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SLOW POISON IN YOUR KID’S DIET

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SLOW POISON IN YOUR KID’S DIET – MSG

A lot of patients worry about the impact of 0.2 milliliter of Formaldehyde that may be in vaccines. But do you realize that unbeknownst to you, you may be feeding a slow poison to your child, that is far MORE POTENT.

Did you know that your EAST-ASIAN restaurant food, CHIPS or COFFEE may be poisoning you?

The Natural flavor that you see in many chips and coffee is a food additive called MSG (Mono-Sodium Glutamate).

MSG is a slow poison and hides behind 25 or more names like “Accent”, “Aginomoto”, “Natural Meat Tenderizer”, “Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein” etc.

MSG is found in everything

– 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.

– Most East Asian restaurant (like Chinese or Thai) also use Chinese Salt – or MSG.

– While it is not confirmed, apparently many American chains (Burger King, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, KFC, TGIF, Chili’s, Applebee’s, and Denny’s) also use MSG to impart flavor.

Why is it used?

Because MSG has an addictive feel-good effect on your tongue.

What is the issue?

Over the years, the FDA has received many anecdotal reports of adverse reactions to foods containing MSG.

These reactions (known as MSG symptom complex) include:

· Headache

· Flushing

· Sweating

· Facial pressure or tightness

· Numbness, tingling or burning in the face, neck and other areas

· Rapid, fluttering heartbeats (heart palpitations)

· Chest pain

· Nausea

· Weakness

Research has documented several effects related to MSG, including burning sensations of the mouth, head and neck, weakness of the arms or legs, headaches and upset stomach approximately 15 minutes after the MSG is consumed [Source: Metcalfe]. Further research again points to problems such as flushing, headaches and hives or allergic-type reactions with the skin [Source: Izikson, Gladstein, Simon]. One study in mice concluded that injections of MSG produced obesity, inactivity and many other hormone fluctuations [Source: Lorden]. A double blind study (where both researchers and test subjects were not aware who was getting a real test or a fake test) found that MSG exposure caused muscle tightness, fatigue, numbness or tingling, and flushing [Source: Yang].

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Unfortunately, the FDA has set no limits on how much of it can be added to food. But you can!

Look at the food label:

  • Stop buying foods with MSG
  • Avoid names like Natural Flavoring, Accent, Natural Meat Tenderizer, or Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, MonoPotasium glutamate, Glutamic Acid, Vegetable Protein Extract, Calcium Cascinate, Sodium Caseinate,
  • MSG does not occur naturally in whole foods, so you do not have to worry about it in apples or bananas.
  • When ordering food in a restaurant, specifically request for NO MSG.

WANT TO READ MORE?

Check out John Erb’s book “The Slow Poisoning of America”. (He shows the link of MSG to diabetes, migraines and headaches, autism, ADHD, and even Alzheimer’s.)

 

Author: TxNaturalPediatrics

By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives. In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.

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