting i can raise awareness of the importance of the food we feed our children while they are small and indeed help to arm our children with the knowledge they need to stay safe as they grow. Im looking forward to the ginger snap recipe. They sound yummy, and im sure if the kids dont like them i will!!! I hope all goes well with your surgery tomorrow. You will be in my thoughts. Ali x |
EmilyS
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 7:14 pm: | |
Hello Ali, Thank you so much for posting and sharing your story. I'm so glad to hear of your families health and how you have seen so much improvement. You have done an amazing job!
I apologize, I thought I had replied to Deb's post about your email. I have a 2 year old daughter. She doesn't seem to react to MSG like I do, but we still have her follow a diet like ours. She has food allergies to dairy, soy and eggs so we are also battling the unique struggles of teaching a toddler that some food is safe for her and other food isn't.
She is learning and frequently asks "is this Mommy safe? Is this safe for me?" It's great to see she is understanding and knows that when we go to a party, there will be food that is unsafe for her and we bring our own food.
I'd love to keep email contact with you and help in any way that I can. My email address is (without the spaces) savoryseasonings @ gmail . com.
Ireland- what a wonderful place to live!! I live in the U.S. and I've always told my husband I don't think it's possible for us to ever travel to Europe because I wouldn't know what I could eat. We'll have to sometime swap safe brands for each others country so we each have a place to vacation.
Please keep posting your questions, we are all on the same path but with a different perspective and unique differences. We are all happy to help share what we have learned and what we have found that has helped our families.
Emily |
ali
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 10:49 pm: | |
Thanks Emily for your reply. Try as i might, i havent been able to find the post Deb put on for me, so no doubt you did reply to my original post, i just cant find it. I just thought now that if i search my name, i would probably have found it!! Thanks so much for your kind offer. Ill mail you soon. Its great that your daughter is understanding about food. Its a great knowledge base we can give our kids. Im having problems wiht my middle child of t hree, because up until a few weeks ago she could have her biscuits and ice creams on occasion. Isla is too young to understand so its easier with her.
Anyway, ill mail you soon. Thanks again.
Ali |
kristy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - 4:05 am: | |
Mariann, I am thinking about you. I hope your recovery is quick and easy.
ali, It was wonderful to hear of your family's progress. Even doctors don't seem to connect behavior issues and insomnia with food additive intolerance/food allergies but I have seen it in my kids, too.
I don't have any brand names for Ireland, but I do know that there are Europeans that post on the avoiding corn forum and the Yahoo group for GAPS diet.
http://forums.delphiforums.com/AvoidingCorn/messages
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/GAPShelp/
While your children may not be allergic to corn, it is a good place to find advice on avoiding food additives in general (since most are made from corn) and also ideas on how to make substitutes for your favorite foods. The same is true for the GAPShelp yahoo group. It is not specifically for food additive avoidance but for a much stricter diet called GAPS. There is a lot of information about healing foods and protocols as well as good tips for making the most nutritious meals with the best ingredients.
You are doing such a fantastic thing for your children by giving them the gift of good health and a headstart on a good life. Now, you can't forget to teach them to cook, too. My kids started learning to cook from scratch at a young age so they will be able to take care of themselves when they move out on their own. We are so much healthier and feel so much better since starting on this way of eating and we spend a lot more time together, too, because we are always in the kitchen together.
Welcome to the board,
Kristy |
ali
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - 5:02 am: | |
Thanks for taking the time to write Kirsty. I will have a look at the forums you suggest. There is so little information available here in Europe. When i had problems with my eldest we were living in Holland. It was so much easier there as we had a fantastic health supermarket that had a great supply of organic meat,fruit and veg and a snack shelf full of msg free goodies that Cai missed out on. It was a life saver for school and parties where he wasnt able to eat what the other kids were eating. We used to keep a box of goodies for him at preschool so when there was a birthday party he was able to choose something from his box while the others had the msg laden sweets and crisps. Even finding organic meat here in Ireland is difficult. Im met with astonishment when i say my child isnt allowed regular sweets and biscuits. They seem to think i am mad. Its frustrating. I am no chef!!! But ive learnt more cooking skills in the last few months than in the last 39 years. Just today we had chicken and sweetcorn soup chinese "style" made from simmering the bones of our sunday chicken with veggies, and herbs then liquidising and adding corn and egg...it was yummy and as my husband pointed out the difference for him as that the food tastes fresh and healthy but he doent have that "i could just eat that again" feeling. Im just starting to teach my three year old to cook. She loves being my helper. She does the cold stiring and ,mummy does the hot stiring...its a great way to spend more constructive time with her. This msg thing for all its initial frustrations, is proving such a positive thing for all my family in so many unseen ways.
