Flavour enhancers: What do you know about them?

Every morning I wake up and do about an hour of yoga. Since I’ve been doing it for a while, my body knows what to expect and acquiesces to every bend, twist or inversion. Today, was another story.

I become stiffer when I eat red meat (beef is especially) and when I’ve eaten cooked tomatoes, a part of the nightshade family of vegetables.

I had not eaten meat or tomatoes the day before. I was also well hydrated and had had a good night’s sleep. Dehydration and insufficient sleep can cause joint pain. 

Why was it then that every joint hurt, from my wrists, elbows and shoulders, to my hips, knees and ankles? Much later, I remembered that the night before, I had indulged in a packet of crisps.

I don’t normally eat them, In fact, I had not eaten any in such a long time, I’d forgotten the effect they could have on the body if they contain MSG, or monosodium gluatamate, a flavour enhancer.

I always read the label before I buy anything. One of the substances I usually look for is MSG (often labelled as E621).

Flavour enhancers overexcite the brain cells, and food that contains this ingredient appears to taste really good.

That’s because MSG is an excitotoxin, which means that it can overexcite cells. Depending on the quantity consumed, it can potentially trigger or worsen learning disabilities and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

How do you know that the food you’re buying contains MSG? Unfortunately, it might not be listed on some products, so when I am shopping and I see the term “permitted flavour enhancer” I think twice before putting the item in my trolley.

This of course does not mean that the enhancer is MSG, but I ask myself why the manufacturer cannot simply name the ingredient, rather than expect consumers to guess.

It is only fair that manufacturers tell us exactly what is contained in their product.

Monosodium gluatamate is also found in some processed herbs and spices, so read the label before buying.

The following additives also contain MSG: autolyzed yeast, calcium caseinate, gelatin, glutamate, glutamic acid, hydrolyzed protein, monopotassium glutamate, sodium caseinate, textured protein and yeast extract/food/nutrient. This flavour enhancer is also commonly used in Chinese food, so when eating out, always ask for food without it.

While some people do not experience any symptoms after consuming food with MSG, there are those who experience ‘monosodium glutamate (MSG) syndrome complex’. The symptoms are extensive, ranging from migraines, hives, mouth eruptions and asthma, to numbness, tingling, digestive disturbances and seizures.

Children are most at risk from MSG because the blood brain barrier, which prevents toxins in blood from entering the brain, is not fully developed in children. Monosodium gluatamate can also makes its way through the placental barrier and into your unborn child’s body.

So, even if you’re eating something that you perhaps shouldn’t be, make sure that you read the label to be safe.