Do most packaged foods have MSG in them? Seems like everytime I eat something packaged, I swell up!?

Question:

Can there really be that many foods that have it? I can't seem to avoid it, even when I try. It's very obvious when I've had some, because my whole body feels swelled and bloated within the hour. My ankles are the most noticible, but I can also see it in my hands and face. I guess my question is how I can avoid this, and is there a site that give more info about avoiding MSG.

Answers:
While MSG in its pure form must be labeled, food manufacturers are aware that consumers have become savvy to the term, “monosodium glutamate," and are now adding enormous amounts to our foods under devious and difficult-to-identify names—with the Food and Drug Administration’s approval.

When added to another ingredient (frequently the case with carrageenan, for instance), the FDA does not require that MSG be listed as such on a label.

Food labels are arranged in descending order of ingredient concentrations. The earlier an ingredient below appears on a label, the higher the likelihood that the food contains MSG.

Definite Sources of MSG:

Autolyzed yeast
Calcium caseinate
Gelatin
Glutamate
Glutamic acid
Hydrolyzed corn gluten
Monopotassium glutamate
Monosodium glutamate
Hydrolyzed protein
Sodium caseinate
Textured protein
Yeast extract

Possible Sources of MSG:

Cornstarch
Citric acid
Powdered milk
Maltodextrin
Carrageenan
Vegetable gum
Seasonings
Spices
Flavorings
Natural flavorings
Chicken flavoring
Beef flavoring
Pork flavoring
Smoke flavoring
Bouillon
Broth
Stock
Barley malt
Malt extract
Malt flavoring
Pectin
Enzymes
Protease
Whey protein
Whey protein isolate
Whey protein concentrate
Soy protein
Soy protein isolate
Soy protein concentrate
Soy sauce
Soy extract
Anything Protein fortified
Anything Enzyme modified
Anything Ultra-pasteurized

Unfortunately, it is impossible to provide an all-inclusive list because the food industry is always inventing new labeling deceptions to confound consumers.

Disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate are expensive food additives that work synergistically with inexpensive MSG. Their use suggests that the product has MSG in it. They would probably not be used as food additives if there were no MSG present.

MSG reactions have been reported to soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners, and cosmetics, where MSG is hidden in ingredients that include the words "hydrolyzed," "amino acids," and "protein."

I would also suggest elimination of the excitotoxin, aspartame (Nutrasweet ™ et al.), from your diet, as many people who react to one also react to the other.

It is also important to know that MSG can also be found (though not always) in vaccines, flu shots, IV solutions (as maltodextrin), and in vitamin supplements. MSG is always present in any gelatin-encapsulated vitamin or supplement.

I hope that helped!

Other Answers:
If it's in the food, it has to be listed. Check your labels.

Addendum: I did some further research, and there are food label descriptors that contain enough MSG to trigger reactions. This is from a holistic website, so grain of salt recommended:

These ALWAYS contain MSG:
Glutamate Textured protein
Monosodium glutamate Hydrolyzed protein
Monopotassium glutamate (any protein that is hydrolyzed)
Glutamic acid Yeast extract
Calcium caseinate Yeast food
Sodium caseinate Autolyzed yeast
Gelatin Yeast nutrient

Also, aspartic acid, found in aspartame (NutraSweet) ordinarily
causes MSG type reactions in MSG sensitive people.

More info on this site:
http://www.holisticmed.com/msg/msg-sources.txt

Take a look at this informative site about MSG.
Source(s):
http://www.msgmyth.com/msg.htm

Is it just MSG you're allergic to, or might there be other preservatives as well that's giving you problems? If you haven't already, you might want to consult with an allergist. Also, read the packaging carefully - "all natural" is not an FDA regulated term! Until then.. you'd best just stick to fresh foods. It's better for you anyway. :)

Hi,
I am sorry to hear that you tend to swell up from canned foods. Please read the lables on all foods. the MSG would have to be listed but it may NOT be listed as MSG. It could also be listed under it's actual chemical names. I agree with one of the other people who advised you to see your MD and have some allergy testing done.There are many other chemicals used as preservatives in processed foods and you do not know which one may be triggering your reaction.

The swelling may simply be from the large quanity of salt that is used in the processed food. Many people are sensitive to large quanities of salt and swelling is a common symptom. Increasing the amount of water you drink may help with the swelling, but until you know WHY your body is responding and to WHAT, I too suggest that you avoid canned and processed foods as much as possible. Good luck and please don't procrastinate. This could become very serious quite suddenly.

maybe you're not swelling up, you're just fat. fatty

More Questions and Answers

The consumer health information on youqa.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.

Do most packaged foods have MSG in them? Seems like everytime I eat something packaged, I swell up!?

Health Resources