Thanks again
Ali |
mariann
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - 1:59 pm: | |
Mariann's husband. Mariann wants to thank you all for thinking of her during this time. The operation was a success, and she is now at home resting. She hopes to be back on line in a couple of days. Once again thank you all. All the researching on the different drugs to watch out for seemed to work, no negetive reations at this time. Her doctor really went out of his way to respect her wishes. We brought all our own food and drink, they supplied a frig and microwave.
Thanks again
Mariann's husband |
ali
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - 11:50 pm: | |
So happy to hear all went well. Please pass on my best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Ali |
kristy
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 5:34 pm: | |
Thanks for taking the time to update us on Mariann's progress. I am so glad to hear she is doing well. Tell her we are thinking of her.
Kristy |
Evelyn
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 4:52 am: | |
Hi Mariann's husband - please let her know I have been thinking about her too and send best wishes her way. See you soon, Mariann! |
JennyG
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, May 01, 2010 - 12:41 pm: | |
Hi all, I came here almost 2 years ago looking for info to deal with my kids problems which included anxiety, nightmares, bedwetting, hyperactivity and maybe there were more. A friend had suggested I try the diet. We did. We were on it for 10 days and then traveled and since I didn't notice any obvious reaction I thought it didn't make any difference, which is actually what I had expected. But .... I liked the food we were eating on the diet, so I continued cooking that way, from scratch as much as possible. Guess what happened after Christmas when the kids had been eating junk with food coloring and what not at both grandparent's houses? And it didn't really take all that much! Bedwetting increased, my son was stimming like crazy (he is on the autism spectrum) and I started to see that we really HAD been seeing a difference, I just hadn't noticed it! We continued to eat MSG free and after several weeks the symptoms went away. One night after we got back from our Christmas travles I was in a hurry and decided to use an envelope of onion soup mix. Never again. My daughter could not go to sleep that night until close to 11 p.m. There was no doubt what the cause was. That same daughter, who would not go outside by herself and play in the summer of 08, because she was afraid and was literally seeing things that were not there, and I was at the end of my rope wondering if she was going psychotic, played outside by herself all the time in the summer of 09. She went a block or two away from our house and caught tadpoles in the creek all by herself. She has a life again.
Also my son who is on the autism spectrum was able to and more interested in relating to other people after we implemented this diet. Other people who didn't know what we had changed, commented how he was talking to them and smiling and responding. Whereas before he would make noises and walk off if they tried to talk to him. It certainly didn't cure him, he's a long way from that, but the difference was marked. And the fact that he can usually go to sleep after he gets into bed instead of not really being tired until 10 p.m. or later, is nice. Given that he just now turned 6.
So that's my story! Thanks everyone for the help. |
ali
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, May 01, 2010 - 1:16 pm: | |
Wow Jenny thats amazing. I too started this due to behavioural problems with my youngest. My story is on here,if you search ali you should find it. Ive seen fantastic improvement in my youngest. She hadnt slept for more than three hours for the first 14 months of her life and as the weeks and months went by she was exhibiting more and more hyperactivness and generally distressing behaviour. High pitched screaming fits and spinning round and round continuously, poor eye contact, didnt seem to like being touched etc.... All of these have now disappeared. Im so thankful that i came to realise what the trigger was to her behaviours. Isnt it amazing that food can play so a major roll in helping our children gain their full potential? And terrifying to realise just what a negative impact msg can have. As a family we have all seen improvements in our general health and wellbeing. I for one wont be going back to packets and tins!!! Thanks for sharing your story. I love to hear of other parents that are finding help on here and making a positive difference to there childrens lives. Ali x |
Deb A.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2010 - 1:26 pm: | |
Jenny, thanks so much for sharing your story with us. So many people do the same thing you did. They will try it for a while. They may stop for different reasons, but luckily many eventually trust their instincts and retry. So glad you did. |
Mariann
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, May 03, 2010 - 7:05 am: | |
I second that Deb. Even after having a great healthy month I started to get lax about my bread consumption. It is always great to be re-reminded of what we need to do Mariann |
DebA.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, July 12, 2010 - 10:15 am: | |
kimmar
Unregistered guest
Posted on Saturday, July 10, 2010 - 6:13 pm: Delete PostPrint Post Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)
Hi everyone, I haven't posted in a very long time. I found this board about 4 years ago and there are no words to describe how it saved my life.
This board, the people on it, and Deb's book pulled me back into the world of the "living" again. I was so incredibly sick, but over time (a very long time - more than a year) I was feeling well and normal again. My new way of eating was no longer a "chore" and to feel great again was a blessing beyond words!
Now the bad news......Within the past 6 months or so, I began to get lazy. A little here, a little there. I've even been able to eat in restaurants occasionally without too many problems - (something I never would have done 2 years ago). Experimenting a little too much with things in the grocery store that I knew better than to try, and just overall pushing it way too far.
Last night I sat down to dinner at Red Lobster. I had shrimp. Scampi and coconut shrimp. I woke up this morning feeling like I haven't felt in 4 years. My face is puffy, I have dark circles under my eyes and I felt "off" and depressed all day. Tonight I have a migraine headache and all the symptoms that go along with it. I'm dizzy and off-balance and having flashbacks to being almost bedridden like I was before I discovered this forum 4 years ago.
To log back on here this evening, and see this board still going strong, and familiar faces is such a comfort. I know I'll be fine in a few days, I've fallen off the wagon so to speak, but at least this time I know what I need to do to get back to where I need to be.
So, to all of you who are still here, doing what you do to help others, thank you. This board is helping so many!!! |
DebA.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, August 23, 2010 - 11:42 am: | |
Received this wonderful email recently:
"You've changed my life. I've gone from a half dead teenager to a marathon-running 22 year old.
You have changed my life.
Thank you. Keep fighting."
Robin C. |
Holly
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 3:26 pm: | |
My 3 year old is very MSG sensitive. She is a very good calm girl normally and as soon as MSG enters her system she has major tantrums. Kicking screaming throwing things. This will go on for an hour and typically I have to hold her to keep her from going too out of control. When its over she is very tired and just wants to cuddle. This is so hard to stay away from. She is my youngest of 4 kids and I am now having to refigure my meal plans and out to eat lifestyle. I just ordered this book and am really hoping for some help! Thanks |
Di
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, August 26, 2010 - 5:25 am: | |
Holly, Welcome to this wonderful website. Deb A. and her husband, Mike, have made it a great place to come for facts and the best place to exchange information about MSG or FGA (free-glutamic acid). I hope you will have the time to come frequently and read some posts, if you do, you will glean so much invaluable information about how to avoid it, how to cook, problems and how to overcome them, suggestions, etc. There have been several guests who have written about their small children. If you ask questions, people here are more than willing to help and of course, you can do a "search". I'm sure a few more people will chime in and perhaps refer you to certain posts/pages that involve small children. Rest asured, you have come to the right place. I've looked for three years and there is no better forum for this subject's discussion. Again, welcome, and glad you found us.
Yes, MSG is very hard to avoid. It takes a big effort to change your family's eating lifestyle, but ooooh so worth it. And extremely important that children avoid it, as they and the elderly are more suseptible than adults. It sounds like you do know something about MSG already, so please ask any questions you may have. |
ali
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, August 26, 2010 - 1:50 pm: | |
Hi Holly, Im pretty new to this board, but like you i have a young child affected by msg (and all its many aliases).You have, as Di says, come to the right place. Ask as many questions as you care to, and be assured you will get well meaning answers and advice from people that understand. This site has been a life line for me. People have gone out of their way to be understanding and helpful.
My youngest daughter is almost two and suffers terribly when she is given anything containing msg. Tantrums, flushing, biting, screaming followed by a couple of days were she barely sleeps and is difficult to manage. Its awful to see your little ones suffering like that isnt it?
My older child would often give Isla food when iw asnt looking and after one too many incidents, i finally cleared our cupboards of anything even remotely suspicious and we all now eat a "clean" diet. No packets, all cooked from scratch. Its the best thing i ever did!! My elder daughter, who i thought wasnt affected, is a different child. Her coordination and balance have improved, her concentration levels, so many little things.
I found it quite daunting at first, but i now see it as a blessing. We, as a family, are just so much more energetic and happy. One thing ive found hard is treats for the kids when they go to birthday parties or friends houses. I dont know where you are Holly, but if you are in Europe let me know, and ill let you know what i have found safe for my little one.
Hope the book soon arrives and that its a help. Loads of great info and recipes in the book. I love it!! |
DebA.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 - 7:27 am: | |
Reading the last 3 posts has made me a little sad. It brought back memories of my own children, especially my oldest (now 40)who could be your little girl, Holly. You described her reactions perfectly at that age. I thought I was a bad mom...even her teen years were plagued by outbursts so uncharacteristic of her. She tells me now that when she gets MSG by mistake, she feels the same way she did many times when she was a teen. My heart aches for so many other parents and children who have no idea what is happening to them. But the word is spreading, thanks to many people here and elsewhere. |
DebA.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 - 1:30 pm: | |
BTW, we still get many inquiries about our kids and their health today. Mike, the son in my story in the book and on our site, is a father of 2 girls and 2 boys, and they are very savvy about MSG already. He shares his knowledge with his chiro patients constantly. His wife cooks MSG free and informs everyone she knows about its dangers. My daughters vary in their reactions, but both have to be very careful. Their husbands are grateful and try to influence their extended families. One, a dentist, has sent many of his patients my way. My youngest son is married to a sweetie who doesn't like to cook, but she is trying. He has learned to cook a lot of things MSG free and is sharing his growing knowledge with his chiro patients,too. He wants me to teach classes in his office. He has become more sensitive in the last year. I want you all to know that it took years for some of my family to even believe that what I was trying to warn them about MSG was true. So, hang in there! |
ali
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 - 10:42 pm: | |
Thanks for sharing your kids stories with us Deb. Its great to know they are doing well and keeping their families safe and well. It raised a smile when you mentioned your youngest sons wife doesnt like to cook. That was me such a short while ago!! I have to say, i now love my time in the kitchen and im getting better all the time. Ive even nailed Kirstys quick bread recipe after a good few attempts!! How wonderful that your sons are able to share their knowledge with their patients and send them your way. |
DebA.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, September 02, 2010 - 12:24 pm: | |
I'm smiling just to hear that you are becoming so capable in the kitchen...gives me hope for so many others...what a great example you are. Thanks for sharing that, Ali. |
DebA.
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, September 02, 2010 - 12:34 pm: | |
Thought I should post his story here for newcomers. Thanks for commenting on it, Jerry.
"Dell Teigen
Posted on Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 12:00 pm:
Am now in my second day of abdominal pain and diarrhea--I ate some of Wolfgang Pucks Organic Vegetable Soup--did not read the label carefully enough--autolyzed yeast paste, autolyzed yeast extract, maltodextrin, natural flavor. I was dazzled by the organic ingredients and won't do that again. I am lucky that all I have is the abdominal pain/dia. In the past I have ended up in emergency--3 years ago now, thanks to a doctor in emergency who told me I had an allergic reaction to MSG (after Chinese dinner with NO MSG) that was life-threatening and then finding Debby's site (as well as having a great conversation with her). I am currently on Maui and am buying as much as I can fresh. Am also shopping at the small Organic market we have here, but it is a crying shame that people like Puck can label it Organic, show the USDA Organic label on it, and have it still include MSG. And, shame on me for not being more careful--I have only had a few times in the last three years where I have had any kind of a reaction to what I have been eating--always my own fault--fortunately no hospital trips. Thank you Debbie--I started to think I had gotten the Flu and finally decided to double check your site and listened to your radio interview from last year. You have been a life saver." |
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